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File 125173310286.jpg - (73.05KB , 800x747 , Ant Quest Start.jpg )
528426 No. 528426 ID: 6164e0
You are a queen ant, blessed by the color red to evolve much more quickly than most ants.

You have just been fertilized, and now must leave the hive to start your own elsewhere.

You have 1 hour before your wings fall off and you start the metamorphosis into a producing queen.

You do not know the landscape particularly well, but your mother did leave you the knowledge there is an old Ironwood stump surrounded by rocks some half hour north from here that used to hold a particularly Nasty strain of Termite before your mother exterminated them. You could travel there to start your colony.

To the west, you smell some sweet smells, to the east you see strange flowers growing, and you don't know what is to the south.

What do you do?
Expand all images
>>
No. 528427 ID: 2cbe3e
EAST! Go east young ant.
>>
No. 528428 ID: 6164e0
>>536344
You start flying east.

You were not previously aware of it, but the flowers are in a valley, and you doubt you could make your way back out of the valley at any reasonable speed once your wings fall off.

Continue towards field of strange flowers?
>>
No. 528429 ID: 06fc25
Continue to the strange flowers. Sounds like hard mode, which is the only way to do things.
>>
No. 528430 ID: 6164e0
>>536346
You continue flying towards the strange flowers, sure all those colors mean they will be DELICIOUS.

As you descend to the level of the flowers, you notice several things:

1: there are several types of flowers, all markedly different in appearance and scent.

2: You can hear a great deal of buzzing coming from parts of the flower field.

2: the sweetest smells (and frequently both the brightest colored and the largest flowers) are in the areas where the buzzing is loudest.

3: the buzzing near the sweetest smelling flowers seems different than the other buzzing.

You have been flying for 15 minute, 45 mintues till you must lay your first batch of eggs.

What do you do?

(For current purposes, treat the flower field as having three discovered areas: An area with no buzzing noise but mediocre flowers, an area with quiet buzzing but better looking flowers, and an area with loud buzzing but really sweet smelling, large and colorful flowers)
>>
No. 528431 ID: 2cbe3e
>>536347

mediocre flowers until we get a colony started
>>
No. 528432 ID: 6164e0
Warning!

One of your wings was torn during a gust of wind!
You are undamged otherwise, but once you set down in one of the sectors, you will not be able to fly again, and as such, whichever area you go to will be the home of your initial colony. First sector to get three votes (or has the most votes 30 minutes after this post) will be where the colony will be founded.

>>536348
No Buzz: 0
Buzz, Good Flower: 1
Loud Buzz, Great Flower: 0
>>
No. 528433 ID: 007a2e
Buzz, Good flower.

I'm all for a bit of resistance but I like playing things safe as well.
>>
No. 528434 ID: 6164e0
>>536350
No Buzz: 0
Buzz, Good Flower: 2
Loud Buzz, Great Flower: 0
>>
No. 528435 ID: 06fc25
I'll support 'Buzz, Good flower' as well.

Here's hoping this colony doesn't get devoured by a certain other phase-tunneling horde of ants.
>>
No. 528436 ID: 2b8572
I too, suggest the middle option.
>>
No. 528437 ID: 6164e0
File 125173673656.jpg - (309.62KB , 1924x1740 , Large Flier.jpg )
528437
>>536352
>>536350
>>536348

You decide to land near the softer buzzing sound. The loud buzzing seemed a bit unnerving, and you don't think it safe to investigate the bigger flowers on your own.

On your way to the ground, you fly past one of the creatures buzzing. You feel surprised, as while the noise it makes is soft, the beast is enormous, easily dwarfing you, and covered in a thick fur that likely would foul your mandibles. While observing the creature, you also get the chance to see what kind of flowers are in this area with more clarity. They are yellow blossomed, and look fairly dense and sticky. The stalks look edible as well.

You have landed. You have 30 minutes before you are forced to lay your first batch of eggs and you become hungry, however you can lay your eggs any time you wish prior to the time limit, and then be able to move about until you become too hungry.

