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"From the looks of things, we don’t have time to stand around and debate this, so take these.” You declare, a pair of short, squat swarmlings squirming from out of the holes that line your spine, careful not to shift the way your backless dress has settled on your frame. "Here, you can contact me through these. We can talk later, arrange a meet-up. Right now, though, I think we need to move. I'd come with you girls, but I've got to get the rest of my party and make sure they're alright."

You get the sense that the triplets are about to voice some sort of protest, but whatever they were about to say dies out at the same time as a filigree of light along the wall behind them, the source devoured by the encroaching dark of Nero, one of the four corners of the impending conflict. The trio bows as one, skirting past you as they make their simultaneous escape and you turn to Rain, who arches one eyebrow.


“Also, I ran into your friend Mary - She said she hasn't seen you in a while and she's worried.” You inform her, prompting the other eyebrow to follow suit as her expression shifts from one of suspicion to surprise. “I'll try to get you in contact with her, so stick near that phone."

“I...okay.” She relents, darting off into the corridors behind her as you, too, leave the creeping shadows far behind. Returning to Mary and B’ni’s side a little further ahead, you quickly fill them in as to what’s transpired, with Mary becoming visibly startled when you mention your relative proximity to Nero.

“W-we need to keep moving.” She stammers, glancing around nervously. “Nero won’t take kindly to the fact that we’re so close to her turf.”

She and B’ni look to you, the latter’s emerald eyes shining in the eerie light as you ponder how best to proceed. It’s strange, though - there’s something that’s unsettled you about this place, from the meandering filigree to the softly thrumming pipes that line the walls and ceiling. A sort of constriction, an insistently throbbing pulse that echoes through this living, growing space. An organism, playing at being a place of welcome and inspiration when it’s a choking, suffocating thing.

It almost feels like it’s all closing in on you.

>>Have Mary take the lead, and make haste to the Daughter that can explain just what the hell’s going on.

>>Speak with one of your traveling companions as you track down Mary's contact - you have a few things you’d like to ask, to say nothing of your desire to break up this unnerving experience.

>>Send a few swarmlings to follow the girls you’ve just scattered - some scouting could pay dividends.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open until 3:00PM, Eastern time...and I cannot overstate how good it is to be back.)

(I want to thank you all - not just for your patience, but also for the well-wishes for me and my mother, both. She’s doing a bit better, and I’d expect nothing less from the woman that’s inspired a few of the powerful characters of this very story. She’s the epitome of the ‘I lived, bitch’ meme, having beaten cancer on top of a number of other ailments in her vibrant life, so I think she’ll be just fine.)

(Aside from all that, my birthday fell somewhere in the chaos, so my wonderful wife saw fit to surprise me with the first new computer I’ve ever had, which I’m typing on as these words spring to existence. No more losing updates to the ether now that Google Docs and the like are fair game, now.)

(Now, onto some long-overdue reviews.)

(Snowbirds Thoughts - Kei’s a goddamn transformer. This is perhaps one of the coolest things I’ve ever read. Her interactions with West Alpha were superb, with the burgeoning sense of camaraderie that you built being an utter delight to read. I appreciate the embedded music links, as well as the links to the Macross mechs for help visualizing their forms. All in all, the entire thing was a true treat, and I can’t thank you enough for sharing it. Thank you so much!)

(Chapter 11: Dover - The sheer sense of *place* that Dover holds is a testament to your descriptive skill, with your words forming a perfectly clear picture of the city’s scale and feel. That boss fight against the Skintalker Amalgam was just...there’s no way for me to make a chef’s kiss on here, but rest assured I did one after that and the Leech Queen’s battle. Nicely done, from the fights to the cool-down conversations. If you have any specific questions, just let me know!)

(Finally, the longer voting time is to ease myself back into the regular schedule and deal with an inevitable Monday, but rest assured that I'll be trimming that down as we go along. I hope you are faring well, and I look forward to hearing how you have been doing.)

>>4342088
>Send a few swarmlings to do some scouting.
>Speak with your companions as you track down Marys contact.
>"so Mary, anything i should know about those girls i just met?"
>"And can you tell me any more about the settlement itself? im getting some... odd feelings from it, and im curious if my nerves are getting to me, or my instincts are picking something up about this place."

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>>4342094
well, good to be back aswell BHOP, and glad to see you back. I'll admit, the lack of you giving us a good time to be watching for this combined with your Twitter silence was making me apprehensive on catching this. not gonna lie, if you had been only a bit off on your timing here, probably would've had to assume the typical Monday curse and wouldn't be here til tomorrow myself. But glad i did catch it, obviously.

More than ecstatic to hear your mother is recovering even if slowly, and the
>‘I lived, bitch’
line got a hearty chuckle out of me. Sorry we missed your birthday, but well late wishes from me BHOP, and THANK THE FLESHSCAPE you finally got a new computer. You needed it, badly.

Good call on the Monday voting time, and im doing... well, all things considered. the 4th went well(to which i hope you all had a splendid one aswell, and happy late Independence day too.), and im excited about trying my hand at hatching some more chickens, but the eggs wont be here til next week, but considering everything going on with the world and ive been through... its nice to be looking forward to something like that again, and i think having a project like that will do me some good.

also, im horribly backed up on pictures to post now haha. that wonderful artist making those portraits has nearly a dozen new ones now. pic very related.

>>4342094
Hey, Big BHOPper. Glad to hear that your mom is doing alright. Sounds like she's a pretty badass lady. So it was a medicine interaction that was causing problems, I think you said? Good thing they caught it.

Also, happy birthday! Sorry we missed it. But a new computer that won't crash on you so often and can use cloud storage? Wow.

Anyways, I'll have a vote coming for you in a moment, have to actually read the update. Here's hoping your Monday isn't a typical one and you don't get caught up in the hecticness that means you'll need that long voting period.

>>4342094

>Feedback on Snowbirds
You have no idea the giddiness I am feel. For an author to see their intended audience confess that they've read their work cover to cover and enjoyed all of it is fulfilling.

>Bhop got a new computer
REJOICE.

>Bhop's mother lives yet again
Is she a Vitruvian?

I've got something for you to watch. A simple question and an experiment evokes some very scary cosmic horror in the world of madness combat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuFrq5e5WMU

>To the anon that made Carter:
Still waiting on feedback for chapter 7 latest draft. Chapter 8 has gone through very heavy revisions. I also have a few questions that I've been meaning to ask:
• How does Carter behave when he’s backed into a corner and has no choice but to fight his way out?
• When given a choice to pick, which would Carter prefer to wield? A Sword or a Shield?
• Is there a corruption totem theme you have in mind for Carter?

>>4342088
>>Have Mary take the lead, and make haste to the Daughter that can explain just what the hell’s going on.
>>Write-In
>Activate Psychica Spiralis, give a little bit of security against sudden terrain shaping attack.

I also suspect that twisting the local biomass into a new shape might make Shu feel safer. Nero apparently works with acoustic sculpture, I wouldn't be surprised if the entire facility is producing an infrasound pattern that's causing unease. Alter the geometry of the tunnels, reduce the effect of the sound wave.

>>4342183
yeah sorry about still not having finished that chapter. no good excuse honestly, just things getting in the way and such.

but i can answer those questions regardless;
>How does Carter behave when he’s backed into a corner and has no choice but to fight his way out?
I mean, he would fight, but im sure you mean attitude. Probably hyper concentrated and possibly disturbingly 'into it', not like, he likes it, but more like he may be so into the 'logical' side of fighting he wouldn't even register he is going 'too far' and not noticing an enemy trying to surrender or similar things. But that would matter more for the 'backed into a corner' scenario, over how he fights in general.

>When given a choice to pick, which would Carter prefer to wield? A Sword or a Shield?
Probably a Shield, as i feel like he does and would have more offensive abilities under his belt overall, and due to his overall 'playstyle' would probably lean towards wanting a defense of himself for his Spiders and other abilities to be given the room they need to work.

>Is there a corruption totem theme you have in mind for Carter?
no not really. Would be open to your suggestions. only thing i can think of off the top of my head is actually not going too heavily into the 'spider person' theme, though i mean more in the 'monstergirl' or 'Unnatural Predator' sense. for one, obviously, that would fit a spider UP more to gain that, and secondly, just feels like it would be too common and uninteresting. hrm... i could see him being MADE out of normal sized jumping spiders though, or something, though less of his constructs and more of those being literally 'him' in a hive mind sense. but like i said, nothing actually planned, that is just me spitballing now that you have me thinking about it, and is not me saying that is what i would like, as im not actually sure if i would, just an idea that does come to mind im at least not against at the moment.

>>4342185
Hopefully terraforming the terrain around us doesn't make it lash out at us, considering Shu said it felt like it was alive. we only have short range, but it all being connected means plenty from outside our rage could still try and fight back. it also might make some folks rush for us if they think we're a threat to the settlement or their control over it.

>>4342221
That...raises more questions I'm afraid.

Just how emotionally sensitive/charged/heated can Carter get when in combat (getting emotionally tilted from fear, terror, anger, hot button issues.)? Sure, him ignoring/pushing past his emotions and settling into a mindset of "That bitch must die asap" works when backed into a corner, but only up to a certain limit as he's no West Alpha, and accidental presses of hot button issues can set him off in a rage like how Fuji did from innocently asking about his sexual orientation.

>>4342279
>>4342221
Actually. Nevermind. I think I have an idea how to work with the answer you provided.

>>4342279
well i supposed i actually imaged his laser focus coming from a place of rage/fear, one or the other(or both possibly) kinda overloading him into such a strong 'fight over flight' mindset as it was, hence him not being able to pull his punches or stop himself, whereas someone like West Alpha probably could. its just hes a naturally tactical person so i imagined it more of a 'calculating rage/fear' over a 'blind' one.

so, i suppose decently heated, albeit i suppose who wouldn't be in a 'backed into a corner' situation, no matter how experiences or in control they still are.

but if you're asking about in a more standard situation, it would really depend on deeper context. i cant see him really getting heated in a random amalgam fight or ambush really, but i will admit much of that could be more due to such things just being wholly expected in the fleshscape to anyone who has survived more than a day. I could see things that hit a nerve getting to him sure, but without knowing the full context its simply hard to say how much he would react to a situation.

still, hope this helps at least a bit.

>>4342289
No worries, this actually helps me a good deal when it comes to checking for character consistency for Carter's behavior with what I've got planned. And so far, what you've said has lined up quite nicely with what I've written so far.

>>4342094
Congratulations on your Birthday OP(even if they are late) I hope it was nice..... AND YES NEW COMPUTER I AM SO HYPED FOR YOU

I am glad to hear your mother is doing better again... Cancer is a complete and utter bitch.........

And not a question for the story specifically but more for an ability set for the lovely Humoral Paladin Selene: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1845QxC8Vm1zKfto7E2cVOjQjgLkcDohN/view?usp=sharing

I would appreciate Feedback on that not just from you but from anyone.

As for specific questions.....

Does Mina feel consistent? Like does her character feel like it matches with the earlier chapters.... I have a feeling that i am slowly losing grasp on her Character.......

Did the fight against the leech queen feel...... sticky i want to say?While writing it i had to take several showers just because of how sticky it made me feel what with her mucus being everywhere in that cave.

Did it come across that they were in England? I tried tossing in English slang terms.

What did you think of the STOUT VOICE ability trading possible duration of the spell for power and being unable to use any other concentration powers?

And what of the RAGE OF THE UNCAGED power that Selene Hybridised?

Lastly. What did you think of the forge process used by Yasude?

If it isnt too much to asks which character is your favorite at the moment?

I also noticed why the paintings weren't as good as i hoped they could have been...... i panted them at a resolution usually meant for text........ So yeah that was a fucking embarrassment......

>>4342088
Supporting>>4342102

>>4342094
I hope you monday goes as well as mine did.

I had a god time myself.....

Next time my players are gonna enter a palace of a truly ancient fire elemental........ They are gonna need that legendary shield they have with them to make sure they survive the fury of a fire raging for over 20 Billion Years.....

And one of my players.... the cleric..... actually seduced the personal(LVL 20 with a few pretty insane magical buffs as well as regeneration) assassin of the BBEG and convinced her to join them.... with the agreement of the BBEG.... who also gave her a "small" stipend of what amounts to roughly 10 billion dollars....... and financed her expedition that they are currently on......

After that Cleric founded a new church and made a new credo for her faith..... Involving voluntary human sacrifice to turn them into deathknights.
Blood Sacrifice and the chance to safe yourself form punishment in the afterlife by being a super nice person..........
And she summoned an Aspect of her god to hallow the grounds of ehr church that were build using the bones of the most powerful Draco Lich in the entire world...... No devil and no demon is gonna survive even coming near that thing...... they will probably die before the battalion of Deathknights gets to them.....

The Cleric is also writing a book about Sex with Elfs and Half Elf Breeds for maximum satisfaction focusing on the ears....

>>4342387
>The cleric becoming a degenerate of all character classes.
what a twist.

>>4342408
yes... the players characters have a history of not being able to keep their hands to themselves.....

The previous character was a thief.... in another game the character touched demon blood. IN another game they played a droid and went for the automatic update package nearly killing themselves.....

And another charcter made a pact with an ancient Sith Spirit.... which we annihilated when he possessed the Character after its death...

(Coming as no surprise to anyone, today's a beast. I'll be updating when I can, as well as replying to everyone when I get settled at home.)

(Back home and settled after a particularly troublesome day. I hope you all are doing well, and I'll be uodating as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience, truly.)

>>4342763
Oh yeah and one more question.... What do you think of Avenger and what happened between it and Mina?

Oh hey I managed to make it to one of these after bingeing the past ones.

Swarmlings are the best things to me...

Looking forward to the weirdness BHOP!

(Glad you could make it, and I hope you enjoy!)

>>4342927
well, glad the near month long pause or so at least allowed some folks to catch up on this. cheers to catching up and hope you continue to enjoy it.

>>4342459
>>4342763
well, sorry your monday was a monday, but at this point like you said, im about as surprised as a sloth is fast.

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>>4342088

As you begin to creep along the endless corridors with your fellows, a handful of cloaked constructs take flight from your spine, darting after the girls you’ve left behind. Discretion may be the better part of valor, but you’re of the opinion that it’s an even better part of cold, hard tactics.

"So, Mary - anything I should know about those girls I just met?" You ask, your query posed as much to allay your own unsettled nerves as to answer the question you’ve voiced.

“Well Rain’s…Rain.” Mary replies with a sigh, and your eyes narrow at the sheer unhelpfulness of what she’s just uttered. “She’s a piece of work, so I’m glad she didn’t put up too much of a fight. As for those other three, they’re Levia’s girls - sticking up for Nero by the looks of it, but they’re definitely Lev’s handiwork.”

“They were...thin, to put it politely. Did they ask for that to be done to them?” You forward, shuddering when Mary gives you a sharp nod just as the three of you round a hairpin turn to yet another obtusely-angled hall.

“Levia adheres to kinda extreme standards of femininity. Always has, as long as anyone’s known her. Pretty reclusive and only really talked to the other three council members, but yeah...those three girls probably got exactly what they wanted.”

"And can you tell me any more about the settlement itself? I’m getting some...let’s say ‘odd’ feelings from it, and I'm curious if my nerves are getting to me or my instincts are picking something up about this place."

“No, that’s on-brand for newcomers here.” Mary says with a dark chuckle. “The walls are Magnus’ doing, while the lights are Nero’s, funnily enough. Those pipes? They’re Levia’s filtration system, and she lets anyone nearby take a quick sippy to stave off Hunger and patch themselves up right quick. See, high-tier Flesh Artisans’ influence doesn’t stop once they’ve transformed a place or thing. Their intentions, their drives? They’re still changing things around here, even as we speak.”

Your guide gestures around the cramped hall and dizzying filigree that winds its way beneath the softly humming pipes.

“This place used to be beautiful, y’know. The walls, they were all unique. All woven together with Nero’s designs, while Levia’s systems worked behind the scenes to nurture new, procedurally generated growth, with these big sky-lights planned to let in honest-to-god atmosphere. The four styles lived in harmony, until-”

“The Fire Nation atta-...oh. S-sorry.” B’ni chimes in before bashfully lowering her eyes to the floor, suddenly and keenly aware of her rather poor timing.

“...Until the fighting started.” Mary supplies ruefully, her purposeful stride coming to a stop before an innocuous-looking wall, no different than the randomly winding halls that surround it. “But Granny Van can tell you more about that.”

(Continued)

>>4342949

The wall before you yields at the slightest touch of Mary’s fingertips, falling away silently to reveal a tight, cramped space just beyond. Ducking low, the three of you find yourselves in a small, yet cozy living room, the scent of lavender and cardamom wafting from deeper within the humble hideaway. It’s an area completely at odds with the rest of the complex as you’ve seen it, ripped straight from the pages of a Norman Rockwell calendar.

“Stay here, alright? I’ll go get Granny, but she’s kinda got a weird way of looking at things, so whatever mood she’s in, it’s best just to go along with it.” Mary explains with an apologetic look in her eye. With that, Mary shifts aside a curtain of beads that dangle over the far entryway, leaving you and B’ni standing between a pair of couches, lower to the ground than anything like it that’s been made in the last fifty years. Your companion’s in the middle of taking a tentative seat when the sound of the curtain shifting aside tears your focus away from the hideous wallpaper. Mary’s returned, with some...thing...at her side.