You immediate area has a massive crescent-shaped mountain made out of undiggable rock easily over a foot tall, and is otherwise full of easily tunneled soil. Other than the rock, the only thing coming out of the ground is the breed of yellow flower you saw.

It seems the flying furred beast does not care to investigate you currently.

Note: Your eggs, if lain now, will hatch right as you run out of food. You are currently slated to lay 100 eggs. You have no existing breeds of ant in your memory, so you will have to invent your first breed. More on how this is done when the eggs are to be lain.
>>
No. 528438 ID: e05298
>>536354
You should try digging out a small nest with at least a little cave for laying the eggs so they are protected from other critters and the elements. The worker ants can expand it later.
>>
No. 528439 ID: 6164e0
>>536355
You must first choose whether to stop here and make the nest in the immediate area or continue exploring with the 30 minutes you have until you run out of food.
>>
No. 528440 ID: 06fc25
Dig a small nest on the lee side of the massive rock. Begin laying the eggs so further work can commence as soon as possible.
>>
No. 528441 ID: e05298
You might want to look for a place near food to dig the nest. I dunno what you eat, so whatever looks delicious to you.
>>
No. 528442 ID: 6164e0
>>536358
You have chosen to make your nest in the shelter of the rock. The digging progresses at a food speed thanks to the soft and loamy soil on top and easily compacted and shaped soil underneath. You find that the Rock is also crescent shaped underground, providing a powerful defense should any invaders try and tunnel from most sides. The only means of building access to this location are be tunneling down or through the small stretch of dirt between the ends of the rock's crescent.

It takes you all of five minutes to build space for your first batch of eggs.

You have built: Basic Colony

You do not have food for when the eggs hatch

You will run out of food and become lethargic in 25 minutes.

You must lay your eggs within 25 minutes.

Laying Eggs will take five minutes.

You require 20 units of food in 25 minutes to avoid becoming lethargic from lack of food.

Each egg will require 1 unit of food before it can transition from larva to ant.

Some of the yellow flowers are very close to the entrance to your Basic Colony.

The large flying beast is still moving about between the blossoms of the flowers near your hive, and the amount of buzzing you heard on the way down suggests there are others similarly working on the other blossoms.

Action?
>>
No. 528443 ID: 06fc25
Check the leaves of the plants to determine if they are edible. If so, harvest them. If not, go for the nectar and hope the flying creatures ignore you. Gather as much as you can in the next twenty minutes, than begin laying eggs.

When harvesting, try to avoid flowers that are obviously being used by the flying creatures, but if that isn't possible the queen will simply have to risk it.
>>
No. 528446 ID: 6164e0
>>536370
You journey back outside, and approach a nearby flower. You keep a wary gaze skyward, hoping the giant furred creatures do not bother you. You clip off one of the leaves, and try a bite. The leaf seems edible, if not nearly as tasty as you imagine the flowers and their nectar are.

The leaves are fairly large, and you can only carry one at a time. However, your best guess puts one leaf at possessing 15 units of food, and each flower seems to have several leaves.

You could probably drag ten leaves to your basic Colony in a further five minutes, if you strip the flower nearest to your Basic Colony. If you choose to more evenly thin the nearby flowers, it will likely take twenty minutes to bring ten leaves back.

What do you do?
>>
No. 528447 ID: 2b8572
Lay eggs, then eat. After doing so, continue to gather food until the eggs hatch, at which point you should feed them. After the first batch is mature, we can retire to our chamber.
>>
No. 528448 ID: 6164e0
>>536374

You head back to the hive with the leaf you already clipped off, and the flying beasts seem to not care.

Upon returning to the basic Colony, you decide to lay your first clutch now, and gather food while they develop.

Because you are a new queen, you have no established breeds to produce.