You blink at the ill-defined form, the border between it and its surroundings an undulating haze that defies easy comprehension. Even a quick quint does little to cohere the shifting mass into something recognizable as human as it and Mary make their way over to a couch, sitting down with care before Mary gestures for you and B’ni to take the couch opposite them. The surprisingly comfortable seat has settled inwards either by age or design, leaving the two of you awkwardly shoulder-to-shoulder as you wait for the being to speak.

“The Defiant, hm? Old Shu, herself?”

The voice that issues from within the hazy form suddenly brings it, somehow, into focus. With every syllable, Granny Van’s body gains greater definition, though her aged, stooped frame still retains a sort of grainy frame around her silhouette that refuses to dissipate, no matter how you turn your head or strain your eyes.

“Neuromancy. Flesh Artistry. Made as one.” Granny Van replies with an audible grin, interlacing her abstract fingers together in her lap. “Mary brought you to me. For me to explain. For you to fix what has been broken. Yes?”

“Yes.” You reply, prompting a chuckle from the old woman.

“Cassandra said you would have titles, but the one to be earned here is one that may not be worth its weight in the blood spilled to achieve it...so if you seek advice, then mine is this; leave, Defiant.” She continues, your eyes widening at the mention of a name you didn’t think you’d hear again. “Fight the good fight. Everyone’s fight. *Your* fight. That victory will award so many others, but it can’t be won if you grind yourself to dust before you reach the thing that ties heaven and earth.”

“Madam Van, with all due respect, I-”

(Continued)

>>4342955

“Respect *yourself*, my dear. Wisdom respects its own limits, and chooses its battles...one cannot fight every fight in the world, no matter how worthy they may be.”

Shaking your head, your fingers tighten on your knees.

“People are hurting in this place. From what I hear, people are dying, too. I may be young, but I’m not so foolish as to rush in and put the lives of my family at stake. All I’m looking for is an explanation of just what’s going on. Nothing more, nothing less.”

The old woman laughs again, only this time it’s a sound tinged with sadness, and one that causes her form to retreat further from the boundaries of definition.

“Too kind, too kind by half. So, you merely wish to know what is transpiring here, yes?” She asks, and you nod.

“Nothing is going on here.”

You blink at the girl’s words, confused even as Mary gives the aged Daughter a questioning glance.

“Nothing is going on here, and nothing will happen to this place.” She echoes with a hazy shrug of her hunched shoulders. “Nothing good, nothing bad. What will be, will be. This whole mess will sort itself out, and it will be like nothing ever happened. I’ve seen it a hundred times before, and I’ll see it a hundred times hereafter - hot heads and hotter passions, bumping shoulders before love is made out of war.”

“It just needs time, Defiant.” She ends, voice quiet. “Just leave this be, and attend to the things worthier of your attentions...or don’t.”

A wry smile, clear as day against her shifting, incongruous form.

“You’re in control, as they say.”

>>Press her further. You’re not going to be dissuaded that easily, and she clearly knows more than she’s letting on, consequences be damned.

>>You’re clearly not going to get anything useful out of this woman. Thank her for her time, and strike out on your own for some concrete answers.

>>Though you’re not fond of her games, Granny Van has a point - you do have more important things to attend to than to get caught up in whatever’s going on here.


>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next three hours. I’m working on my response to your posts and queries right now, as well.)

>>4342956
>"While I understand your point, I also have to question how much of that is how you really feel, compared to what you hope I will accept."
>"And while I am sure you know, Things arent like they were before. Heated passions and strained ideals boiling over into war no longer just leads to death within a settlement... it can lead to worse that its destruction, it can lead to that settlement becoming a threat to everyone, aswell as my mission you mentioned itself."
>"...and i happen to know someone who was planning to level this place to the ground to avoid that, and as much as i learned not to trust her fully, i do know she would not target this place without due cause to think she must."
>"So, please... explain things to me. REALLY explain them, not step around trying to. Im not here for titles, Im not here to garner fame and attention... im here because people are suffering, and i may be able to prevent more... or at least make sure it does not becomes something that will hurt everyone else aswell."

>>4342955
>Cassandra said you would have titles
So...does every old woman in the Crucible know each other? It's starting to feel like there's some sort of conspiracy. This is now three elder Daughters we know of who all had dealings with each other and have cryptic comments to make on Shu's supposed "fate" as the Mother of All. Makes me worried.

>>4342981
probably has alot to do with a mix of things; not many old people i think would make it into the Crucible. even living a hard life, i think most people by that age have come to terms with things, so fewer would make it in.

you then have to also take into account at least in earlier levels, their age would make them less likely to survive, so their numbers would be even rarer. then due to their age and natural quirks around it, it wouldn't be surprising if most end up building up a powerset less about raw strength more about less direct ways to fight and survive, which also happens to put them in a good position to both communicate with eachother and possible see things deeper n the Crucible, on top of their natural aged wisdom.

less a direct conspiracy, more happenstance makes it easy for something looking like it to form.

>>4342981
>>4342971
>>4342957
>Granny Van
Wait a minute...This sounds like something akin to Rip Van Wrinkle.

>>4342986
well BHOP does love his references. the name was slightly ringing bells, but we'll see i suppose.

>>4342156
(Yes, it was a bad interaction effect due to a prescription she really shouldn't have been given. She's recovering from it now, but the meds have a half-life of 20-40 days, so it'll be a while before she completely back to rights. Also, no need to apologize for the whole birthday thing...I kept forgetting about it in all the commotion of the past few weeks.)

>>4342183
>>You have no idea the giddiness I am feel.
(I get giddy any time I read one of the works posted on here, so I know and love that feel.)

>>Is she a Vitruvian?
(...That would make a disturbing amount of sense.)

>>I've got something for you to watch.
(Absolutely fantastic, thanks for sharing!)

>>4342371
(I am unreasonably hyped for this, since I couldn't even have Steam or anything like that.)

(Now, as for questions...)

>>(As a tree, Lich's Command is utterly sick, and that capstone may be one of my favorite abilities I've read thus far.)

>>Does Mina feel consistent?
(I feel like she is, but I’d have to reflect back on earlier chapters to really get a feel for it.)


>>Did the fight against the leech queen feel...... sticky i want to say?
(Wonderfully so. The ‘feel’ of the fight was something I think you nailed, so kudos on that if that’s the sensation you were going for.)


>>Did it come across that they were in England?
(It definitely did, so no worries there.)

>>What did you think of the STOUT VOICE ability trading possible duration of the spell for power and being unable to use any other concentration powers?
(I think it’s solid.)

>>And what of the RAGE OF THE UNCAGED power that Selene Hybridised?
(Great power. Useful, flavorful, and cuts right to the point. I like it!)

>>Lastly. What did you think of the forge process used by Yasude?

(I really liked it. It actually reminded me that I’d meant early on to describe each Forgemistress’ process as quite unique...I’ll have to find a way to work that it, in the future.)

>>If it isn't too much to ask which character is your favorite at the moment?
(Hm...I’d have to say that I’m partial to Rara, though they all have their charms.)

>>I also noticed why the paintings weren't as good as i hoped they could have been
(Well I, for one, thoroughly enjoy them and appreciate their inclusion!)

>>4342387
>>this entire campaign
(Every new snippet about your campaign only raises more questions and serves to further intrigue me. In any case, I'm glad you had a good time!)

>>4342984
Oh, I'm sure there's a perfectly organic process by which their association was formed. That doesn't change the fact that their little group seems to have learned something important that they're not saying outright. It makes me wonder if it's somehow tied to Professor Uzu's death, if she relayed information back to her associates through her proxy that didn't wind up in her notes.

>>4342986
Could be. My thinking was that it was an art reference. "Van" is a common part of Dutch names and there are a lot of big Dutch artists. Van Gogh, for example.

>>4342956
>>>Press her further. You’re not going to be dissuaded that easily, and she clearly knows more than she’s letting on, consequences be damned.

This, since when has anyone ever done something like make sense around here?

>>4342956
>>Press her further. You’re not going to be dissuaded that easily, and she clearly knows more than she’s letting on, consequences be damned.
>>Write-In
>"...can you tell me any more than that? I'd like to take your word for it that this is all going to blow over, it would make things so much simpler, but you have to understand that I can't leave it at something that vague. I don't even know the conflict right now, let alone the reason why it's not a big issue. All I know is that what I saw looked pretty tense, and there's someone I used to respect a great deal who thought that things were bad enough here that she'd have to kill everyone for safety's sake. I might not like what she was doing, but I have to take Magpie's worries seriously. Please, tell me why she was wrong."

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>>4342956

"While I understand your point, I also have to question how much of that is how you really feel, compared to what you hope I will accept." Comes your honest confession, leaning forward with your elbows on your knees. "And while I am sure you know, things aren't like they were before. Heated passions and strained ideals boiling over into war no longer just leads to death within a settlement...it can lead to worse than its destruction. It can lead to that settlement becoming a threat to everyone, as well as my mission you mentioned itself."

Your throat works as you continue. "...and i happen to know someone who was planning to level this place to the ground to avoid that, and as much as i learned not to trust her fully, I do know she would not target this place without due cause to think she must. So, please...explain things to me. *Really* explain them, not step around trying to. I'm not here for titles, I'm not here to garner fame and attention. I'm here because people are suffering, and I may be able to prevent more...or at least make sure it does not become something worse."

Granny Van is silent and still for a long, thoughtful moment...until she claps her hands on her knees with such suddenness that it causes both you and B’ni to flinch.


“Fine, fine! You’ve twisted my arm, but I won’t waste your time with the weight of mine, so here’s how it stands...just hold onto your butts, girls.” She begins, her theatricality causing Mary to scoot away as the older woman’s outline begins to shift and blur, the very room that you reside in beginning to pop with riotous colors. The insipid pattern of flower buds that regularly dot the faded wallpaper blossom into radiant shapes, sunflowers set against the bluest sky you've ever seen. You blink, and you’re wholly and utterly surrounded by a field of them, stretching endlessly into the distant, yet gorgeous horizon. You and B’ni whirl around to each other, meeting each other's eyes for a split second before shapes congeal just out of the corner of your vision.

Four figures stand a short distance away, the quartet stark against your surroundings, and each for their own reasons. The tallest of the four is a willowy thing at first glance, her long blonde hair cascading around her like a veil of flaxen wheat, her impossibly blue eyes staring vacantly out at a sky that couldn’t hope to match the depth of the color within her gaze. Her body is...perfect, and you find yourself marveling at how her golden dress clings to her manufactured curves, as though sun and sky had been tailored into the form of a goddess of lore. Tearing your eyes away from her, you fix your focus on the shadowy gremlin that barely reaches the blonde’s waist. An impish grin matches the child’s mischievous auburn glare, her dagger-sharp grin and piercing eyes the only certainties in her softly undulating body, shadows compressed into the idea of a stocky, yet youthful pugilist.

(Continued)

>>4343239

If one is cut from heaven, and the other from hell, then the brooding young man that stands to their right is cut from the earth between. Onyx crystals shine beneath coffee-toned skin, having overtaken half his face, with flecks of obsidian found in his single orange eye, burning bright with fires that lurk just beneath. Short jet hair and rolled-up sleeves lend the impression of stony silence and an implacable demeanor, broken only by the hint of a smile in the slightly upturned corner of his mouth. Meanwhile, the wispy young woman beside him could almost be his kid sister by the look of her, her shaved head and relaxed pose not the only hints to her playful nature. Even stock still, she’s caught in a single kinetic moment, her limbs trailing off at the wrists and ankles into wisps of neon vapor, a living cloud of argon caught mid-jump complete with a dazzlingly joyful smile plastered on her face.

“This is all a little more realist than I typically like, but that’s the lot of them - Levia, Nero, Magnus, and Aeren. This is the Arcadian Council.” Granny Van sighs, stepping from between the stalks without disturbing a single flower. “Once in balance, now in turmoil.”

“Why?” B’ni asks, finally tearing her eyes away from Levia. Before speaking, the older woman waves an arm at Nero and Levia.

“The little one looked up to Levia like an older sister, so when Magnus took issue with Lev about how her projects were talking to his, things got heated on both sides. Magnus demanded audience with Levia, but she declined...a first in the council’s tenuous history, and a slap in the face, at that. Nero went off to her subordinates about how they’d disrespected Lev, who promptly starting making trouble with Aeren *and* Magnus’ people. One thing led to another, blood was spilled, and now, well...here we are.”

“Why don’t Magnus and Levia talk?” You ask. “Have they tried since Lev declined?”

“Magnus hasn’t extended the offer, since. Too damn stubborn for his own good, that one. Even Aeren did, but Levia didn’t dignify the olive branch with a reply and has apparently been happy to simply commission her and Nero’s forces to continue working on the gaudy pipes that now twine and meander through every corner of the complex.”

“Just another slap in the face, then? Maybe she plans for those pipes to burst?” Isabelle offers, only for Granny Van to shake her head.

“Levia’s typical retort would involve a deeper cut to Magnus’ pride. Something that overwhelms his work with her own, but in a way that makes a statement about her own perceived superiority. Artists, I swear. Larger than life with egos as thin as chinaware.” She scoffs in reply. “No...no, these don’t feel like her work. They’re more someone playing at artistry, with an agenda just beneath it.”

“Like she’s got something bigger in mind?” You say as the other woman hobbles over to Levia’s effigy with a huff.

(Continued)

>>4343242

“Bah! I said I won’t waste your time, so here’s the rub - I believe that Levia is dead.” Vanreplies snappily, the hint of a laugh at the edges of her voice as she jabs a gnarled finger against the side of the prop’s temple. “And the thing that’s wearing her skin is getting a kick out of making a bad situation worse.”

Your eyes widen, prompting a crackling laugh that scrabbles up from the old woman’s throat. “Oh, it’s all so very out of character for Lev. The silence, the pipes, the lack of narrative control over the whole situation. None of it’s the girl I know. None of it. Lev wouldn’t let Nero fly off the handle all on her own, and she wouldn’t have let this sort of thing boil over into what it’s become. She was a hellion, born and bred...but she wasn’t a fool, and at least she played at having class, unlike this imposter.”

“Why hasn’t Nero caught on, if that’s the case?”

“Not sure, but given how Lev had that girl wrapped around her finger, it wouldn’t surprise me if Nero’s still too damn star-struck to take a good long look with the eyes God gave her.” Granny Van grumbles, the illusion fading from your fallible perceptions as you find yourself seated once more in the rustic living room, Mary glancing back and forth between you all, oblivious to what’s just transpired. “Cassandra’s not the only one cursed by the willful ignorance of those around her...and as for the thing that I believe has taken over, I…”

The old woman hesitates, her outline swirling with deep, sorrowful shades of blue before she speaks again. “...it doesn’t work like you and I. It doesn’t obey the same laws as Daughters should. It laughs at them. Breaks them over its knee, just because it can. It’s human, yes, but...I saw the things that had been chained away from this hell, and believe you me - Mother had a damn good reason to lock those things away...this one in particular.”

“Every day, I remember less and less of her.” She continues, staring down at her hands, at the impression of her narrow, claw-like fingers. “It cuts and it carves at what once was. I’ve seen it before, you know? The thing that’s at the heart of this...at least, I think I have. It leaves the same gaps. The same, inexorable nothingness, where you feel...you *know*...there was once something worth remembering. It wasn’t always chained. I have to almost respect Mother, in a way - to imprison that which can undo anything is a feat of which I didn’t think even she’d be capable of.”

“I...maybe she’s just changed?” Isabelle asks gingerly. “Maybe something happened, and she feels like she can’t talk or connect with anyo-”

“I knew my granddaughter, False Ascendant.” The old woman spits back in reply. “Lev may have wished to salt the earth I walked on after all her father filled her head with, but she was still my blood, goddammit.”

(Continued)

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>>4343246

B’ni goes very quiet, sinking ever so slightly into her seat as she readjusts to stop touching your shoulder with her own. Mary looks immensely uncomfortable, though for her credit she’s straining to keep an even expression despite clearly wanting to be anywhere but here in light of these revelations.

“There’s something *here*, Defiant. I can feel it in my bones, and I know it means us ill.” Granny Van insists, rising from her seat and shuffling over to stand before you. “Most don’t believe me, but those that’re willing to listen are the ones that I’ll take with me when I leave.”

This comes as news to Mary, her eyes widening as her mandibles flutter in consternation, though she loses the opportunity to object as Granny Van marches on. “Those damned pipes are part of that abomination’s plan, I’m sure of it, and I’m not going to let those that’ll listen to me get caught up in whatever’s being planned. If the Council don’t want to uncork their heads from their asses to see that one of them’s been had, then that’s not my problem. I’m going to fight the fight I can win, and save who I can.”

“We can help.” You say. “We can-”

“I wouldn’t remember you.” The older woman counters icily, the freezing-cold edge to her voice rooting you to the spot. “I can tell by the look in your eyes that you’ve seen things like it, things that defy explanation in any tongue, new or old. Your family, your friends...even your enemies; it will carve you out of reality and leave a gaping wound where you used to be. You can’t fight something like that - no-one can. I’ve seen what it can do, and I can’t remember who it took from us. All I feel are holes where feelings used to be. Did I hate them? Did I love them? Who’s to say? All I know is that it’s taken enough from me, and I’m leaving before it can rob me of anything else I care about.”

You swallow, hard.

“And we’re leaving *tonight*.”

>>You stand by what you said - you can stop this thing, one way or another. Van might’ve given up the fight, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not one worth having on your own terms.

>>If Granny Van is right, then you’d be up against something that utterly defies explanation. You hate to admit it, but maybe discretion really is the better part of valor, here.

>>This woman has...issues, that much is certain. Before you make a call here, perhaps some other perspectives could be gathered. It’d be better than relying solely on Granny Van’s agenda, in any case.

>>If one of the imprisoned Daughters is behind this, then there’s one line of info that can help illuminate what you’re up against - it’s time you and Mother had a little chat.

>>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 hopefully resume at 3:00PM, Eastern time. I hope everyone present to read this has a lovely evening, and I do hope your day went well. Stay safe, sleep well, and I’ll see you all tomorrow.)

>>4343268
>"...You do what you think is best Van, but if this is what i think it is, and its planning something like you said... can we really afford not to stop it?"
>"Two Daughters were released when Mother lost control... one of 'Everything' and one of 'Nothing'.... this sounds like the second."
>Sigh, and try and catch Grannys gaze, or what of it exists at the moment.
>"I get it, i do. This thing hurt you. moreso, its powerful, powerful in ways we may not be able to match."
>"...but her followers are, and so are those pipes."
>"Maybe we cant face her, maybe we cant stop her, or save this settlement... But maybe we can stop what shes planning, or at least set it back enough to give us a chance to breath?"
>"Can you at least give me that much? Info on just what i might be able to do there, or at least someone you think might be able to help? If Someones hijacked your Daughter, and caused all this... then surely its for a reason we cant ignore, nor should we let her get away with this by using your Daughters face?"

>Regardless of what Granny gives or refuses to give, Send word out to your family to get their input on this. If Granny is right, this may be something much bigger than just one settlement falling apart, but how and what you can do here might not be anywhere near what you expected, or hoped.

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>>4343272
thanks for running what you could BHOP. hope both work and your life settles down a bit and takes a softer turn for you.

>>4343268
This just screams "MIND FLAYER" with a side of "Conceptual Black hole"

Sorry for the lack of input, but my take is that this is a very literal voidwalker (one that walks in nothingness) we're dealing with.

>>4343303
I mean, sure? we knew the 'Nothing'(and 'Everything') Daughters were 'more than your typical Daughter', and considering everything we have learned, i wouldn't be surprised is there were loopholes or methods to break or jump out of the rules in such ways.

all im saying is, that just sounds like more reasons to at least stop her project, even if that might mean we cant really stop her herself, or at least not directly. Only maybe our fight with Ringo really had us face this sorta thing, even Mother/Isabelle combo, for as powerful as that was, was still bound to Crucible rules. I guess maybe the Geists may of been outside them, but we weren't exactly 'winning' against them so much as surviving, and even Isabelle couldn't wholly overpower them, which may be a sign to approach this less directly.

unless we can figure out how to break or jump out the rules ourselves, but, that sounds like an adventure all on its own, and one it sounds like we probably dont have time to go on before we deal with this.

>>4343272
Thanks for running, BHOP. See you tomorrow, and I hope your next day is less hectic than this one was.

>>4343318
>Only maybe our fight with Ringo really had us face this sorta thing
Ringo did say that there was a hidden thirteenth class based on the Tindalian Hounds' native biology, that was so twisted and strange that the Crucible sealed it away only for it to occasionally pop up unbidden.

><After that, the two classes we brought into the system appeared in future strains, one far more often than the other>
>“Wait, two?” You say, cocking an eyebrow.
><Yes>
><One that allows you to converse freely with the planet, uttering words of hope and despair with ease>
><Another that the Crucible itself deemed too broken to tolerate though it still appears, unwanted and shattered among the participants unfortunate enough to possess it>
>"So, something more like what you and your kind were able to do originally, I take it?” You say, and Ringo just gives a little nod.

That seems like a likely origin for our mutant Void Daughter. Maybe we should call Ringo up and ask for advice on how to fight a causality-manipulator.

>>4343336
hrm, maybe. Wouldn't be against asking him, though might want to see what we can scavenge from more immediate sources first, though more to see if we should even feel the need to ask him in the first place. may also be able to get someone else working on that while we deal with what we can now, depending on how things go.

>>4343001
>Every new snippet about your campaign only raises more questions

If you ask those questions i can see going about answering them...... though on some parts my answers might be limited since sometimes my note taking is spotty.....

and i can't always rely on my DM notes when my Players once again derail everything so hard i have to rewirte the entire session on the fly. Not that i am used to anything else from them.

>>4343268
Supporting>>4343291

>>4343447
>>4343272
having GMed myself before, my first and hardest lesson was people derailing things, so i understand your pain. easier for me to just plan and write up what i run with that in mind honestly.

>>4343457
Yeah... That was the lesson I also learned first.... Even before encounter Balance....

I try to do that too......... They usually find ways to derail even beyond my wildest expectations.....

Am>>4343447
by the way

If this daughter is messing with memory, then perhaps the neurotic crown is needed here? Maybe that can protect us or restore the damage done?

>>4343781
Perhaps the Tindalos' could also resist her ability, since their abilities don't neatly fit into the classifications and can be considered as a sort of 13th class?
I'm also wondering if the Everything daughter would be able to counter the Nothing's influence, given that they seem to be presented on the same level so far, not one as more powerful and dangerous than the other. Maybe the way to resolve this is to find the Everything and get her here.

>>4343781
I'm not sure. Definitely something to try (and the Silver Key, too, given how the Nothing responded to it), but it sounds like this is an acausal threat, not a psychic one. It's not memories that are being erased but history, with no one remembering their victims because they no longer ever existed. I don't know how you fight that, aside from having another causality manipulator on your side. Best I can think of is to have done something your enemy doesn't want to erase from history, so they won't chance unmaking you. Which I guess we kind of did, since they're only free from the Cord since Shu drove Ozmas to ragequit. But that is just a guess, it's quite possible whatever model of history alteration they use can handle paradoxes like that. Definitely not something to rely on.

>>4343781
Possibly, but the problem is that would leave us with only a single person compared to the halos, and still may not work. The halos and crowns seem semi outside the standard rules of the crucible, but im not sure really to the level implied here by Granny. Maybe the Crown, but i doubt 'Nothing' Daughter is a pushover even without these specific abilities, and as others have said thats assuming the way they work is a way the crown could stop.

>>4343979
>>4343943

Well, we have a test subject right in front of us to see if it works. And it sounds like she wouldn't say no if we asked to try. Failing that, we can talk to Ozmas for more info.

>>4344468
we... really dont though.
I guess we could see if it could restore memories on Granny, but that would imply getting a good chunk of our family together and trying it on her before she needs to leave or something else goes down, which probably isn't going to happen. that also almost certainly wont work. Blocking the deletion is one thing, but bringing the memories back is another. you cant bring back what no longer exists afterall, and she is talking as if the memories are gone in her head, not repressed.

We also still cant talk to Ozmas, due to our families decision. Maybe they would vote on that again, but i personally dont find it worth it enough to try and call into question the judgement of those who voted not to talk to her, least not over this at this time.

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>>4343268

"...You do what you think is best Van, but if this is what i think it is and its planning something like you said...can we really afford not to stop it?" You ask, allowing your clasped hands to fall below your knees as you lean ever forward. "Two Daughters were released when Mother lost control. One of 'Everything' and one of 'Nothing'...and this sounds like the second."

With a sigh, you try to hold Granny’s gaze as best you can without knowing exactly where her eyes are in the interpretive haze that makes up her flickering form. "I get it, I do. This thing hurt you. Moreso, it’s powerful, powerful in ways we may not be able to match...but her followers? Those pipes of hers? Those are tangible things, Van. They’re things we can bend…and break, if it comes to that.”

Leaning back in your seat, you shrug.

"Maybe we can’t face her, maybe we can’t stop her, or save this settlement...but there’s a chance that we can stop what she’s planning, or at least set it back enough to give us some room to breathe. So, can you at least give me something to go on? Info on just what I might be able to do there, or at least someone you think might be able to help? If someone’s hijacked your granddaughter and caused all this, then surely it’s for a reason we can’t ignore, nor should we let her get away with this by using Levia’s face."

Gnarled fingers curl around each other, Granny Van’s hands clasped tight as she weighs your words over the span of a few, tense seconds.

“Nero.” She finally says, the syllables of the girl’s name croaked out and carried by a sense of resignation. “She’d be a tough nut to crack, but if you can give her reason to doubt Levia, then I have little doubt she’d scurry to Magnus and Aeren’s side.”

Granny Van rises from her seat, pacing the narrow length of the room as she continues to speak aloud. “I suppose you could use your reputation to subvert the core members of Levia’s own guard, though whether or not anyone that was close to her has had enough sense to notice something’s amiss is really just a shot in the dark.”

“And what of the other side of the coin?” B’ni asks quietly, leaning up against her corner of the cramped couch.

“Magnus and Aeren? I’m sure they’d listen to you, but allying yourself with them off the bat would simply sour Nero to you, unless of course you’re comfortable having to go up against Nero *and* Lev’s forces.”

“I’d prefer for this to not come to a fight, if I can help it.” You admit, prompting the older woman to issue a coarse bark of laughter. With a sigh, you rise to your feet with B’ni following suit beside you.

“Thank you for your time, Granny Van. If you’ll excuse me, I do believe that I’d like to get my family’s input on this matter.”

(Continued)

>>4344540

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible. Now that they know you’re here.” The crone replies as your brow promptly furrows. “The Council are more than powerful enough to disrupt the Skintalkers’ prying ears – to foil a Hive Mistress’ communications is mere child’s play. Inside of the complex is still fair game, but they’ve tried to ensure that nothing leaves these walls.”

Finding static when you try to open a line to your allies, you turn to the old Flesh Artisan. “Which one is responsible for this?”

“Lev or Nero, most likely. If they sensed you with Mary, then they’ll likely assume you’re here to rock the boat. Magnus and Aeren don’t strike me as the type to try and get on your bad side, if they’re fully aware that you’re even here, that is.”

“Do they know about your…theory, regarding Levia?” You ask, and Van merely shakes her head. “I see. So if I wanted to track down one or more of the Council, where would I start?”

“Right here.” She replies, her body flickering with the vague impression of corridors and meandering tunnels “I’d be more than happy to gift you a neuromantic imprint of the entire facility, if you’re up for it.”

You glance over to Mary, her face troubled. Between the revelation of Granny Van’s plan to leave this whole place behind coupled with the worrisome possibility of a doppelganger spinning this evolving conflict to their own ends, she’s got a lot to mull over.

And so, it seems, do you.

>>Accept Granny’s offer of a map.

>>Politely decline her offer.

AND

>>Make your way to Magnus and Aeren to try and get the majority on your side for what’s to come.

>>Double-back to find Nero, and try to connect with the impish young woman.

>>Cut a path straight to Levia, to investigate Van’s theory yourself...tactfully, of course.

>>You're not comfortable with proceeding without your family’s input. Find a way to leave the confines of this place to speak with them safely.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next three hours, with posting to resume shortly thereafter. I do hope you all are doing well today, and I’ll be happy to address any questions you all may have.)

>>4344545
>Accept Granny’s offer of a map.
>ask Mary if there are any openings you could send a few swarmlings out to carry a message to your family, assuming the communication blocks would allow them to stay active once out.
>Send Isabelle out if Mary cant find your Swarmlings their opening, or the idea simply wont work. If the 'Nothing' Daughter is planning something here, it very well could be something you cant afford to ignore, and be something much bigger than what you all thought was going on here.

>Double-back to find Nero, and try to connect with the impish young woman.
>Find a place as good and secluded from any of the other leaders intervention as you can though.

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>>4344550
doing alright. Been mostly a boring day all things considered. hope your own is going well.

...hows the new system looking, by the way, seeing as you're up for questions?

>>4344550
i had one question you missed earlier.... about a day back here >>4342783

My day was okay.... but my foot started to hurt. I went to my mother to have it checked out and she says its possible i may have an inflammation of the tendon connecting my leg musculature to my foot..... So that's great....

I hope yours went better.

>>4344545
Supporting >>4344557

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>>4344550
slowly but surely putting a rhythm back into my life.

>>4344558
I hope you find a chance to read chapter 7 of the Cradleton Saga and give some feedback on it.

I've gone through 2 different drafts on chapter 8, and a recent muse spree on chapter 8 has turned the entire dynamic of the climax, resolution, and the epilogue on its head in terms of planning and character development. The draft for ch. 8 is mostly done, but will need a thorough polish in connecting the dots.

And about the contents of chapter 8's latest draft the most I can say is see pic related which mostly describes the highlights of said chapter in a nutshell.

>>4344558
(I'm doing well, and thank you for asking. As far as the system goes, much of it's in my head, as the time I'd intended to spend putting it all together had been robbed from me. Now, however, I have full access to Google Spreadsheets and a decent mouse instead of clumsy trackpad, so pulling everything together isn't nearly as daunting as it was before. The odds are high that any conflicts within the next vein or so would still use the old system, but I'm planning to take a short break soon to put everything in working order.)

(I may take you up on your offer of help when that time comes, if it still stands. If not, I perfectly understand, regardless.)

>>4344564
(Bah, apologies for the wait! I like the conflict between Avenger's overall bloodthirst and Mina's burgeoning disgust with just how violent it leans. I look forward to seeing how that evolves in the future. Also, I hope you feel better soon!)

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>>4344571
glad to hear your day is going well, and yeah, kinda thought everything had ended up stealing that time, but no harm in asking, no?

offer is more than happily still on the table and id glad to help if and when the time comes around.
you think you'll take over doing the Character Sheets and things now that you have a google compatible computer? Im more than happy to continue to help in that regard, aswell as its been and isnt any real trouble to do, and it seems like you already have a mountain of stuff both shown and not shown even without those you take care of. but i also understand if that is something you would be much more comfortable personally handling now that you could do it in a way you would prefer to be able to do it.

regardless, of course, as stated im more than willing to help when and how you need it, and again, I am baffled and highly respect the amount of effort you do put into this by yourself already.

>>4344568
yeah, really am sorry i haven't read it yet, but its certainly high on my list of things to do.

>>4344581
(Taking over the sheets now is absolutely something I'd be up for doing now that I have the ability. It's really the only reason I didn't do it in the first place.)

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>>4344585
up to you, you do what you think is best and think you can handle.
will kinda have to be redone soon(ish) anyways, so you'll certainly have your chance. im happy enough with you going in either direction there though on that decision.

(Gentlemen, regarding this vote >>4344557, if Isabelle ends up leaving your side to get a line to the outside world, then I assume you wish to track down and speak with Nero alone?)

>>4344601
that was the potential necessary but regrettable situation we may be in, yes.
hope is to not need to fight in the first place, least not just yet. But i think if its JUST Nero we can at least survive.

but yes, we would be alone if Isabelle needs to leave.

>>4344601
>>4344611
>>4344568
Well i am feeling rather sleepy..... Good night everyone...

>>4344637
night Anon. hope your foot gets to feelin better.

>>4344637
(Feel better, and get some good rest!)

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>>4344545

Accepting Granny Van’s offer with a pointed nod, she reaches out, taking your hand with surprising care. There’s a flicker of gold, the echoes of sunflowers in the corners of your vision as Arcadia’s labyrinthine corridors take shape in your mind’s eye. With a word of thanks to the woman before you, your focus then shifts to meet Mary’s uncertain gaze.

“Mary...Mary?” You ask, the second time you utter her name being the thing that snaps her out of her reverie. “Do you know of any opening that I could use to send a couple of my swarmlings out, assuming they can stay active out there?”

“I...I don’t…” She mutters, going quiet when the older woman speaks up.

“Getting a swarmling out of Arcadia right now is no small feat, but it’s doable. With the map, you should be able to find a way...if you send out enough.”

“Alright then. Mary? Take this.” You say, handing the girl a clone of your own Hive Phone as you prepare to leave. “Rain will be reaching out, in time…”

“...and good luck.” You add.

Saying your brief goodbyes to Van and Mary, you take your leave with B’ni, who seems quite ready to put some distance between herself and the woman that called her by a title you’d never heard before...but it was clearly one that struck a sour note. B’ni’s uncharacteristically dull eyes stare out into the darkness as she strides dutifully beside you, a familiarly uncomfortable silence settling once more around the two of you as a series of newborn scouts flit from your spine at easy, regular intervals. It’s in silence that you lead her to a yawning space not far from where you met Rain and the Triplets, high-arched ceilings lending the air of a windowless cathedral nested in some far-flung corner of Arcadia’s impossibly vast architecture.

“Bigger on the inside…” B’ni mutters, languidly spinning on her heel with her emerald eyes upturned towards the sprawling arches. The light cast by the luminescent filigree was adequate in the halls, if somewhat gloomy...but here, even the greater concentration of light along the eight massive pillars that strain towards the heavens do little to banish the deep, ever-present shadows that cling to every corner of the cavernous room. Isabelle freezes mid-twirl when you catch her eye with a grin, her cheeks puffing out in embarrassment just before you spin in place, yourself.

It’s a little gesture of goofy solidarity that’s spoiled when you’re suddenly frozen in place, your body wrenching uncomfortably as your leg’s pinned to the floor. Your eyes snap downwards to find shadows creeping up your thigh- and they’re not stopping, the thin yet powerful sheet of ashen flesh crawling up your torso...and B’ni’s, who’s straining to come to your aid, but to no avail.

A chill runs down your spine as you hear lips part in a grin, mere millimeters from your ear.