Since you have never made a breed before, you don't think you can get very specific in terms of what you want, but you can choose any of the following:

jack of all trades
focus on mobility
focus on combat
focus on digging/harvesting
roll a 1d30 (1 being the worst, 30 being awesome) to try and randomly make the new breed (not recommended for first breed)

Because this is your first breed, you can choose to produce less eggs to expend more energy making the new breed. This will improve the breed's quality, irrelevant of method of creation chosen. You can choose to create 100, 50 or 25 eggs for the first batch, with the less eggs made, the larger the quality boost. This can only be done during special circumstances, such as creating your first breed or having the queen consume a potent new food for the first time (note: any organic material that is not poisonous to your offspring will not be poisonous to you).

When choosing which focus to have for the breed, please designate how many eggs you want produced.

First choice combination to get two votes becomes the new breed.
>>
No. 528449 ID: f78140
>>536375
digging/harvesting
>>
No. 528450 ID: 6164e0
>>536376
Please designate how many eggs for your choice, as requested in >>536375
>>
No. 528451 ID: e64b34
>>536379

Can you change the quality of the breed later if needed, or once selected is it permanently set?

Just curious. Either way, I suggest: 25 Digging/Harvesting.
>>
No. 528452 ID: 6164e0
>>536382
Since incidents when you can actively choose the quality of the breed are relatively rare, it is a permanent designation.
>>
No. 528453 ID: 06fc25
25 Digging/Harvesting. Quality over quantity.
>>
No. 528454 ID: 01383e
>>536382
I suggest 25, jack of all trades or digging/harvesting. The others are specialists, and we can't afford that right now.
>>
No. 528455 ID: 2b8572
>>536375
25 dig/harvest
>>
No. 528457 ID: 6164e0
>>536376
>>536382
>>536384
>>536385
>>536386
In the hive, you lay 25 eggs, trying very hard to make high quality ants that are good at Digging/Harvesting. You think you did a good job for your first attempt, but won't be sure till they hatch 30 minutes from now.

You have 20 minutes until the eggs hatch.

You need 25 units of food in the next 20 minutes to avoid becoming lethargic.

You have 15 units of food (one leaf)

What do you do?
>>
No. 528458 ID: e64b34
>>536388
Back to the leaves! Take just what you need and no more, spreading your harvesting targets amongst the flowers as much as possible so as not to permanently damage any one flower (unless you have to). Also, leave the flower petals alone for now until you have some soldier ants to take on the flying furred creature.
>>
No. 528459 ID: 6164e0
>>536390
You manage to gather a further ten leaves, being mindful to not take too many from any one plant and spread the cuttings widely.

Twenty minutes of foraging pass.

!!WARNING!!As you return to the hive with the final leaf, you see an armored beast with many legs moving directly towards your hive. It is clear it intends to enter you Basic Colony.

What do you do?
>>
No. 528460 ID: 01383e
>>536390
I say we do minimal damage to the flowers until we get some workers, but then we should see if felling a whole flower works well or not
>>
No. 528461 ID: 01383e
>>536392
!!! how close is it to the colony? can we rush in and get a few eggs and rush out before it gets here?
>>
No. 528463 ID: e64b34
>>536392
We have no time to lay more eggs or build another nest! You can't let this thing stop you! Bullrush it, waving your leaf menacingly!
>>
No. 528464 ID: 06fc25
>Bullrush it, waving your leaf menacingly!

And if that doesn't scare it off, go for a leg with your mandibles of steel!
>>
No. 528465 ID: 6164e0
>>536394
You barely beat the creature back to the Basic Colony, you doubt you could even get into the Basic Colony without it catching your back.

>>536396
You rush the creature, enraged at a threat to your new hive!

You snip off some of its front legs on the right side before it notices you rushed it. It is longer than you, but thinner. You are slightly outweighed by it. It is now aware of you, and is turning to face you.

What do you do?
>>
No. 528466 ID: 2b8572
I'm not sure what we're fighting, but let's do what we should have done from the start: Get on it's back, bite off its head.
>>
No. 528467 ID: 06fc25
Dart to the left. After losing legs on the right side it should have a hard time turning quickly enough to defend itself.