“Hey there.” Coos a dangerous voice, much too close for comfort.

(Continued)

>>4344765

It's with an impossible strength that you’re held fast, unable to move an inch in the face of the Artisan’s raw physical power.

“Nero, I presume?” You say, just as the shadows wrap around your throat, giving your windpipe a threatening caress.

“Mhm...and who might you be?” The young girl asks, the floor and walls lapping at the air with inky black tendrils. “Someone brave, to stumble into my lair unannounced.”

“My name is Shu the Defiant...and I believe that you’re just the person I’m loo-”

“W-...huh?!” She suddenly sputters, her face manifesting mere inches from yours with a crackling ‘pop’, held aloft on a tendril of shadow that trails from your waist. “It’s...it’s you! And that must mean-”
She whirls, rounding on Isabelle.

“You’re B’ni! THE B’ni!” She gasps, a widening smile on her obsidian lips. “The one that took Mother’s powers! You’re amazing! I’m your biggest fan!”

Isabelle blinks, neither of you quite believing what you’re hearing.

“Yes, we-” You begin, cut off when Nero looses an ear-splitting squeal of delight. As one, every shadow to be found in the far-flung corners of the room converge on B’ni’s position, leaving even you as they coalesce into a girl only a shade taller than Amara...one whose arms are flung around your companion’s neck, her legs wrapped around you hapless friend’s torso.

“THIS IS AMAZING!” Nerodeclares, her exclamation echoing throughout the cathedral as B’ni fixes you with a stare that’s equal parts confusion and a cry for help. “I never thought I’d get to meet you! You’re here! You’re really here!”

“That’s...good to meet you too, Nero.” Comes your reply on the lips of a forced grin, gingerly peeling the girl off B’ni and setting her down on the floor. In the span of a few seconds, the cool, collected facade fell to reveal a giddy girl maybe only a little older than Amara, Nero’s wide amber eyes now staring up at you in awe. “And good to hear that we need no introduction.”

“Oh, but you do! C’mon, c’mon!” She cries happily, tugging at your arm and frantically reaching for B’ni’s...as if the Flesh Artisan couldn’t throw you bodily across the room with her unreal strength. “I gotta introduce you both to Levia! She’ll love to meet you!”

You blink.

So does Isabelle.

Ah, shit.

>>Tell Nero that since you traveled all this way to see her, you’d like to spend some time with her before meeting Levia.

>>Acquiesce to the young girl’s wishes - you’re sure you’ll have time to ask her one or two questions before you reach your target.

>>If this girl looks up to B’ni so much, then maybe it’s best to split your forces - Isabelle with Nero, and you with [Select Target].

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Voting shall remain open for the next three hours, Gentlemen)

>>4344767
>Stand firm, not budging, and give Isabelle a look to do so too, though you doubt she needs one.
>let Nero have a moment, before giving her a firm, but kind look.
>"Nero... as much as I would love for things to be that simple... its not."
>Lean down, and look the girl in her eyes.
>"Im sorry but... im not here to pick sides... or at least, not yet. And if i go and meet both you and Levia right now? at the same time? thats exactly what it will look like."
>Sigh, and give the girl her time to mull over what that means.
>"Im sorry if thats not what you wanted but... certain factors simply made you the best to meet first, and try and work out some information and possibilities with. For what its worth, im glad to meet you, truly."
>Hold out your hand, and give her a genuine smile... or hug or whatever she is amiable to.

>>Given Neros leaning towards Isabelle, let her take the lead if she is up to it, but if not, or gaps need to be filled, the up above is the go to.

not pressing her for questions just yet, want to see how she reacts to the idea of it in the first place... or let Isabelle ask them i suppose, if she does take the lead and get that far.
also, kinda makes sense now.... i was thinking of a different sorta relationship between Levia and Nero, but if shes this presumably young? might be... horribly difficult to get her to see any faults in Levia, be the actual Levia or an imposter.

>>4344771
oh BHOP, can we assume we are trying to find a way for our swarmlings to get out remotely via our scouts?

>>4344787
(They're making a number of rolls, yes.)

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>>4344824
ah, awesome, thanks for answering.

>>4344767
>>Tell Nero that since you traveled all this way to see her, you’d like to spend some time with her before meeting Levia.
>"Oh, I thought Levia was busy with something, actually. I met with some of her assistants when I first got here, asked them to let the two of you know I was visiting. I guess the message hadn't passed down the vine to you yet."
>"But I left them with a way to contact me, so if Levia hasn't called yet, she probably wants to get something else in order before taking the time to speak with me. I understand, I'm sure the two of you are plenty busy running this place."
>"If you've got time to speak, though, I'd love to talk with you. It might actually work better that way. If I meet with you separately, it'll look less like I'm picking sides, so I won't wind up causing a big fuss if other people find out about it. I don't want to screw anything up for you by being here. Plus, it means I'll be able to give you my full attention."
>"Does that sound okay, Nero?"

Blerg. Had one of those days when you conk out once you get home, wake up at nine feeling like a sweaty lump. I'm awake now, catching up on what I missed.

(Gentlemen, I believe that I must pause for the evening. It's been a long day, and I believe that anything I try to put out now will be riddled woth errors. As such, I'll be posting at 12:00PM Eastern time tomorrow. I wish everyone a good everyone a good evening, and thank you for your patience.)

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>>4345153
>I wish everyone a good everyone a good evening
BHOP, i appreciate the offer but being part of a hive mind controlling everyone else really isnt my style.

jokes aside, i think you proved your point. i duly hope you rest well, and will see you tommorow.

>>4345153
Sure thing, BHOP. Go get some sleep, friend, and thanks for running. See you tomorrow, and I hope your next day is less difficult than this one was.

>>4345160
>>4345153

Feels for everyone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW-AiN2lKDM

>>4345178
damn, dem feels.
thanks for sharing.

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>>4344767

Standing firm, you refuse to budge in the face of the abyssal puppy-dog eyes the girl is giving you.

"Nero? As much as I would love for things to be that simple...they’re not." You begin, the shadowy child chocking her head quizzically to one side as you lean down. "I’m sorry, but I’m not here to pick sides...or at least, not yet. And if I go and meet both you and Levia right now? At the same time? Then that’s exactly what it will look like."

There’s a lack of recognition in her pupil-less eyes as you watch the gears spin in her head…and it hits you that she really doesn’t see how you meeting Levia could be an issue. Her brow furrows, eyes narrow, and the resultant stomp of her foot on calcite sends hairline cracks through the grounds at your feet.

“I don’t CARE what those idiots think! Levia’s in the right, and I don’t CARE what they say when they’re just going to lose anyway!” She growls petulantly, her childish tantrum elevated to legitimate threat as her body widens, black tendrils furiously slashing at the air around her as you take a step back.

“But we came all this way to see you…” Comes a gentle voice over Nero’s shoulder. “…don’t you think we could visit for a little while? Just us?”

With a voice a sweet as honey, Isabelle catches the girl’s attention with a flash of her eyes and a conspiratorial grin. She takes a knee, a gesture that could easily be seen as patronizing, but here? She makes it seem so earnest, you could almost believe it, yourself.

“We just got here a little while ago, so we’d love for you to show us around before we do anything else.” You supply.

“Think you could give us the grand tour?” Isabelle follows up, her words the tipping point for the younger girl’s conflicted mind.

“Mmmmokay!” She says finally, seizing both your and Isabelle’s hands in her surprisingly strong grip and skipping between the two of you as she leads you onwards. Chancing a glance at B’ni, you find her staring at the ground, not daring to meet your gaze. You don’t need the empathic field to sense the disgust in the curl of her lip, the fearful uncertainty in the way her eyes dart this way and that. She salvaged the situation, for sure...at the cost of dipping her toes in a pond she hoped she’d left behind.

For now, at least, it seems that Nero’s been assuaged, but the fact that she’s a loose cannon whose deified someone who can’t be trusted can’t have been made more clear.

>>Nudge Isabelle to take the lead in capitulating Nero, while you focus on your swarmlings and getting a word out to your allies. You can’t do all this alone, and you know you’ll need all the help you can get.

>>Now that you know what you’re dealing with, you’ll take over for Isabelle…she’s quite obviously uncomfortable with how quickly she slipped into the shoes of a manipulator, regardless of the circumstance.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next four hours.)

>>4345178
(Well, that's blasted adorable.)

>>4345982
Yipes...

>Quietly comm Isabelle through neuromancy:
>[Thanks for the save]
>[Do you want me to take the lead? It's your choice]
>Now that you know what you’re dealing with, you’ll take over for Isabelle…she’s quite obviously uncomfortable with how quickly she slipped into the shoes of a manipulator, regardless of the circumstance.

>>4346023
We can always attempt to convince them to do a collab work, but given that these artists are probably sick and tired of each other at this point, we can suggest that they look to other artists for inspiration and leave the settlement.

>>4345982
>Give Isabelle a Reassuring look, and spawn an extra Arm to give her shoulder an understanding squeeze.
>Try and make it clear you'll need Isabelles help on this, but you wont force more out of her than she is comfortable with.

>Start off trying to simply keep Nero moving and distracted, and easing into more difficult subjects. You're gonna need time here, both to work on Nero and for your swarmlings, and your not sure how much you can squeeze out of a over excited little girl.
>"So Nero... this is an artists settlement right? Whats some pieces that you think we would like... separating the art from the artist if you're up for it, that is."
>"...any of your own close by? id absolutely love to see them."
>"Speaking of you, how's your time in the Crucible been? must've been hard... though im sure meeting Levia helped, if you're up for telling us how that came about."
>"Speaking of her and you... how did the council form? how was it... before this. I know it might be hard to look back on, considering how things are now, but you and Levia at least tolerated the other two for while, and even if its not easy, surely that means there was at least something there you or Levia could respect, no?"
>"...though im assuming something changed that, and it would help us alot if you could tell us what, as calmly as you can, even though im sure its not easy to think about in such a way."
>"Oh! besides Levia, do you have any friends? You remind me a bit of our Amara, which is no small compliment by the way, and im sure you two would get along. im positive she would love to meet you sometime but... things here arent exactly in a state for that, and while i respect your reasons for supporting Levia, Its her and my family that are part of the reason i have to remain neutral and fair here. Like you have to support Levia, i have to do my best to make sure anything i drag them into, its only if it can be justified... and im not sure yet if this is something to get them involved in at all."
>"Which is why even if Levia is the right choice, i have to make sure im fair. Because like you wouldn't want to force Levia into a situation she may not be comfortable with, i have to think like that for those who i care for like you care for her."
>"Does that make sense?"

>Let Isabelle again take over and move things along as she is comfortable with, but also be aware of when she might be stepping over a line she may not be comfortable with she may not realize she is close to.

>>4346027
grah, sorry, bamboozled you a bit.
noticed im starting to form a bad habit where i omit or double up on some words because im thinking through what im typing faster than im typing it out, so im trying to nitpick the hell out of the parts of it i notice to stem it.

that wouldn't really solve the current issues though. or well, i guess it would stop the fighting, but it wouldn't solve the Levia issue, it might actually speed it up and make it worse(assuming Granny is right, of course.)

Its also asking artists to give up on their art and let other artists change it, as the settlement itself is probably considered their artwork to them. part of the problem from what i was seeing was exactly that the settlement IS a collab piece, but Levia was editing it without due permission. dont think a new collab piece would work, both if Levia is an imposter, and because collabing issues is kinda already an issue here.

>>4346038
very fair point.

>>4346030
Looks pretty good. Should we ask about the pipes? Mary did say that Levia had changed them recently, so we can excuse asking what they're for as us thinking they're for some new big installation.

>>4346149
I suppose we could, though unsure where we could fit that in.
though whether she would be up for telling us due to our 'neutrality' and such im actually unsure of.

>>4346168
I was thinking it could go after asking about her art. Mary said Nero was in charge of integrating all the art on the walls together back before the fighting, like she was the curator of the gallery. So we could transition to it there. Something like

>"From what I heard you've had a hand in everything made here, that it was your work that connected everything together. I noticed most had been taken down and replaced with these pipes, though, is that some new big showpiece you're working on?"

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>>4346182
>>4346168

Alright, it's been a long time since the Relic gdoc has been updated with something new.

>Deer-head’s Lights (Tier-2): A simple flashlight used for illumination the dark in the form of a freshly severed head of a buck (male deer). The eyes and antlers glow an ominous pale white and shine a disconcerting beam of light that unsettles those illuminated by the buck’s gaze. It is also comes with a combat application. By spending 1 Action to use the relic, the victim(s) caught in the light of the relic will be compelled to direct their attention towards the light source, and upon focusing their attention on the relic, have their fight-or-flight response will freeze up. This fatal delay in response time will allow the oncoming truckload of possibly lethal attacks to be dealt in full, with the unfortunate target unable to block, parry, or dodge until all attacks directed at the target have been registered and played out in full. Be wary: this only works one time in combat per target, automatic countermeasures will still trigger, and the light shined by the relic does not discriminate between friend and foe.

Rate this relic.

>>4346182
>>4345982
I can support this question.

>>4346182
that could work, sure.

>>4346190
I think that forcing an opponent to not respond to any attacks for an entire initiative phase is worth more than Tier 2. That's pretty strong, arguably stronger than our Neuromantic stun ability even though it doesn't give guaranteed criticals like it does, since it applies to all attacks instead of a single attack. I'd put it at Tier 3, instead. Otherwise, sounds solid. The visual gag is an amusing one, and suitably macabre for the Crucible's aesthetic.

>>4346190
as the other anon said, the Stun is pretty powerful, though i am unsure it needs a Tier bump necessarily, that would really depend on how much Tier affects forging cost though i suppose.
think it works, though might be kinda on the line there a little.

>>4346216
Do you think a 200% Unnatural Predator + 150% Neuromancer be a good price for crafting the relic?

>>4346209
I planned for it to be a high Tier 2 relic since there are ways around it, but I could see the argument for a Tier 3 classification. It's just that it's combat application is at its most effective on ambush rounds due to the (it only works once for each person involved in combat). As for exploring and outside of combat utility? Imagine getting chased by a scary enemy or encountering an amalgam that has yet to aggro on you. You can shine the relic on them and delay their response time a great deal and give you enough time to safely escape since they'll pretty much have their fight-flight systems frozen for one round the moment they look at the headlights...now that I think about it, I should have made it clearer earlier that the deer-in-headlights reaction works outside of combat, but is limited to working only once on each participant involved during combat.

>>4346230
I am unsure.
might be too low possibly, its one use per battle(more or less), but its still a quite powerful one use.
the biggest problem with that is with how we have ended up doing relics, we actually have very little to compare it to price wise, as BHOP ends up just giving us a finalized price for everything.

>>4345982
Supporting >>4346182


Sorry for not being active more. Woke up with a really bad cramp that hurt like hell. Still went to work after it had calmed down. After work i went to have my mom take a look again she says that i was quite lucky that I only irritated my tendons....... Which i am quite happy for... an inflammation of the tendon or the veins in my leg would have been quite inconvenient two weeks before my scheduled vacation

>>4346246
well, sorry to hear, and hope it gets better in time for that vacation.

>>4346242
>>4346230
I think you're misunderstanding the use limit in combat. I'm saying the relic's effects can still apply to any participant at any time during combat but only once on each participant.

I.E. In combat we have participant's A,B, and C, with C using the relic. C uses the relic on A, and takes advantage of the relic's effects to alpha strike A. But once that light's shined on participant A, using the relic on A again it won't work. Participant B on the other hand is still free game and the relic can still work on participant B. But after participant B's been hit by the headlights, that leaves participant C the only person left who is vulnerable to the relic's effects. And lets say C tries to flash A again, but A pulls up a mirror and reflects the lights back at C, because C is a participant and hasn't been flashed by the relic, C gets hit by the relic stun. But afterwards, the relic will now be useless in combat because all participants in combat have been flashed by the relic in combat once.

I may need to work on my wording.

>>4346230
Ah, so it could be used to sort of short-circuit the "ramp up to battle mode" stage where the combat mechanics kick in, giving extra time to run. That's an interesting idea, I like that. Though I think with that utility it actually further cements my feeling that it should be Tier 3, since that's pretty useful. If it was just one of those functions, the combat stun or a "smoke bomb" for evading fights, I'd say Tier 2, but with both I think it's Tier 3.

>>4346246
Oh dear. I'm sorry to hear that your leg is giving you trouble, though I'm glad it's not something more serious.

>>4346257
no, i just worded it kinda poorly myself, as the typical fight in the Crucible is 1 v 1, so it would typically in reality really be a one use item each fight.

even our family typically only fights a singular opponent when we do.

>>4346263
>>4346258
Fun fact about the response commonly called "fight or flight". It has an oft-unmentioned Third Option — freeze. Freezing is meant for a scenario where you're confronted by something dangerous that will harm you if it notices you, but isn't aware of or interested in you specifically. What's dangerous is ending up in a scenario where that's not true, but freezing anyway because your instincts have misjudged the situation — if you're consciously aware that you need to override this response, but not actually able to, it becomes terrifying. In fact, many animals (including humans) have the option of freezing in their panic responses.

The flashlight is designed to invoke and exploit the Freeze response.

>>4346263
Have you imagined using this relic on a group of enemies or a mob of angry daughters, or a swarm of constructs? So imagine being out numbered and you pull the Relic out. Those suckers will drop like flies out of the air and give you the moment you need to kill em all with one big AoE.

And I can already see moth-themed daughters having a love-hate relationship with this relic. This thing will be their BANE of existence.

>>4346271
yes i saw the potential, which is why i said it teters on the edge of working(in a sense of being balanced) and that your price was probably way too low, even if giving more exact numbers is kinda hard to do due not having much there to compare it too like i said.

(Hoping that this message gets through on my data, but due to a tremendous storm where I live the power has gone out. I'll continue to finish the update, and when it comes back on, I'll upload it immediately. Apologies for the interruption, and I hope you all are doing well.)

>>4346408
No rush OP.....

Higher Power is one of the things covered in your insurance that will make sure people wont be upset with you.

I hope the storm wont affect you to badly otherwise.

Keep at it while i will go to sleep. Good Night

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>>4346408
oh, sorry to hear that, and hope things turn out alright. stay safe!
personally i love a good downpour, rainy weather is my absolute favorite, but yeah losing power is never a good trade off. still, assuming you dont despise it hope it can give you some form of joy in return.

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>>4346411
night Anon, hope some rest helps with the tendon issues!

>>4346408
No need to apologize, BHOP. I'm sorry to hear you're having a power outage, though, those are awful. See you when the power gets back on, friend.

>>4346411
Good night, anon. Sleep well.

(Internet and power is still out, Gentlemen. I'll update as soon as I am able, and thank you for your patience.)

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>>4346632
Apologizes, but i do believe i will be going to bed. Hope your power recovers before you need it for something truly important, and wish you and the rest of the folks here a wonderful night.
i'll catch you folks on the flip side, hopefully in time for the vote once BHOPs life stops trying to shank him.

>>4347097
(The internet is not back on yet, though the power is. The update is currently sitting on Google Docs. Trapped. It would be funny if I wasn't so mad about it. I'll be heading to bed soon and hoping this reolves itself before I just re-wrote the whole damn thing from scratch at work.)

(Rest well everyone, and my apologies for this bizarre turn of events.)

>>4347097
A belated good night to you, anon. Checking the thread before going to sleep, myself.

>>4347135
Ah, that's tough, BHOP. No need to apologize. See you tomorrow, and a good night to you and anyone else still awake.

>>4347135
No need to apologize OP. I hope you will get your internet back before you have to head to work tomorrow

I hope you can rest well

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>>4345982

"Speaking of her and you... how did the council form? How was it all before...that.” You ask, gesturing back towards the inky black hall from when you came. “I know it might be hard to look back on considering how things are now, but you and Levia at least tolerated the other two for a while, and even if it wasn’t easy, surely that means there was at least something there you or Levia could respect, no?"

“Mag and Aer are super stuck-up. They were here before Lev came, and then I joined up...later. But those two always acted like they were better than us.” Nero says, her wonderment of B’ni morphing into a scowl as she recalls her fellow councilmembers. “They insisted on collabs, always wanted to ensure we were all getting involved, even if we didn’t wanna be. Levia, she made this space for me. Told me to fill it with whatever I wanted, and damn what the other two had to say...but when Mag and Aer found out, they were supportive, actually. They tried to add their own touch to things, but they backed off when I told them it was mine. They’re stuck up...but they respected me n’ Lev.”

“So what changed?” B’ni prods, gently. Nero just shrugs.

“Magnus yelled and Levia, and then he wouldn’t respond when Levia tried to make amends. That’s what Lev told me.”

“Do…do you have any friend besides Levia?” B’ni suddenly asks, her brow furrowed for a split-second before she puts on a relaxed smile as Nero turns to her.

“I’ve got my followers!” Nero replies with a grin. “We don’t really hang out, but they like my work!”

“You know what, Nero? You remind me a bit of our Amara…which is no small compliment, by the way.” You clarify with a grin. “And I’m sure you two would get along, and I’m absolutely positive that she would love to meet you sometime but...”

Nero cocks her head to one side as you trail off.

“…things here aren’t exactly in a state for that, and while I respect your reasons for supporting Levia, it’s her and my family that are part of the reason I have to remain neutral and fair here.” You explain as the little girl before you folds her arms. “Like you have to support Levia, I have to do my best to make sure anything I drag them into, it’s only if it can be justified...and I’m not sure yet if this is something to get them involved in at all.”

Instead of kneeling down, you look up, hands in your pockets as you marvel at the dizzying level of detail in Nero’s work.

“That’s why, even if Levia’s the right choice I still have to make sure I’m fair. Because like you wouldn't want to force Levia into a situation she may not be comfortable with, I have to think like that for those who I care for like you care for her."

Looking down, you find that Nero’s regarding you with a quizzical expression, devoid of the irritation or petulance you’ve seen there before.

"Does that make sense?"

(Continued)

>>4347910

“…Kinda.” She shrugs, though her eyes show a sign of glimmering recognition that wasn’t there, before.

"That aside, I heard you've had a hand in everything made here, that it was your work that connected everything together.” You continue breezily, seguing from your points to something closer to Nero’s heart. “I noticed most had been taken down and replaced with these pipes, though - is that some new big showpiece you're working on?"

“It’s Levia’s-…secret.” Nero replies, catching herself. “It’s really cool, though! Even Levia hasn’t told me much about it, but I’m sure it’s gonna be great!”

“Wow, that *is* super-secret.” B’ni replies, casting you a worried glance. “When did Levia start on her latest project?”

“Hm…a little before she and Mag had their argument.”

“I see…did you and Levia collaborate a lot?” B’ni inquires earnestly.

“Um…when Levia wanted to, we did!”

You’re about to speak when a flicker of electricity jolts between your temples, and you’re free, your swarmlings having finally found their way outside of this damnable labyrinth. You can feel them, now – a true extension of you, tied to the swarmlings that are at your allies’ sides, scattered as they are throughout the Fleshscape.

In the words of every movie hacker ever…

...you’re in.

...well, out. Technically.

…

Anyway, the fact remains that Nero glossed over some key aspects of what you asked her, namely how the council formed and the exact nature of the dispute between Magnus and Levia. Whether or not that comes from a child's understanding of the matter or from something more eldritch remains to be seen, however...

>>Step away for a moment, leaving Nero and B’ni alone while you connect with your allies.

>>Send out a quick update to everyone relaying your current situation, but stick close to the other two girls.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next five hours. Re-wrote the update from scratch during the busiest morning I’ve had all week. ‘Twas absolutely worth it. I hope you all rested well, and that you’re having a pleasant day.)

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>>4347916
hrm, not sure if i should be glad or worried im only an hour late getting up around my 'natural' wakeup time, considering when that is.

anyways, vote;
>Let Isabelle take the reigns. have her do what she is comfortable with, how she is. We need both more information aswell as to crack Neros image of Levia, all while somehow keeping her from feeling like we're stalling.
>No pressure though Isabelle. Shu will jump back in if you signal or need it.

>While that is going on, Shu should Catch the family up as best she can.
>Catch whoever you can, but not peeling them away from being in the middle of something strong. Worse case, a few get caught up on things once the rest are in gear.
>Make sure they understand this might be much bigger than just an artists quarrel now, but that you also cant confirm it yet... and that trying to do so directly could end very badly if Granny is correct. Yet theres obvious dangers in simply taking Grannys word on it without more proof, even if theres already evidence to support it may be true, aside from Granny not being the lying type.
>You need an idea on how to confirm things about Levia safely(or as safely as is possible), without ostracizing yourself from the other side, aswell as their general opinions and idea on what to do about this mess as a whole.

>>4347918
damn, sorry to hear you had to re-write it. your google document settings not set to save it to their server so you can acess it from other devices, or does your other devices simply not play well with it?

>>4347918
well today was certainly interesting. One of my colleagues had an allergic reaction and had to be rushed to the hospital though already she is fine again. And i nearly died of boredom........

so yeah the work i was missing probably got piled onto your desk on the other side of the earth.

Though i am sorry to hear that you had to rewrite the update again. Though it does read very well.

>>4347916
Supporting>>4348079

>>4347916
Supporting >>4348079

As for how to confirm Granny Van's story about Levia...maybe something with the "things modified by high-level Flesh Artisans retain under their influence" idea? If Levia has been replaced, then her old work should have a different imprint than her new work. We need to find some original Levia artwork and compare it (possibly via Psychica Spiralis and Neuromancy) to the current stuff.

>>4348484
>>4347916
I can support the idea of asking for the Artist's signature. Can't really get away with forgeries and fakes when the Artist leaves their unique signature

(Writing now, Gentlemen...just woke up from a nap I most certainly did not intend to take. I swear, this entire week has felt like trying to start a marathon and then stepping on a lego on the first stride.)

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>>4348785
hah, so it seems.
its fine, if you took the nap, your body was telling you you needed it, clearly.

Also, this is the last of the portraits i had saved up finally, awesome.

>>4348795
(Thank you for posting those - every single one of them has been an absolute treat.)

>>4348785
Yeah, I get you, I've been dozing off lately too. It's the heat, we're getting into summer and it's so much harder to fight tiredness because of it. No need to apologize, BHOP. I'm glad you got some rest, though.

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>>4348799
huh, i actually have more trouble with winter myself, but i suppose it depends on the individual.

>>4348797
glad you liked them. he's started moving back on to his usual art, but it was certainly a very nice series he did there.

>>4348335
(Also, sorry your workday was a bizarre one, yourself. Work's also been getting to me, so I've been getting home completely fried.)

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>>4347916

Taking a step back, you nod pointedly towards Isabelle, prompting a glimmer of realization in her eyes as you take a few steps more away from them as you play at admiring the architecture while sending a family-wide communique. It’s a burst of rapid-fire rundown for whoever's listening, and it doesn’t take but a moment for a response.

{...Well, that escalated pretty quick, babe. Fran and I are doing fine over here, at least} Gina mutters, the first to reply. {So, we’re probably dealing with one of those eldritch assholes Mother booked, huh? Any ideas, everyone?}

“If her powerset obeys the same general principles as most Daughters, then regardless of its efficacy it, too, must have some limits.” Francine muses, cutting in on the line courtesy of her proximity to your girlfriend. “Additionally, if I can make contact, then I may be able to turn her power against her.”

“Look at our Doc, comin’ out with that big dick energy!” Rath whistles approvingly. “If you need an extra pair or two of fists, then I think I can leave Tinker here to keep fiddling with the Altar’s Relic. She’s in the fuckin’ zone, man.”

“Good to hear you’ve been making progress.” You say with a grin. “How’s everyone else doing out there?”

{Like I said, Francine and I have been making some progress. We probably need to get back ina second, since we left in the middle of a pretty deep-dive discussion...but I’ll be at you side in an instant, if you need us}

“Johanna and I have made contact with the Tin Soldiers.” November coolly informs you. “Johanna and I are waiting to speak with their CO, but they’ve been hospitable, if suspicious. I don’t blame them for their caution, but it borders on paranoia.”

“Heya!” Holly chimes in with her trademark enthusiasm. “Uzu and I are great over here! The Green Hats are sooooo sweet! You’ve gotta meet them when you two wrap things up at Arcadia!”

“How’s Isabelle?” Uzu immediately cuts in.

“B’ni’s fine. She’s got herself a little fan, actually - one of the Councilmembers, Nero, apparently adores her. They’re taking now...but as calm as things are at the moment,, I’d like to plan for the ambiguity of how this might turn out.” You explain under your breath, casting a glance over your shoulder. “I may tap one or more of you for help if Dorian’s not-”

“I believe I’ve rested quite enough, Miss Shu.”

Determination, in a gentleman’s measured tone.

“Just tell me how I can help.” Dorian says with an audible smile. “Can’t let you ladies have all the fun, now can I?”

>>Call in one or more of your allies to help you with the Arcadia situation [PLEASE CHOOSE NEW TEAM COMPOSITION]

>>Leave them be for now until they’re needed...their work’s important, in the long run.

>>Use the think-tank that is your family to get their opinion on a specific topic.

>>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 at 3:00PM tomorrow, Eastern time. Thank you all for your patience, participation, and enthusiasm, truly. I wish you all a restful evening, one and all.)

>>4348848
not gonna lie, im having a slight brain shortage. Gina and Francine are meeting with the giant brain daughter combo thing, right?

>>4348852
(They are, yes. Just to reiterate, your last marching orders are quoted below.)

>>"Alright, here's the marching orders; Rath and Tinker take the Altar Fragment, while Gina and Francine speak with the Gemeinschaft. Uzu, Holly - go talk to the Green Hats, and I'm entrusting the Tin Soldiers to November and Johanna."

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>>4348857
ah, thank you very much BHOP.
though ironically i think your list is incomplete, unless im misremembering Amara and Orwell went to go meet some kids, no?

>>4348862
(They did, yes. They have not yet reached out, but whether that's because they're occupied or otherwise is unknown.)

>>4348862
>>4348866
(And yes, mine was just a simple quote, since I had the 44th Vein open from the archive.)

>>4348846
>"if Dorians on the way, then at the moment, focus on what you're doing. If things are done or wrapping up though, i do feel this certainly is something we could use more hands on, but dont rush yourselves or who you're talking to, that would be rude."
>"If Rath think Tinker can handle things on her own, then she can head on over. But for both her and Dorian, we need to be cautious. This isnt a fight yet, and i dont want either side of this conflict thinking we're trying to put force down here. It might be best to get close but hang back for now, over entering, unless either of you have thoughts on any good excuses or ways you could sneak in?"

>"As for the rest of you, Keep an ear open, but we're not in need of a rush from all of you; yet."
>"What i do really need is some thoughts or ideas on how to approach Levia... or if we even should. Francines is a good idea, but thats only if we can hold off long enough to figure out how to get her in here without causing a massive stir of paranoia, especially because if Levia has been hijacked, She might already know what type of daughters to be cautious of."
>"Otherwise, i'll try and get some info on these pipes so our big brained league can get some answers on them. like i said in the meantime, dont leave your hosts waiting on my account. we're not out of time here... yet."

>Try and let your family get back or help as they feel is best, while seeing if Isabelle needs any help, and if you cant use some swarmlings to sneak some neuromantic info out of the pipes for the others.

>>4348866
>>4348872
figured, just wanted to double check.

>>4348848
Thanks for running, BHOP. See you in tomorrow, and I hope you get some proper rest tonight.

>>4348862
Is it weird that that's the meeting I'm most worried about? Not out of any sort of danger, but because our daughter figure is going off to meet some new people her age. What if they don't get along, and don't want to be friends, and then Amara is sad?

>>4348885
(On phone)
Yeah, that is a worry, though the group sounded like decent folks, so hopefully thats a good sign.
I mean, not like she would be friendless if it doesn't work out, but yeah it would be a sad blow to her mood.

>>4348846
Supporting >>4348881

fuck dude this looks cool but theres but im so far behind wtf

>>4349074
(No worries - the archive is at the top of the thread, and I'll post it below for your convenience, too. Thanks for posting, too! It's always nice to know when people stop by.)

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

>>4349074
Yeah, we're pretty far along, but it's worth it to catch up. We probably could do with a "the story so far" document to speed things up for new players, though. I might type one up. Would be full of spoilers, though.

>>4349084
ok, quick question, is the mc a guy or a girl?

>>4349306
girl.
mild spoiler, but a very early one; the Crucible is a 'girls only' club, but i'll leave the stronger specifics open for you to find out, or from here on use spoilers if you really want/need to know more.

>>4349311
nvm mind then, doesn't seem like my cup of joe. thx tho.

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>>4349104
>>4349074
im up now if the Anon wants one, and after my Review back in the... bloody hell, the 20th Vein, I probably need to update that anyhow.
man, I dont regret writing that, but the feeling of the Quest must've been much different than i thought to think that it made any sense to write a review at that moment. to be fair though, so few Quests last even 5 threads 20 alone is and was massively impressive to me.

>>4349074
also, as others have said, the Quest is worth it just as even a story, but i do understand if you're not here to read a story over participating considering the nature of this being /qst/, and while i cannot recommend this quest enough, its also one that even from a player perspective i dont think just a 'story so far' will at all do it justice nor fully prepare you for playing perhaps. little details can and have mattered in this quest, to put it mildly, on top of the mountain of reasons for how we interact with the world or make some of our decisions.

that being said me, BHOP, or any other player are more than willing to try and help you along how we can.

>>4349316
nah I'm good home slice

>>4349314
heh, that timing.
still though, to each their own. Personally if i hadn't been here since the beginning, that factor would make me weary of the Quest aswell, but it has more than enough to make up for that.

but again, I understand, you do you, and thanks for at least giving it an initial look over.

>>4349323
not gonna lie, I saw that nero chick and my waifufag instincts kicked into high gear and I instantly clicked onto the thread. it's honestly no skin off your back with me not participating in this quest lol.

>>4349328
hah, yeah fair enough and thanks for the honesty.
even moreso, i wouldn't want to, but even if i wanted to, Nero is a side character very unlikely to be anything close to a main character, so if you're hear for more of her, you would only be getting so much more of that.

>>4349334
fug dude. if I may ask, do you have sauce for the art for her? Or is that oc?

>>4349339
I do not. BHOP might though, but he most likely will not be here for at least 4 hours.
...and if he does show up before then, then he probably needs to be chewed out for it.

>>4349344
lol, aight before I head to bed, I'm gonna need you to clarify somthin for me.
>i wouldn't want to
bruh, do you not see those hips? How could you not want to?

>>4349351
...well, if it helps, Nero is a young girl in the Quest and BHOP is 100% only using that image because it fits her mutations and power set, over anything else to do with the image, so that kinda makes me not want to think about her like that.

im also the rare Anon not really into waifufagging or shipping, is what i was mostly talking about, so i wouldn't want to try and hook a player over their interest in that.