Attempt to bite off some of the rear left legs while howling in fury as best as an ant can. Those who threaten the colony shall feed the colony!
>>
No. 528468 ID: 6164e0
File 125174425053.jpg - (31.54KB , 600x406 , Colony Threat.jpg )
528468
>>536400
You try to leap on the creature's back, but you find your movements dulled. Oh no, you are starting to become lethargic from lack of food!

Thankfully, the creature is slowed enough from the wounds you inflicted earlier that it cannot catch you as you scramble back from your failed attempt to jump on it's back.

You are becoming lethargic.

There is a single leaf abandoned a short distance behind you.

The assailant is partially wounded, but otherwise still set on eating you and then investigating your colony.

There are a few severed legs from the creature next to you.

You have ten leaves (150 units of food) in the colony.

You have 25 eggs in the colony that will hatch in ten minutes.

What do you do?
>>
No. 528469 ID: 06fc25
Grab the leaf and try to lure the creature away from the nest. If possible, eat while running.
>>
No. 528470 ID: 6164e0
File 125174453996.jpg - (30.86KB , 600x406 , Colony Threat 2.jpg )
528470
>>536401
You try to circle around the beast, sure that in its wounded state it is slower than you in your lethargic state.

Queen has become ENRAGED, and hisses violently at the creature, clacking its mandibles before trying to bite off some rear legs.

You are met with partial success, but the creature shows no signs of slowing, and the lethargy is starting to become more powerful.

What do you do?
>>
No. 528471 ID: 6164e0
>>536405
You will need rest as well as food before the Lethargic trait is removed.
>>
No. 528472 ID: 6164e0
While the creature has not slowed further from the second strike on its legs, you have noticed it is moving strangely to keep itself balanced.

The lethargy is still growing, and it is likely that unbalanced or not, the creature will likely be faster than you in the next few minutes.

five minutes have passed since the start of the confrontation.

Queen is Lethargic, and is growing slower.

Eggs will hatch in five minutes.

There are leg segments of the creature scattered around nearby.

The one leaf on the surface is now off to your left.

What do you do?
>>
No. 528473 ID: f78140
>>536409
try to bite off one more leg, then go and eat some of the leaf.
>>
No. 528474 ID: 6164e0
>>536412
You once more circle to the creature's right, but it seems to know this strategy now, and backs away while turning to follow you.

You are unable to reach it's legs without exposing your side to its jaws!

You try to retreat to eat some of the leaf, but it immediately starts heading towards your colonies entrance as fast as it can!

!!Warning!! Undefended eggs are in danger!

What do you do?
>>
No. 528475 ID: 06fc25
The situation is looking pretty grim.

I say go for an all out blitz against this thing and hope to drive it off or possibly kill it. Attempt to anticipate its movement as it tries to keep balanced. Clamber up the back of the beast and drive your mandibles into its neck. Commence ENRAGED chewing.
>>
No. 528476 ID: 01383e
EAT one of the legs you bite off

food points + combat points
>>
No. 528478 ID: 01383e
>>536417
battle! eat legs! back off once you start getting too lethargic to fight, I think into the colony.
>>
No. 528479 ID: 954933
>>536417
Attack its unbalanced side to try and completely take out its ability to move. No retreat - we have to protect the hive!

If it tries to get you in its jaws, take out one or both of its antennae - preferably the one on the unbalanced side.
>>
No. 528480 ID: 6164e0
File 125174626815.jpg - (29.82KB , 600x406 , Colony Threat 3.jpg )
528480
>>536414
You charge the creature, hissing outrage that it would attack your colony!

The creature whips around to try and defend itself, but not before it gets a further few legs snipped off.

You are now locked in a point blank struggle with the creature at the entrance to the colony. It doesn't yet have a good grip on you, but that might change. However, if you back off for your own safety, it is likely it will invade the hive.

What do you do?
>>
No. 528481 ID: 06fc25
...go super saiyan?
>>
No. 528482 ID: 6164e0
File 125174652573.jpg - (29.06KB , 600x406 , Colony Threat 4.jpg )
528482
>>536418
You continue struggling with the creature, unwilling to let it enter the hive.