>>4349355
I mean if her age is on the clock

damn, who tf is knocking on my door so damn late. brb

>>4349357
well, we very much have different views on that, but we dont actually know if thats the case and its very possible she is not.

>>4349359
Hey there anon. Letting you know that I've locked Chapter 7 of the Cradleton Story again. There was a snag that I realized upon re-reading the order of events, and found that reworking chapter 7 would make the narrative fit better and keep the story consistent with Carter's perspective.

I'll release the revised chapter 7 soon. The length of the chapter has been cut down considerably to about 22-ish pages, and I've given Carter a new ability tree (an offensive ability) that you can play around with once the Cradleton saga is done.

Chapter 8 of the story is going rather smoothly and it's almost done, but the contents of said chapter has once again warranted another expansion chapter to the story.

Goddamn, I never knew how much bloat this section of the plot line would have in terms of the amount of events crammed into the story due to the time-warping effects of the dreamscape.

That said, once Chapter 8's events are all said and done, the entire thing should speed back up.

Fair warning: Chapter 7 & 8 has some moments where I'm not entirely sure if the action or decision fits the character. But I'll let you be the judge of that when I get it published.

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>>4349783
ah, timing is just not something this Vein has been good at, now is it?
Well that Tabs closed, but thanks for letting me know, and again, i am sorry it was taking so long, but life sadly is also like that sometimes. hope it all works out more in line with where you need it though.

>>4349861
No worries. Chapter 7 & 8's becoming more and more like Chapter 5's "Make or break" moment if you know what I mean, where the one idea I'm trying to go with would either make the chapters really good, or cause a ton of controversy. And because the two chapters require each other in order to get the development across properly, I'm taking my time and writing multiple iterative drafts to ensure that it's done right.

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>>4348846

"If Dorian’s on the way, then at the moment I’d like for you all to focus on what you're doing.” You say, glancing back to Isabelle to find her being led around the edge of the room by a delighted Nero. “If things are done or wrapping up though, I do feel this is something we could use more hands on, but don’t rush yourselves or who you're talking to…t’would be rude."

You think you hear Dorian give a slight chuckle as you address your red-haired brawler.

”Rath? If you think Tinker can handle things on her own, then you’re welcome to head on over. But for both you and Dorian, we need to be cautious. This isn’t a fight yet, and it might be best to get close but hang back for now over just barging right in, unless either of you have thoughts on any good excuses or ways you could sneak in?"

“If I may be so bold, I believe that sneaking in might set the wrong precedent if we’re discovered.” Dorian posits calmly. “I’d advocate for Rath and I either staying back or coming in – maybe to speak with Magnus and Aeren, if you think that might be wise.”

“Divide and conquer.” Rath hums appreciatively, before quickly clarifying. “Converse. Divide and converse.”

"Maybe so, but I’ll have to think about how best to approach this mess.” You reply with a sigh. “As for the rest of you, please keep an ear open, but we're not in need of a rush from all of you…not yet, anyway. Now, what I could really use are some thoughts or ideas on how to approach Levia... or if we even should. Francine’s idea is solid, but that’s only if we can hold off long enough to figure out how to get her in here without causing a massive stir of paranoia - because if Levia’s been hijacked, she might already know what type of daughters to be cautious of."

“I’d imagine that you’d be at the top of her list of parties to suspect, Darling…any of our known family members would, really.” Francine muses, and you can almost see her thoughtfully tapping her chin with one slender finger. “I’d consider using a disguise, if Flesh Artisans weren’t so adept at sniffing out such attempts.”

“Maybe Neuromancy?” Gina pitches. “Rath, you think we could cobble something together that could emulate Sia’s power?”

“I fear we may be over-thinking this.” Comes Dorian’s gentle rebuke before Rath can get the ball rolling. “Surely most of the complex knows that Shu’s already arrived – it’s just the exact nature of her visit that remains unknown…and that’s an uncertainty we may be able to turn to our advantage.”

Another furtive glance over your shoulder reveals Isabelle and Nero speaking animatedly with each other, your ally keeping her well-entertained…or maybe it’s the other way around.

>>Bring Dorian onboard, then make your way to [Write-In].

>>Have Dorian and Rath visit Magnus and Aeren.

>>Try reaching out to Amara and Orwell…they’ve been unusually quiet.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, I know it’s rather early, but due to the sheer workload of what we’re dealing with here I believe that it may be in the Vein’s best interests for me to pause here over the weekend and work some overtime today while I’m in the office. I must confess that this week’s pace and events have left me utterly exhausted, the sort that certainly hasn’t faded after a few nights of restless sleep. If I can make enough headway here today then it’ll lead to a far less stressful Monday and, with any luck, a better start to the Vein going forward. Thank you all for your patience, kindness, and understanding, as well as your continued participation. I’ll be keeping an eye on the Vein to address and questions, concerns, or criticisms you all may have, and know that I wish you a restful weekend, one and all.)

>>4350026
>...Dorian might be right. you might be overthinking this.
>Suggest Dorian and Rath meet you, while you spend the time preparing something simple;
>Spreading out Swarmlings to each and every individual in here you can find, with a simple, and very honest message;
>"Shu and the Defiants are here. We at this time are taking and do not wish to take a side. However, the fighting here has shown signs and been looked at by reliable sources to possibly be on the road to affecting things and people outside your settlement. while we are not here to tell you how to live your lives, who you should or shouldn't support, we cannot abide by your conflict dragging others in or causing other major problems."
>"Therefore, Shu invites all leaders of both parties aswell as any other individuals to meet with her, both together AND individually, however any Individual meetings will not be agreed to without said party agree to the group meeting and agreeing to not trying to dissuade or prevent the group meeting in the Individual meeting."
>"Our goal here is simply to find a solution, not to enforce a winner, or even stop the fighting if people do not wish to stop it. It is only to prevent growing and further issues we cannot abide by."
>"Please pat and attach your response to the Fuzzbuzz to send your reply back my way. please do not kidnap the Fuzzbuzz at this time, no matter how tempting his cute face and fluffy fur is. thank you."

>Hopefully, this will show where and why your family is here and stands, and might bring some things to light simply based off who is willing to let a third party meet them. the very real issue that their fighting may no longer only be a threat to themselves hopefully will start to make some second guess things, especially if their leaders do not take it into account.

kinda out of left Field i know, but Dorian made me think of it. I understand if people dont like it or think it needs some work, but i dunno, trying to complicate things, especially with the Levia issues, was just stirring something up in me i didnt like.

my other idea was for Dorian and Rath to meet the other faction while Shu takes the gamble to meet Levia, prepared for the fact she might get mind wiped, but being prepared to send out an alrt the second it might even look like it would happen, while asking if Gina and Fran think the halo might block it, or if Shu should get someone to drain their levels into the Crown, unless they think that too wouldn't work.

but the risk just felt too great i guess, over us literally just being honest with the settlement and seeing how that plays out. worse case? Levia refusing to meet a neutral third party gives us plenty of legitimate reasons to take the other side if it does end up happening, regardless of if it is actually Levia or not.

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>>4350029
hey, I understand. Sorry work is smashing you down like a jackhammer into concrete, i really hope you find some rest and enjoyment out of your weekend, truly. maybe snuggle up and watch a movie with the missus or something.

While i wont begin to know how your work, well, works, dont overexert yourself, both for our sake or in general, with unnecessary overtime. especially because i am unsure it can break the Monday curse. But of course, you do what you think you need to do, and i wish you the best and hope it goes well. Thank you again for running what you can when you can.

I'd assume you're waiting to put out a start time til you know how things look a bit more?
also like always, heres some art to help you through the day a bit.

>>4350029
I'm sorry to hear your week has been so rough, BHOP. Go, get some rest, and we'll see you on Monday. Thanks for running.

>>4350062
Well, Levia probably doesn't do mind-wiping but history-wiping, as we discussed earlier, so the Neurotic Crown probably wouldn't do anything anyway. I do wonder what the effective time scale for the unmaking process is, how fast can Levia do that? I'm assuming it's probably not instant, or else she'd have just erased Magnus and Aeren to get them out of the way. Part of me kind of wants her to try something just so we can see what it looks like. As-is, I have no idea how we're even going to start opposing her. We can get everyone talking as much as we want, but if Levia's been replaced by some sort of time monster that wants to unmake history, eventually we're going to have to kill her anyway.

Now, as for the mass communique idea, I don't think it's terrible but I think it needs both rephrasing and to not be done quite yet. Rephrasing because I want to get rid of the "dragging others in" part of it. I think that's too accusatory, it sounds like Shu thinks of Arcadia just as a problem that other people are being threatened by. It's treating them as an enemy, which is at odds with the rest of the communique's intent of working with them to resolve this peaceably. And then there's the timing matter, where if we do this right here and now Nero absolutely will mistake it for us turning on her and then she won't be cooperative. Let's run out the conversation with her, then send the message out. Though that runs into timing issues of Levia showing up before we can, doesn't it? Hmm, maybe we should get Dorian and Rath in to talk to Magnus and Aeren, then.

>>4350505
yes, but if Levia has been replaced, she wont really be able to give anyone a proper solution to what she is doing even if she does come to talk, so its iffy but putting talking on the table kinda puts her in a very dubious spot, especially if she isnt Levia.

I also I suppose see no reason not to be a little accusatory, or at least dont see it as a problem when within the context of the whole letter by itself.

We also dont really have time for both. If we send Dorian and Rath to speak with the others, then we simply might not have time, aswell as the issues it might bring up of it looking like us picking sides through them. It also in my opinion is us going behind Neros back much more than the message. The message sounds like exactly what we have been telling her we wish to do, the only dubious part is doing it while talking to her, but just like with our scouts, we can easily say we always had our swarm about(which is bending the truth ill admit but not truly a lie either). having Dorian and Rath sneak about to secretly talk to her enemies certainly sounds like ALOT worse of a thing if she finds out about it, and as Dorian said, is a really iffy idea because of that.

gah, im holding my friends up from a game for too long already. too much to say here, but the TL DR is, what time do we have, and your giving me nothing to work with as an alternative that will keep us neutral without making us look really scummy and dubious.

>>4349861
Got a question concerning Carter:
>What sort of humor does Carter enjoy?

>>4350818
that... is a question i have not even thought to ask. Huh. I guess whatever you think feels natural considering his character? sorry, like i said, just not something I ever thought of, well, putting deep thought into.

>>4350880
I'll come up with something for Carter in the Cradleton saga. Can't have him all be Mr.grumpy and serious 24/7, that'll lead him to getting a Hunger Madness tantrum.

>>4350897
oh yeah, im ok with him being able to laugh, no worries there haha.

Good morning, thread.

>>4350765
>yes, but if Levia has been replaced, she wont really be able to give anyone a proper solution to what she is doing even if she does come to talk, so its iffy but putting talking on the table kinda puts her in a very dubious spot, especially if she isnt Levia.
Okay, I can see the value of that. Maximize how much Levia has to communicate with Magnus and Aeren, make it more likely that she'll slip up. I think we'll want to have something else to back that up, though. Some evidence that when they notice her acting weird we can then go "the reason she's acting strange is because she's really a time vampire, here is proof connecting those two thoughts". I think it would be the pipes that would give us that information, we really need to find out what they are.

So how about, while we're sending out our messenger swarmlings, we mix some jacklings in with them? Jack-FuzzBuzzes. Maybe some psy-FuzzBuzzes, too, I feel like Psychica Spiralis has to be at least somewhat useful here. But the point is, disguise our scanning with the messengers, hide them among the flock so that they're not as noticed. If Nero questions us about it we can give the honest answer that the jacklings are helping us map the place so that we can find people. It's true, it's just not all they're doing. Send them around, get a bunch of data points throughout the complex, maybe even directly tap into the pipes and take a drink. Mary said that the pipes still conveyed Levia's intentions, so we might be able to read something from them. Probably why the Nothingness Daughter usurped Levia's identity in the first place, steal her root access to the Flesh Artisan systems in Arcadia and convey her intentions instead. That might expose us to her, though, so if we do have a swarmling tap in we should have the Silver Key ready.

>We also dont really have time for both.
Yeah, sorry, I was unclear. That was me prevaricating on the idea of "should we send those messages out, or just have Dorian and Rath move in", not trying to say both. You're right, though, having them about is going to cause just as much difficulty as it solves, if not more.

>>4351284
>>4350029
well, it was in the vote before this one that we SHOULD already be having a few swarmlings trying to sneak some pipe info, but we will have to wait on BHOP to tell us if that is happening and just wasn't mentioned, or if something got in the way of Shu doing it.

(Hello, Gentlemen. I believe that I'll be resuming the Vein this Tuesday, July 14th at 9:00AM Eastern time. Mondays are always a beast on my end, even moreso as of late, so I thought it best to resume at a time that won't be as stressful. I do hope everyone is having pleasant weekend, and a restful one at that.)

>>4351683
(The swarmlings are still working at it, yes.)

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>>4353203
Restful enough. Hope the same for you, and looking forward to Tuesday.

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Gentlemen, after weeks of delays and numerous re-writes. I present to you Chapter 7 Carter and the Town of Cradleton.

Chapter 7: Suicidal Madness

Chapter summary: A critical misstep causes the plan to fall apart before Carter's eyes minutes before the bell tolls the midnight hour. Alone and in the dark with the devil as his witness, Carter contemplates the unthinkable. The Devil however, has other ideas.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vkweSiXea6vstVLLYjY9JROmUF12R09ZJjvf_B8gP8s/edit

Author's notes:

Goddamn this was a heavy chapter. Each reworked draft made me consider the consequences and how it would affect Carter's mentality. There's also the dilemma of whether to keep the perspective solely focused on Carter or expand to a god's eye view.

As for the turn the story has taken, I can only hope you can understand my reasoning. The idea that an adventure like Cradleton doesn't force Carter into a situation like this without pushing him emotionally to his limits doesn't really sit right with me when I considered how accepting the rest of the daughters are when it comes to Andersen in the previous draft, so I felt like I needed to do a serious exploration and expansion of Carter and Andersen's character when it comes the shortcomings of both men.

Don't worry. After this chapter and Chapter 8 (which have surprisingly turned out to be the darkest parts of the story), Everything should be uphill from here.

God, I hope this isn't too OOC for Carter or too ham-fisted in terms of drama, given the world he lives in.

Feedback is appreciated, put them in spoilers as is customary.

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>>4353533
Damn. that's a nice daughter. Disturbingly sensual too.

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>>4353564
well, the name and description of that chapter seems to have shifted focus from what i can remember.
I'll try and get you your review at least before i go to bed tomorrow.

any specific questions or something you want me to try and answer?

>>4353601
and yours is quite nice aswell.

>>4353970
>well, the name and description of that chapter seems to have shifted focus from what i can remember.
It's a result of me mulling over the course of the story as well as address the underlying problem for a solo character like Carter with his hang ups.

>any specific questions or something you want me to try and answer?
Just...does the emotional rationale fit for Carter?
It feels so out of left field yet it also feels like it fits the severity of situation just enough for me to create the proper set up to explore how Carter would act when pushed against an overwhelming monster such as Andersen and how he would act if he's forced to fight when properly motivated from chapter 8 onwards. I'm very much torn as to whether or not it works because chapter 8 is practically the second half that explains this sudden turn of events. It's at risk of falling into the same pitfall as the last section of chapter 5 (good idea on paper, improper execution would fuck things up hard).

That's my current worries for both this chapter and chapter 8 which is about 2/3s done.

>>4353564
While its far from the most jarring thing, nor unreadable, there are a few places where a small word(such an 'a') isnt present where it feels it should be, or the sentence construction is a bit iffy. Very minor a thing, but it was noticeable so felt it should be mentioned.(I actually wonder if my dyslexia makes me more susceptible to noticing and being affected by such things compared to most people, but that may be a different conversation.) theres also a few of the issues of changing between past and current tense.
Mind you, this is something similar to what i struggle with, both when writing and re-reading over my works, so i fully understand how difficult i can be to catch every mistake or avoid them when writing. Does not change the fact i notice them however, and it does effect my reading a bit.

On the random thoughts note, i wonder if Andersen feels a kinship to a degree with Carters spiders, considering they toe the line of being 'just constructs' into something more, in a similar way as Andersen for Amalgams.

Not personally a fan of the greentext section. Im not gonna say its bad or good, because im 100% certain my opinion on it is biased, but it wasn't just a nothing section so at least telling you i cant trust myself to give proper insight on it felt fair. I think i get what you were going for, but again, just not my thing, but it not being my thing doesn't automatically make it bad, it just means it makes it difficult for me to review.

As for Carters outburst…. The Outburst itself felt alright. Was done nicely enough. And Him being at the end of his rope made enough sense. It maybe could’ve used a bit more build up, a bit more to help feel like the shit was piling on, or what have you, but I also understand trying to show Carters frayed nature over all this and keep tabs on him and that would be difficult to do. I think the idea of Carter going over the edge a bit is perfectly fine, and i don't think you stumbled as it was with it. It was certainly on the positive side, and i think the emotion of the characters involved you handled spectacularly, It is only perhaps the buildup maybe needed more to be a dial over a switch perhaps, or perhaps more you did not have the space to properly show the dial over the switch? It gets the job done well enough I suppose.

Also, is a curious thought of if he has been to japan before, and comparing it(and other places) to what there is to see IN the Crucible compared to before. Carter has certainly been all over the world at least a bit, but it brings up a good question both for him and in general, about just how different ‘the sites’ are now compared to before.

(1/3)

>>4355275
I am… very unsure about Carter wanting to commit suicide. I can get the idea of it, and how having to live through and with the ceremony may be worse for him, but i suppose maybe i am unsure of the balance of what you were trying to strike at. I can maybe get behind the idea a bit, but I suppose some of his wording and parts of the questioning Andersen gave was a bit… iffy to me. Carter opened up maybe sounding a bit more silly than felt right, and then some of his focuses felt a bit off. Like while i understand theres only so much to work with, he seemed to only focus too much on the current misery and events than his overall misery.
His focus on Charlotte also felt… off to me. Not necessarily the focus on her, but his outlook and approach to her and the topic maybe. Dunno exactly how to word how i feel on that part, but maybe it felt too much like he was talking at least by the end as if they were in a relationship when they were not?
I guess id give the section a 50/50 split maybe on my thoughts on it. Im just really unsure about it, but something about it certainly is getting me hung up on it.

Also, i feel like his Spiders have been extremely unresponsive and non-existent this chapter. I understand and do not expect all of them to have shown personalities, nor get the limelight an actual character would, but it feels like the point of them and their sentience is just being horribly ignored. Sure, at the end of the day, they will allow and stand with what is best for Carter, even if that meant his death, but wholesale silence and acceptance outright still feels off, at least without even a single word being given to him on it. Maybe that is what is missing? It certainly is a problem i will say, only unsure if its the real hangup im having.

(2/3)

>>4355276
Overall, it was an interesting chapter. Very back and forth. Nothing as… well, terrible as has been in the past, but i cant deny some parts i do have to question a bit, but most of it is less of a ‘this makes no sense’ so much as a ‘maybe this needs more to justify it’ or a ‘this might not be the best building block or focus for this’ kinda way. Nothing hit me as terrible, or like it just could not happen, or made no sense why you went with it, which is very much a good thing, only for the most part, details that might need some work, but details i am unsure can be moved on from safely without said work.

Certainly, you are improving though, even if this isnt exactly a stunningly positive review.
You without a doubt plat out people very well. While some focuses or building blocks may be iffy, the actual characterization and emotion you do spectacularly. As stated before, no one felt like a non person(who got to speak, i mean). When people act, or talk, it felt natural, like real people(or human-amalgams) with their own, unique emotions, thoughts, and goals. You do and did a good job making them feel like they were connected to their reasoning, like it fit to them and was theirs, and that is something to be proud of for sure.

Carter, for all the issues ive mentioned, still did feel like Carter overall, and i could at least understand where you were coming from with the angle, even if i maybe didn't wholly agree at times. You did a good job making Andersen seem like, well, a person, and show while he is a monster, he isnt a MONSTER, if that makes sense. And even what little you showed of the mercs felt pretty good for what it was.

Still, only ball certainly horribly dropped like i mentioned was i guess forgetting the spiders are kinda people too, even if not wholly on the same level in some ways.

It maybe still needs some work, but you did a solid foundation with some good parts that shine well and with solid ideas and a solid flow to its story, it just has some rough edges in some places and some hump that maybe can be chiseled down.
Still, i didn't hate it, not at all, and it certainly like i said is showing you are improving.

(3/3)

>>4355279
>>4355276
>>4355275
Thank you very much for the feedback.

I can see your point over the entire thing on how slightly unnatural the outburst felt when it comes to the build-up and the pace of how much Carter's stress has built up over the entire adventure.

For the whole sudden downturn of Carter's outlook, it was a moment where the muse hits me in the back of the head type of thing where it felt logical for it to possibly escalate to that much of an extent in order to explore more of Carter as a character. Like you said, there's only so much for us to work with given the basic foundations you and I are working with, and I figured the best way to explore Carter as a character is to push him to the brink.

As for Carter's behavior towards Charlotte...now that you mention it, it does feel a bit off. I'll take note of it, but I won't revise it yet. There's a lot of things that I still need to do in order to finish up the story. but when the story is finally finished, then I'll go back to do some polish. Otherwise, it would take months for me to get a polished chapter.

But rest assured, some of the missing questions will be answered as the cliffhanger that I left the story off on chapter 7 serves as the setup to what happens on Chapter 8. Andersen's dropped plenty of hints that there's plenty of things he's been doing in the background in chapter 7, so the rest of it will show up on chapter 8 to showcase a bit more of his abilities as well as address several nitpicks that have caught your attention on chapter 7.

>>4355348
I suppose some of that is fair, considering Chapter 7 and 8 seem to at least somewhat be a package deal if what im reading is correct. We'll see how they feel when paired together then i guess.

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>>4350026

“Dorian? I think you might have a point.” You finally say, settling on a plan of action. “Rath, Dorian - meet up with me as soon as you can, while the rest of you stay safe and alert...I’ve got an idea.”

“What’ve you got in mind?” Rath asks, suspiciously.

“Letting everyone know I’m here.”

At the speed of thought, your hive erupts with diminutive newborns, a stormcloud of FuzzBuzzlings surging past the surrounding pillars and filling the corridors beyond in search of their targets. Each one bears a message, etched into its shell. It’s an earnest, simple thing...and as one alights on B’ni’s shoulder, she gently takes it into her hands and begins to read aloud.

"Shu and the Defiants are here. We, at this time, do not wish to take a side.” She begins, casting you a wary glance before her eyes dart back to your construct.. “However, the fighting here has shown signs of being on the road to affecting things and people outside your settlement. While we are not here to tell you how to live your lives or who you should support, we cannot abide by your conflict dragging others in or causing major problems."

Nero cocks her head to one side, regarding you with a curious expression as B’ni reads the next half of your missive.


"Therefore, Shu invites all leaders of both parties as well as any other individuals to meet with her, both together AND individually. However - any Individual meetings will not be agreed to without said party agreeing to the group meeting and agreeing to not try and dissuade or prevent the aforementioned group meeting. Please understand that our goal here is simply to find a solution, not to enforce a winner, or even stop the fighting if people do not wish to stop it. It is only to prevent the situation from spiraling, along with the further issues that we cannot abide by.”

B’ni squints, reading the final lines. “Please pat and attach your response to the Fuzzbuzz to send your reply back my way. please do not kidnap the Fuzzbuzz at this time, no matter how tempting his cute face and fluffy fur is. Thank you."

“I’m hoping this shows everyone in Arcadia where we stand - figuratively and literally.” You explain, looking between your companions and the young girl beside her. “With any luck, the rest of the council will-”

“Hear you out? I’ll make sure of it.”

(Continued)

>>4356055

The voice is a wistful symphony that echoes through the halls, ringing out with a voice that is a zephyr and a smile, all at once.

“Aeren?” You and Nero both say, surprised.

“The one and only. Word travels fast in Arcadia, and to no-one’s ears quite as fast as mine...especially when carried on such adorable wings.” She chuckles, a windchime of a sound. “Come. Magnus and I will see you...and with any luck, Levia will attend our meeting of the minds, as well.”

And then, added with the softest of whispers. “Nero?”

The shadowy imp flinches ever so slightly at the sound of her name, however gently it was uttered.

“Yeah?”

“I miss you. Magnus does, too.” Aeren states, Nero’s eyes narrowing at the simple declaration. “We have some projects we’d love your input on, after we settle all this.”

“If Magnus apologizes to Levia, then I’d be happy to.” Comes Nero’s defiant reply, and you can practically hear the patient smile in Aeren’s light voice when she replies.

“I hope we can talk again soon, like we used to. I’d like that very much.” Then, to you; “We await your arrival at Nencatacoa Square, at the very heart of Arcadia...and don’t fret. We don’t expect to commence without Levia and Nero’s presence. It will be the four of us, or not at all.”

“It’ll be a lot more than that.” Nero growls, folding her arms irritably. “Shu’s invitation was too open for its own good. You can guarantee it’s going to draw a crowd if we set up in the freaking square, of all places.”

“That was merely a suggestion.” Aeren quickly and politely amends as the locations they speak of fill you mind, thanks to Rag’s map. “If Shu thinks that such a large and open venue would be unwise, then I’m certain you or Levia could suggest a quieter locale.”

The youthful Artisan seems placated by the offer, glancing between you and B’ni before declaring; “I’ll talk to Levia about it when I go and get her.”

Quickly glancing up at B’ni with an excited grin, she adds; “Wanna come with?”

Emerald eyes lock on yours, uncertain of how to proceed.

>>Accompany Nero and B’ni on their jaunt to retrieve Levia, then meet the council as one...along with the inevitable crowd.

>>Send B’ni on her own while you speak with Aeren, all the while making your way to the meeting place of your choosing.

>>You and B’ni will continue on to Nencatacoa Square, and await Nero and Levia’s reunion with their fellows.

>>Have the Council assemble somewhere a little more private - then, if all goes well, you can address Arcadia’s artisans as one.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, I do hope everyone had a pleasant weekend. Voting shall remain open until 3:00PM Eastern time, with posting to resume shortly thereafter.)

>>4356056
>Isabelle can decide for herself if she wants to go with Nero or not, but if it helps her, remind her privately her stance as technically one of your constructs combined with the Dominous Bloodline(by a Domling even if she wishes) gives you plenty of nigh instant ways to pull her out of dangers way if Levia tries to pull anything, however its still a risk but her risk to take or leave.
>You trust the council to know where best to hold this conference, and while it may be dubious, the citizens of the city do have a right to know what is going on and have a say aswell, but you'll let them have the final say, especially if Levia and Nero wont agree without changing locations.

>>4356059
Pleasant Enough. i do hope yours was well too BHOP.

(Additionally, due to some ambiguity before the voting window prior to this one closed, you are welcome to clarify if the messenger swarm you sent out were just mere FuzzBuzzes or smattered with a few more subversive types.)

>>4356072
(It was relaxing, indeed. Caught up on Chainsaw Man, played the demo of Carrion in advance of it's July 23rd release, and read some Lovecraftian fiction while Mrs. BHOP played Skyrim. A lovely weekend and a pleasant cap to an otherwise stressful week.)

>>4356118
glad to hear your weekend was good.

>>4356056
>>4356072
as for the Swarmlings, I suppose we would need a few of them spread throughout to be Stealthy Jacklings to try and get a read on the pipes, but overall thats all i can think of, so i'll leave it mostly to others to decide if we need anything more.

>>4356056
>"Isabelle I know you to make your won decisions. And i will respect whichever decision it is you make"

and Supporting>>4356072

>>4356059
I feel kinda sorry i was so quiet the last couple of days.... ... i just didn't feel to great and was busy with real life stuff..... But now I am back and hopefully will be able to add my voice to the conversation again

>>4356193
(Glad to have you back, and I hope you feel better!)

>>4356056
Yeah, >>4356072 sounds good. Supporting. However, I'd also like to suggest the addition of

>If B'ni goes, give her the Silver Key, if it can force the Nothing to work around it then it might be able to protect from whatever False Levia has. Unlikely, but worth the chance.
>Ask that B'Ni give check-ins via the Dominus Bloodline connection every so often, just to verify she's alright and hasn't been erased from causality.

Just because I don't trust friends to go meet with cliomancers without some assurance that they still have existed.

>>4356118
I think we should send out pairs of Jack-FuzzBuzzes and Psy-FuzzBuzzes. I think the Psy-FuzzBuzzes conveying the effects of Psychica Spiralis should help in avoiding any countermeasures the pipes might have on them. I'm sure False Levia has some sort of protection installed on such a large and difficult to monitor system.

>>4356059
It was okay. Been busy today, though, I'm glad for the extended voting window you gave.

(Back home and just failed a Hunger check, so I'll be getting some lunch before finishing off the post and updating. Thank you for your patience, Gentlemen.)

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>>4356487
i think 4pm(?) is more of Linner(Lunch-Dinner) or something BHOP over an actual lunch, but hope it was a good meal nonetheless.

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>>4356056

[Isabelle, I know you to make your own decisions…and I’ll respect whatever decision it is that you make. I’ve got the Dominus, if you’re concerned about that] You say privately, giving her a subtle nod as you shift focus back to the intangible Councilmember. “I trust you and the Council to know where best to have this conference, and I believe that Arcadia’s citizens have a right to know what’s going on and what we have to discuss. That said – I respect if you all agree to meet elsewhere.”

“Much obliged. I can’t wait to have everyone together again!” Aeren replies, the air around you warming by a degree or two, and coupled with a slight pressure at your shoulders it almost feels like an ethereal hug, of sorts. The air quickly cools, the Artisan’s presence receding from the room as you’re left with your ally and the youngest member of Arcadia’s ruling(?) body. B’ni takes Nero’s hand in her own with a genuinely warm smile. “I’d love to meet Levia, if you’re headed that way…and maybe we could walk and talk, if you’re up for it?”

“Just us?” Nero asks, excitedly bouncing on the balls of her feet.

“Just us.” Isabelle affirms, giving you a conspiratorial wink. You nod, striding over to your companion’s side and giving her a quick hug – one that obscures you slipping the Silver Key into her back pocket.
[Check in often with the Dominus link as often as you can...and be safe, okay?]

“You too.” She whispers, the quick squeeze she gives you a pleasant surprise before she turns on her heel to be whisked off to Levia’s location by the ever-enthusiastic Nero. Silence falls like a veil in the shrouded space, the columns looming around you as you close your eyes, focusing on the pathways and corridors that spread out in your mind. Seconds pass before you locate the meeting space, situated deep within the heart of the meandering tangle of passages, knotted together with no apparent method to their madness. It’s just you, the weapon at your side, and the sound of your own footsteps for company as you make your way to the square. Karma’s weight is a reassurance as always in a decidedly uncertain situation, with all the variables and ‘what-ifs’ buzzing about your mind like a swarm of inexhaustible flies.

On top of the Arcadia situation, there’s also the fact that Amara and Orwell didn’t pitch in when you opened a line to the rest of the family. You assumed that they were just busy elsewhere, but the mounting worry preys on your mind more than you’d care to admit.

She may not be your flesh and blood...but just like the rest of your family, she means more to you than words could possibly define.

>>Try to reach out to Amara and Orwell, if they’re not too busy to touch base.

>>Speak with Karma - she’s the only one you haven’t checked in with about Arcadia, after all.

>>Clear your mind and make haste - the Council is waiting.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, voting shall remain open for the next three hours, with posting to resume shortly thereafter.)

>>4356538
(True...I've always been bad about eating lunch on time.)

>>4356542
hah, its ok, i just got back from getting my own food when i posted that. I am a linner master myself.

>>4356540
Vote;
>Speak with Karma - she’s the only one you haven’t checked in with about Arcadia, after all.

weren't Orwell and Amara going like, into canadas deepish north? and wasn't it described as being kinda wonky up there? Im worried too, but it could easily just be some odd issue with communication, over something truly wrong. im sure even Orwells abilities have their limits.

>>4356548
>>linner
(I'm so glad I'm not the only one that calls it that.)

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>>4356550
linner is superior to brunch, and anyone can fight me on that!

>>4356548
I thought they were just projecting up there with Skintalking and clones. Is Amara physically traveling up to meet the Lords of the Flies already? Orwell doesn't leave her Panopticon, so is our little girl all on her own?

>>4356550
I think it's fairly common. There's also supfast, when you wind up not eating supper until late enough at night that it becomes morning.

>>4356553
(I've never heard of supfast, but it's a delightful word.)

>>4356552
(Agreed - also, an excellent picture.)

>>4356553
I was under the impression both were going in person yes.

>>4356556
but we can ask BHOP here for clarification.

>>4356553
>>4356556
also, i honestly probably ear linner and supfast more often than i do the standard meals... and somewhat in food types aswell.

>>4356540
>>Speak with Karma - she’s the only one you haven’t checked in with about Arcadia, after all.
>>Write-In
>Pass Karma any data we get on the pipe system, see if she recognizes anything.

It's a bit of a longshot, but Karma was able to identify that Jack's sword had common design features with the Void Orrery and Silver Key, which we believe to have been made by the Nothing's species. False Levia has some unclear commonality with the Nothing, that might lead to them building things along similar lines.

>>4356558
(Both were going in person.)

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>>4356609
alright. then yeah hopefully its just the area being wonky, over something else. certainly widens the possibilities.

>>4356609
If Orwell's traveling, is she bringing her bodyguard with her? It's been a little weird that we've never met said bodyguard, despite us visiting Orwell's home and her coming to ours. I'm starting to wonder if the bodyguard actually exists or was just a construct she made. Or maybe Orwell's the construct and the bodyguard is the real body? She is strikingly lacking in mutation for a high-level Daughter with a Gluttonous Core, could be the same thing that Mara and Magpie did.

>>4356641
yeah we never did figure out whats up with her bodyguard. Bhop made it sound like we were on track to figuring it out at one point, but i guess either rolls or a decision of ours changed course on that.

she could just have a strong Vitruvian ability is my guess. her Gluttonous ability also is an odd one, and one where it giving her strong mutations wouldn't really make sense for it. actually, it keeping her more physically attractive to a wider audience would make alot of sense for it.