>>536419

It brings its head in to finally try and take a chunk out of you now that you are in reach, but you take on of it's antenna for its effort.

Creature is now severely disoriented! It was unable to bite you.

What do you do?
>>
No. 528483 ID: 01383e
>>536420
finish off chopping all the legs off of one side, and then retreat to the leaves. laugh and hiss as the thing crawls in circles to get at you.
>>
No. 528484 ID: 6164e0
File 125174666518.jpg - (28.43KB , 600x406 , Colony Threat 5.jpg )
528484
>>536423
You continue assaulting its legs on the injured side, and are met with success!

The creature is now immobilized and disoriented!

The creature is vulnerable!

What do you do?
>>
No. 528485 ID: f78140
>>536424
OM NOM NOM.
>>
No. 528486 ID: 43d730
>>536424
Snatch that other antenna and leave it to die.
Or do we have enough time to get the other side of legs off and drag it in to die somewhere else?
>>
No. 528487 ID: 954933
Harvest this food source for the colony!
>>
No. 528488 ID: 01383e
>>536424
drag it towards your colony, leg-side out. See if you can block up the hole with it- you and your children can eat your way out as you get hungry.
>>
No. 528489 ID: 06fc25
Take off the other antenna and commence OM NOM NOM.
>>
No. 528490 ID: 6164e0
File 125174727658.jpg - (26.59KB , 600x406 , Colony Threat DEAD.jpg )
528490
>>536426
You show no mercy to the creature, and start eating it while it is weakened. It tries to turn about to fend you off, and you rip its head off for its troubles. You continue eating from your first kill.

!!Notice!! ant queen has become more aggressive!
!!Notice!! ant queen is now KILLER QUEEN.
!!Notice!! you have discovered Nest Robber Centipede as a food! It is very tasty!

Your eggs will hatch shortly.

There is still a leaf untended on the surface.

There are assorted legs from the creature strewn about.

The queen has eaten enough food that with some rest she will lose the Lethargic trait.

What do you do?
>>
No. 528491 ID: 01383e
>>536431
drag all the bits we just left around into the hive, and finally rest
>>
No. 528492 ID: f78140
>>536431
lay 25 jack of trades eggs, lay 25 fightan ants
eat, rest.
>>
No. 528493 ID: 06fc25
File 125174745543.jpg - (58.54KB , 600x822 , Killer-Queen-Poster.jpg )
528493
Drag the dead centipede and the leaf into the nest if there is room. Regardless, you must rest. The work has only just begun.
>>
No. 528494 ID: 954933
>>536431
Don't forget to drag the leaf in - we don't want to show any sign of where the colony is. Clean up entirely (including centipede legs) before resting.
>>
No. 528495 ID: 6164e0
File 125174816646.jpg - (16.25KB , 613x871 , Basic Colony.jpg )
528495
>>536433
>>536435
>>536436
KILLER QUEEN drags all the fallen pieces of the Nest Robber Centipede into the nest, and bring in the last leaf as well. You wish to avoid being attacked in your home, and leaving food outside is no way to achieve such a goal.

>>536434
You will need to rest for 30 minutes before you can lay more eggs.

Upon bringing all the food back into the Basic Colony, you take stock of your supplies.

165 units of yellow flower leaf
~45 units Nest Robber Centipede

Queen is Sated, and will lose the Lethargic trait with rest.

!!Notice!! First batch of eggs hatching!
>>
No. 528496 ID: 06fc25
"Awaken my children, and embrace the glory that is your birthright. Know that I am the Killer Queen; the eternal will of the colony, and that you have been created to serve me."
>>
No. 528497 ID: 6164e0
File 125174844963.jpg - (9.10KB , 300x202 , New Breed.jpg )
528497
Your first attempt at making a new breed has finally hatched!

Your new ants are 3mm long and 3mm wide (mostly leg), and seem well adapted to foraging/digging/harvesting.

!!Notice!! because of the extra effort you put into making your first new breed, they have a special ability: They can ingest food and store concentrated nutrients in their abdomen which can expand (hence the long legs so they can still move), but become much slower when carrying concentrate.

KILLER QUEEN feels proud of her first attempt at making a new breed, and feels the were Made In Heaven.

What will KILLER QUEEN call the new breed?

What do you do?
>>
No. 528498 ID: 6164e0
>>536446
You attempt to send a pheremone speech to your new ants, but they don't seem very intelligent. They can follow orders perfectly well, though.

(once new ants are named and have started eating some food, you will gain access to earned upgrades)
>>
No. 528499 ID: 6164e0
Extra info:

KILLER QUEEN is 15mm long, 7mm wide.

The new ants can regurgitate stored concentrate, and do not need to be killed to harvest it.

New ants can store up to 20 units of food before they can no longer move due to weight.
>>
No. 528500 ID: 43d730
>>536447
Bloaters.

Also, cackle.
>>
No. 528501 ID: b7d14a
>>536447
Ooh, let's go for a Starcraft theme. I would suggest Drones (since they gather resources), but there are actual ants called drones.

Umm... "Gatherlisks"?
>>
No. 528502 ID: 6164e0
>>536450
(note: all titles and names must be Album/song titles or Band names)

we are operating under JoJo naming rules.
>>
No. 528503 ID: 43d730
>>536453
Drones would be female, so Fat-Bottomed Girls, then.
>>
No. 528504 ID: 06fc25
>(note: all titles and names must be Album/song titles or Band names)

Harvesters of Sorrow

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvester_of_Sorrow
>>
No. 528505 ID: b7d14a
>>536453
Fat Bottomed Girls.
>>
No. 528506 ID: b7d14a
>>536454
Oops, didn't see your post. But that immediately came to mind for me too.

Let's do eet!
>>
No. 528507 ID: 6164e0
>>536456
Hilariously Appropriate name given.

New breed is now Fat Bottomed Girls Ant Strain.

What do you desire them to eat as larva?
>>
No. 528508 ID: 43d730
>>536460
Leaves, for now.
We should save the centipede for the warrior strains, so they can feast on the blood of foes as a welcome to the world.
>>
No. 528509 ID: 06fc25
The centipede. It wished to feed on them, it is only appropriate they return the favor.
>>
No. 528510 ID: 01383e
File 125174949291.jpg - (45.52KB , 500x282 , little_black_ant_31.jpg )
528510
>>536343
>blessed by the color red

MOTHERFUCKER

DID YOU INSINUATE THAT BLACKS ARE NOT ALSO BLESSED
>>
No. 528511 ID: 6164e0
>>536461
You designate the leaves as food for Fat Bottomed Girls.

!!NOTICE!!Your first clutch of ants has now eaten enough to become grown ants!

!!NOTICE!!KILLER QUEEN is no longer Lethargic, and can either stay in the nest to make more ants or venture out.

!!NOTICE!!YOU HAVE REACHED A CHECKPOINT: COLONY ESTABLISHED

ASSESSING UPGRADES EARNED.

Successful defense of Basic Colony while Lethargic: 1 upgrade
Found tasty new food: Nest Robber Centipede: 1 upgrade

You have earned: 2 total upgrades.

Please spend upgrades on the following:

Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain.
Create New Ant Strain
Upgrade Exoskeletons
Upgrade Mandible Quality
Specialize KILLER QUEEN (choose either attack, defense, harvesting, digging or mobility) (can specialize multiple times, and stack upgrades)
>>
No. 528512 ID: 6164e0
>>536465
No, simply that by Quest fiat, being red means we evolve faster(and because it is a common trope that 'RED WUNZ GO FASTA')

Black ants just have different bonuses.
>>
No. 528513 ID: 06fc25
I vote for Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain twice.

If that is not acceptable, Improve FBG strain and Create New Ant Strain - Warriors
>>
No. 528514 ID: 6164e0
>>536471
Creating a new ant strain currently follows the rules presented here
>>536375


The first two upgrades to get three votes are the ones chosen, or whichever two have the most support 30 minutes from now.
>>
No. 528515 ID: 954933
>>536471
I agree with this gentleman's second choice - we need a bit of diversity to expand well, and given our choice of location we probably want warriors. Our next upgrade will probably need to be mandibles, so we can deal with the bees' 'hairy' protection.
>>
No. 528516 ID: 6164e0
>>536471
>>536475

Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain 1
Create New Ant Strain 2
Upgrade Exoskeletons
Upgrade Mandible Quality 1
Specialize KILLER QUEEN
>>
No. 528517 ID: 6164e0
!!Notice!! As KILLER QUEEN is new to rapidfire evolution, you cannot currently choose the same upgrade multiple times at a checkpoint. This can change in the future as you learn more about how to tweak genes.
>>
No. 528518 ID: f78140
new ant strain
upgrade fat bottoms
>>
No. 528519 ID: 6164e0
>>536479
Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain 2
Create New Ant Strain 3 !!CHOSEN!!
Upgrade Exoskeletons
Upgrade Mandible Quality 1
Specialize KILLER QUEEN

Still need to decide on the second upgrade.
(If you have any questions on what an upgrade will do, I shall answer them)
>>
No. 528520 ID: 06fc25
>(If you have any questions on what an upgrade will do, I shall answer them)

>roll a 1d30 (1 being the worst, 30 being awesome) to try and randomly make the new breed

What is the best and worst that could happen with this, generally speaking?
>>
No. 528521 ID: 43d730
>>536489
Maceants and lye-makers, respectively.
>>
No. 528522 ID: 01383e
the fatbottoms need an upgrading, and I say we make a jack-of-all-trades or a warrior. Either works.
>>
No. 528523 ID: 6164e0
>>536489
A 1 is something significantly harmful to your hive, be it uncontrollable cannibal tendencies or having a powerful scent that attracts predators. For a roll of 1-3, the negative traits will start randomly manifesting in further clutches, with 1 having the highest manifestation rate and the worst negative.

A 30 would be something with multiple special abilities (like Fat Bottomed Girls ability to store concentrated food), like high speed and precision flight, being severely poisonous upon ingestion or bite to other creatures, or being able to change exoskeletal coloring to blend in with one's environment.

For reference, Fat Bottomed Girls is the equivalent of rolling 16-18.
>>
No. 528524 ID: 6164e0
>>536498
Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain 3 !!CHOSEN!!
Create New Ant Strain 3 !!CHOSEN!!
Upgrade Exoskeletons
Upgrade Mandible Quality 1
Specialize KILLER QUEEN

!!Notice!! Fat Bottomed Girls are now 5mm/5mm, and can carry up to 25units of food before being immobilized, as well as evidencing marginally increased speed at any given amount of food stored/carried as compared to before.

!!NOTICE!! Designate manner of new breed creation:
jack of all trades
focus on mobility
focus on combat
focus on digging/harvesting
roll a 1d30 (1 being the worst, 30 being awesome) to try and randomly make the new breed

First option to get three votes will be the new strain.
>>
No. 528525 ID: 43d730
>>536509
BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD
I mean combat.
I vote for combat.
>>
No. 528526 ID: 6faa8c
>>536509
Do we have rollan?
>>
No. 528527 ID: 954933
>>536509
Combat, definitely. We even have fresh meat for them to eat.
>>
No. 528528 ID: 06fc25
Thirding combat.
>>
No. 528529 ID: 9891a9
Combat!
((Also, loving the similarities from sup/tg/'s version while still keeping yours different.))
>>
No. 528530 ID: 6164e0
>>536515
If Random is the strain choice made(meaning it gets three votes before any other choice), the first person to use dice 1d30 will be the roll used. There are no re-rolls, so long as the roll made was a d30.
>>
No. 528531 ID: 6164e0
>>536514
>>536518
>>536522
Combat-oriented strain focus chosen.

>>536518
KILLER QUEEN thinks she could make the new strain more powerful by making it carnivorous, but the only fauna she has is the leftover Centipede, which would only provide food for around 100 larva to metamorphosis into adults. After that, she is unsure where she would get a steady supply of food for them.

KILLER QUEEN can make any number of eggs each batch between 25 and 100. (she needs more food for herself the more eggs she lays)

Once the new breed is made and named, KILLER QUEEN will need to eat every 30 minutes or become Lethargic. If KILLER QUEEN does not eat for an hour, she will die. All other ants require a feeding to become adults, and then a feeding every hour or they become Lethargic, and if an ant is not fed for two hours, it will die.

KILLER QUEEN and her offspring do not need to sleep, and as long as they are regularly fed, they never need to rest. Removing the Lethargic trait from offspring requires both food and 1 hour of non-activity.
>>
No. 528532 ID: 6164e0
>>536525
Still waiting on:

How many eggs should be made (25min, 100max, preferably divisible by five)

Whether to change diet of new strain to improve capabilities in exchange for narrowed diet.
>>
No. 528533 ID: 905db6
>>536525
This is why I asked if the quality of ants could be changed. We need both lower quality cannon-fodder for keeping enemy ants (or other foes) busy while our shock ants swoop in on a strategic part of the battlefield to attack weaknesses.

Using only one type isn't a good idea.

But I recommend making 25 high quality guards for the first batch to patrol and guard the nest and Fat-bottoms as they harvest.
>>
No. 528534 ID: 06fc25
>>536528

Produce 50 eggs. It's too dangerous to make them carnivorous right now, as we lack a steady source of meat.
>>
No. 528535 ID: 2b8572
>>536528
25. Narrowed diet seems like a bad idea, however.,
>>
No. 528536 ID: 9891a9
I'll vote for 25 with a normal diet.
>>
No. 528537 ID: 905db6
Just to clarify:

25, normal diet.
>>
No. 528538 ID: 6164e0
>>536529
>>536532
>>536533
>>536535

Disclaimer: lessening clutch size only improves strain quality in rare instances. This is not one of them. The only difference clutch size normally makes is in how many mouths you end up having to feed.

Specialized Diet not chosen.

Still need clutch size and a name for the breed.
>>
No. 528539 ID: 6164e0
>>536536
Current choice is to lay 25 eggs without a restricted diet.

Does KILLER QUEEN see any objections to this choice?
>>
No. 528541 ID: 9891a9
>>536538
No objections here.
>>
No. 528542 ID: 06fc25
For breed name: The Merciless, in honor of Ming. And it stays in keeping with the Queen theme, more or less.
>>
No. 528543 ID: 43d730
>>536542
Death on Six Legs, perhaps?
>>
No. 528544 ID: 06fc25
>>536545

Also good, though I'd feel obligated to pump a lot of points into upgrading them so they can live up to the name.
>>
No. 528545 ID: 6164e0
>>536542
25 eggs lain of The Merciless Strain.

!!NOTICE!! CHECKPOINT ENDING
!!NOTICE!! CAN NOW DIRECT ADULT ANTS
!!NOTICE!! RUNNING OUT OF SPACE IN BASIC COLONY
!!NOTICE!! KILLER QUEEN HAS MUTATED FROM CONSUMING THE POISON SACS IN THE NEST ROBBER CENTIPEDE'S HEAD. KILLER QUEEN IS NOW CAPABLE OF SPITTING POISON. THE EFFECTS OF THE POISON ARE UNKNOWN.

COLONY IS NOW OPERATIONAL
COLONY AGE: 500000 HOURS

STATUS:
KILLER QUEEN: Sated, can produce more eggs in 30 minutes
Fat Bottomed Girls: 25, Sated, all in hive
The Merciless: 25 larva (already fed) will mature in 30 minutes.

FOOD:
90 units of Yellow Flower Leaf (Quality: 1/10)
45 units of Nest Robber Centipede (Quality: 3/10)

Orders for Fat Bottomed Girls/Commands for KILLER QUEEN can now be entered.

For anyone suggesting new construction to the colony, it helps if you draw your suggestion using
>>536445
as a template.
>>
No. 528546 ID: f78140
File 125175720766.jpg - (21.01KB , 613x871 , colonyV2.jpg )
528546
>