>>4356645
Maybe. But I'd still expect some mutation, just in the attractive "monster girl" type that Rath seems to be developing. Orwell has nothing. Maybe a secondary Vitruvian power could prevent that, but it's still suspicious. Because according to Paloma in the interlude Vein, the bodyguard was the one who built the Panopticon with her crystal powers. And Orwell said she's been through multiple iterations of the Panopticon. So there's this person that Orwell is dependent on for her operations and who has been working with her for some time, but we've never seen her or even had her be mentioned in passing by Orwell. That's super sketchy. And it can't be that the bodyguard is some secret backer that Orwell doesn't want it getting out she's associated with, so she never mentioned her, because Paloma met her. The only way it makes sense to me is if one of them is not a real person.

>>4356661
perhaps, but its not like we know anything really about Paloma either. maybe she just happens to have the ability set necessary to find out about// force the bodyguard to reveal themselves, and is just a bit more loud mouthed than she should be about it.
It is sketchy, i wont deny that, but I just dont see any evidence to it pointing to yet another double body situation. Feels like by now for sure there would be some sign of it, over nothing, if that was the case.

Could just be her bodyguard got killed and she had to absorb her inbetween the interlude and us meeting her ourselves, who knows?

>>4356540
BHOP, can we walk and talk with Karma, despite her being a mostly dreamscape entity? Just thought of that, that speaking with her might delay us more, because we're talking with her and then heading over, instead of moving slower but still moving.

>>4356716
(You won't be delayed, so no woreies there.)

>>4356728
Okay, good. I'm fine with walking and talking, just didn't want to stop for a bit while we talked. Ideally I'd like to meet with Magnus and Aeren briefly before we all speak, just to get a better feel for their personalities, but having Karma assess any information we can get on the pipes is important, too. I feel like we'd be less pressed for time if we hadn't run into Nero and had to do something dramatic to avoid being alone in the same room as False Levia. Oh well, just got to work on the move, now.

(Gentlemen, I'll be wrapping up a proper supper and then posting here soon.)

>>4356777
Oh, yeah, it's around dinner time, isn't it? I should probably get started on that, myself.

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>>4356540

Your hand drifts to the reliable weapon at your hip, your mind retreating from the dull calcite halls and into the shared consciousness of the being housed deep within the baroque firearm. You blink, and it all falls away - the ceilings and floors flake to dust, swept up in the perfect breeze that rolls lazily across the sloping hills before you. It’s a scene that’s strikingly familiar, despite the alien scenery - Dorian’s representations were picture-perfect, down to the strange blend of pinks and teals that make up the warped flora that carpets the ground beneath your feet. High above, the planet’s suns stream down their ever-present warmth, blending with the continual breeze to imitate a perfect summer’s day.

Karma hovers a few meters ahead of you beneath the only standing tree in this illusory plain, her lithe porcelain frame shaded by the twisted branches of the gently undulating tree. At your approach she gives you a humble bow, her gemstone eyes glimmering in what scattered rays of sunlight manage to slip past the shield of scarlet leaves.

“What’s all this?"

“Something of a, ah...mental ‘screen-saver’, Master Shu. Please don’t be alarmed, as you’d return to your senses at the slightest sign of danger, and rest assured that I’m keeping several subroutines active and on high alert.” She replies, her voice containing no small hint of trepidation. “Forgive me if I was being somewhat presumptuous, but just as Holly and your other Dream Daughters had spent time with you while you were merely making your way from one locale to another, I thought you might like a bit of a...break?”

“I...You know what? I’d love to, Karma. So…” You trail off, leaning to one side to get a better look at the selection of items arrayed on the sheet behind the hovering figure. “...what’s all *that*?”

“Ah, w-well…” She stammers, drifting out of the way as she awkwardly presents the scene. “...I took the liberty of speaking with Holly, Uzu, and the others privately before we all parted ways. Somehow, our conversation took a turn to pleasant recreational activities, and that’s when I learned about what is called a ‘picnic’, and...it sounded quite pleasant, indeed.”

Taking a step closer, you find the numerous items on the blanket have been arranged with care, an assemblage of baskets whose contents are shrouded with white terrycloth.

“I d-didn’t quite know what to create here, so there’s a blend of things that were described to me by Holly and Uzu, and some that my prev…” She pauses, then corrects herself. “...some that Charon described to me during my time at their side.”

“I do hope it’s to your liking.” She adds quietly, gesturing for you to take a seat with your back against the graceful tree.

Obliging her, you take a seat and inspect the contents of the basket closest to you, which…

...holy shit.

(Continued)

>>4356929

Fruits. Strawberries, grapes, bananas, mango slices - all of that and more, arranged neatly in the confines of the wicker picnic basket that lies open before you. Reaching over to another and peeling back the cloth, you find an array of pastries packed densely together, and you can only imagine what the other baskets hold.


“How’d you come up with all this?” You ask, marveling at the taste.

“The memories are all yours, Master Shu - I just primed this place to pull from the most positive culinary sensations you’ve had in the past.” Karma explains, audibly relieved.

“That’s....that’s freaking genius.” You say with awe, in-between mouthfuls of blueberries.

“I’m afraid that I cannot take the credit, Master Shu. Holly, Uzu, and the others had been experimenting in sifting through experiences to, as they put it, ‘cherry-pick’ only the most pristine examples. Foods, games, sensations - all of the highlights, and none of the negatives. Uzu even claimed that she’d banned escort missions of any kind from her games…” Karma says, a biz puzzled. “...though I’m afraid I lack the context for her excitement.”

“What’s this?” You ask, plucking an unknown fruit from the basket and holding it aloft. Little larger than a pear, its skin glistens like water mixed with gasoline, shining with a multitude of colors in the light of the Hexane suns.

“Ah yes - that is a dalmet, a favorite of Charon’s” Comes her cautious reply. “I must confess that I’ve never had it before, but I thought I might try my hand at reconstructing it from Charon’s descriptions. You don’t have to try it if you don’t wa-”

You’re already biting into it, relishing the sheer, unadulterated sweetness, admiring the hint of sour undercurrent as the alien fruit’s supple flesh practically melts in your mouth. It’s a combination of the sweetest apples you’ve ever had, with the texture of a grape, and finally the aftertaste of a grapefruit - unusual, but surprisingly refreshing.

“I’m glad you included it.” You say with a grin, and Karma simply smiles in the way only she can, with her eyes crinkling at the corners. “This was extremely welcome.”

“It’s my true pleasure, Master Shu...I am happy to be of service, in any way I can.” She replies, kneeling across from you as she inspects the arrangement with some measure of satisfaction. “I only wish for you to have a respite from everything you’ve had to contest with as of late.”

You can't help buy appreciate that, more than you think Karma really knows.Then again...maybe she understands completely.

After all, yours is not the only journey she’s witnessed on the other end of a gun.

>>Ask her something about herself, or about her time with Charon and Ozmas.

>>Inquire as to what she thinks about the current situation, and if she senses anything odd.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, I shall be pausing here for the evening. I’ll be around for the next hour or so before I try and get an early night’s sleep, so if there are any questions I don’t answer tonight, then I’ll address them first thing in the morning. I do hope everyone reading this has a pleasant evening, and a good night’s sleep. Thank you so much for your patience, participation, and enthusiasm, and take care.)

(I'm also more tired than I thought - voting shall remain open for the next twelve hours, with posting to resume at 3:00PM, Eastern time. Apologies for leaving that out, Gentlemen.)

>>4356951
>Inquire as to what she thinks about the current situation, and if she senses anything odd.
>Did her and Charons Crucible have things locked away like the 'Nothing' and 'Everything' Daughters? ...did they escape?
>Actually... you would be curious to know more about their Crucibles own 'Mother' and how she ran things. What change did she make to enact upon the Hexxanes?

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>>4356952
>>4356954
hah, its not issue, you caught the slip. Sorry you're so tired, and hope sleep tonight is blissfully deep and weird for ya. Thanks for running like always.

>>4356951
>>4356959
oh, adding in;
>Try and focus more on the alien foods, to not waste the opportunity such a thing is Karma is giving you.

>>4356954
also, joke question, but how are we doing on people obeying the request to not kidnap the Fuzzbuzzes?

>>4356973
>>how are we doing on people obeying the request to not kidnap the Fuzzbuzzes?

(Your message was sent far and wide, and the wisdom of your words has resonated with the vast majority of Arcadia's populace.)

(The bit about not kidnapping FuzzBuzz has been politely ignored by that same majority.)

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>>4356986
I want to be angry at them, but i mean, can we really blame them? His fluff is the fluff that can civilize Amalgams afterall.

>>4356951
>The memories are all yours, Master Shu
I mean, technically not, Karma. Shu has never eaten a strawberry. Sam might have, though.

>You’re already biting into it, relishing the sheer, unadulterated sweetness, admiring the hint of sour undercurrent as the alien fruit’s supple flesh practically melts in your mouth.
The Hexane had a weak sense of taste, right? I guess it makes sense that their favorite foods were very sweet, then, they wouldn't have been able to appreciate more mild flavors.

>>4356954
Oh dear. Well, get some sleep, BHOP, and I hope you're refreshed come morning.

>>4357019
they actually had no sense of taste at all i though? so it would be all about the texture and smell to them.
but i suppose that would still make something sweet people be their favorite, as it would probably have a stronger smell.

>>4356951
>>Inquire as to what she thinks about the current situation, and if she senses anything odd.
>Does she think she could recognize the purpose of the pipes, if we handed her the Jacklings' sensory feed?
>What does she know about the sealed Daughters? Any predictions about the Nothingness Daughter's capabilities?

>>4357034
From what I recall it was that they had a carnivore's sense of taste: Little to no sensation in the tongue, but still able to get some sensory details from smell (as humans do, as well, what we think of as taste is a mix of the tongue and odorants flowing up to our nose when we chew). So very few sweetness receptors on their tongue, they'd need something very strong to trigger that, and it would mostly be smells that they liked, yeah.

>>4356951
Supporting >>4357049
adding in
>Actually... you would be curious to know more about their Crucibles own 'Mother' and how she ran things. What change did she make to enact upon the Hexxanes?

>Ask her if Charon has shared anything or learned anything during their time about the ntohingness? Was it them that sealed it or did mother have to intervene personally

>>4356954
Eh it's nothing to apologize about.(I would have just assumed a twelve hour voting time anyway if you were going to sleep.) Just take care OP and good night.

Update on Cradleton Ch. 8


All essential dialogue have been written down. Now it's a matter of filling in the descriptive scenes.

I must confess. Juggling the cast in terms of who gets speaking time is making me begin to regret the scale of which I have expanded. in terms of the number of characters speaking in each scene in a single conversation. But again, it's essential dialogue that pushes the plot forward. I will find out the correct balance for such chaotic scene in terms of dialogue and speaking time.

>>4357219
im pretty sure the 'Nothing' and 'Everything' are from our Crucible, as it was implied they were humans who simply ended up with abilities that were a threat to the Crucible, and that Mother sealed them away within the timeframe of our own Crucible.

hence me asking if they had anything similar in their own Crucible, over asking about this 'Nothing' specifically, because theres no reason to assume or that Charon and Karma would know anything about them, or that if they even had anything that was locked up that they would be close to along the same lines as what was released here in ours.

>>4356964
Neat, a Wandering Inn pic. I'm currently on volume 6.

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>>4356951

“What’re your thoughts on the current situation? Do you…feel anything weird about it, or just in general?” You ask, a little guilty for bringing up the very thing that Karma wants to offer you respite from. She mulls it over a moment as you select another unfamiliar fruit from the basket that lies open before you, plucking a lemon-sized sphere from within, the thing’s nigh-transparent skin revealing a network of pulpy vines just beneath its ghostly rind.

“If you truly wish to discuss business, then…I must say that there is something unnervingly familiar about what is within those ever-present pipes.” She replies hesitantly, folding her hands in her lap as she regards you with her shimmering gaze. “Charon, Ozmas, and I encountered the aftermath of a similarly distorted power, in our own Crucible. We never met the being that was responsible, but the...sensation, even second-hand…is one that I cannot forget. That was not the only aberration among the Hexane in Charon’s Crucible, but they all carried similar after-effects of their powers when in use. Indeed, it’s exceedingly similar to whatever is within Arcadia’s architecture. I know not for what purpose those pipes were originally constructed for, but I can say without a shadow of a doubt that they’ve been repurposed to act as a conduit for a power that no Daughter should have.”

“Does you think you could recognize the purpose of the pipes, maybe if we handed you the Jacklings' sensory feed?” You forward, taking a tentative bite of the fruit, finding the skin surprisingly tough.

Reaching out, Karma gently takes it from you, pinching one slightly protruding end – the act causing the thing’s peel to fold back as the vines within blossom into a bouquet of engorged, vermillion tendrils the moment they’re exposed to the air. Handing it back to you with her mouthless smile, you give one plant-tentacle a tentative nibble, finding it refreshingly tart as Karma replies to your earlier question.

“I certainly can, but like any autonomous power, I would imagine that it would recoil against any attempts to interfere with its workings.”

“I see.” You murmur, taking another bite of the surprisingly juicy tendril. “So, what does she know about the sealed Daughters? Any theories about the sealed Daughters’ capabilities?”

“Of yours, Master Shu? Very little, I’m afraid.” She admits, defeated. “What little information we were able to scrounge together regarding these aberrations were that each of their powers seemed to violate certain fundamental laws, and to…well, to break cause-and-effect, or any normal laws with which Daughters are bound. They did not appear to have any cost to employ, and there seemed to be no way to mitigate the powers themselves. They were broken, in every sense of the word.”

(Continued)

>>4357960

“How many of these ‘aberrations’ did you become aware of in your Crucible?” You ask, allowing the fruit to dangle from your hand as you hang on every word of Karma’s report.

“Three, in total – though as I said, we never encountered one personally. My recounting of them comes from Ozmas’ own retellings via Skintalking, rumors, and second-hand reports from other Daughters.” Karma prefaces, scooting forward just a little before launching into her tale. “The first one we heard of appeared to passively reverse causality within a discreet radius of roughly two kilometers. At first, we brushed it off as a skilled Flesh Artisan, but the more we heard the more it became clear that the Daughter in question had no control over this ability – indeed, they seemed quite distressed at involuntarily slaughtering anything that meant to do them harm. Eventually, the Hexane realized the extent of their power, and arranged to push another unassuming ally off a cliff…and the action had a predictably opposite reaction. The ally survived the fall, while the aberrant Daughter was immediately destroyed by the transfer of impact forces.”

“Bizarre.” You mutter.

“Indeed. The second was not nearly as pacifistic as the first, and appeared capable of tearing through space with ease in a manner similar to teleportation. This was the one whose aftermath Charon and I personally witnessed, as they used their power to instantly destroy their targets by…reappearing within their foes, with explosive results. They met their end at Silvis’ hand, though I must confess that he was reticent to reveal the manner in which he defeated the aberration.”

“Wait, Silvis went toe to toe with one of them?” You ask, and Karma merely nods.

“Yes, though I know not how he managed it…he even allowed the Crucible to reclaim the body. I’m uncertain as to whether or not that was out of some sense of respect, or if there was another reason he decided not to adopt that power.” She muses, shaking her head before moving on. “As for the third one, theirs was perhaps the most straight-forward, if inexplicable. The Daughter possessed the ability to utilize the powers of any Daughter with which she was acquainted with, and along with her team she made it as far as the Cord without having to even enhance her abilities on her own…but from those close to her, it’s said that when she finally grew enough to make her choice, she made one to end her own life. I do not know why.”

“Do you think it had anything to do with your Crucible’s Mother?”

“This was simple hearsay, Master Shu.” Karma replies apologetically. “I’m afraid that I cannot speak to the truth behind what I’ve just imparted…merely that we bore witness to some evidence that they existed, and apparently exist in this Crucible, as well.”

(Continued)

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>>4357963

“Actually...I’d be curious to know more about your Crucible’s own 'Mother' and how she ran things.” You ask, realizing that it’s not a subject you’ve heard much about. “Did she seal away any of the aberrant Daughters, and what kind of change did she make to enact upon the Hexane?”

“The Mother of the Hexane Crucible was….absent, for lack of a better word. She never really spoke to any of the Chosen Twelve, aside from offering them their Choices. I would say that Ozmas would have been the one to interact with them the most, but only because she was the one that completed the Crucible. If she sealed away any of the aberrant Daughters, then she certainly wasn’t forthcoming with any details. We knew little about her origins, and perhaps even less about what her own struggle was like…the only insight Charon had to her was that she sounded ‘defeated’. Odd, for the winner of her own Crucible.”

“It’s not all that surprising, really.” You sigh, taking another nibble on your as-of-yet unnamed fruit. “For all her bluster Mother’s pretty broken, herself. Take her defiance away, and I don’t know what would be left…”

“Whatever it was, I assure you that it wouldn’t be pretty.” Karma says snidely, prompting a chuckle out of you. “That’s all I really know…nothing terribly relevant to our current situation, unfortunately.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that…” You muse darkly as Karma cocks her head to one side. “...they can be killed, so that’s some small relief.”

“I…suppose you’re quite right. They certainly seem as mortal as any other Daughter, now that you mention it. That, and even as odd as their abilities may be, I would imagine that they still have to obey certain concrete laws.”

“Just not the ones normal Daughters abide by.” You say, finishing off the last of the mystery fruit, leaving behind the translucent rind that you place next to the basket with care. These ‘aberrant’ Daughters may be unusual, but they’re still mortal…and if what Karma said about that one girl and her friends is true?

Then they’re just as human as the lot of you.

>>Ask Karma something else before you arrive at your destination.

>>You think you’re just about through here – thank her for the picnic, then get back to business.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL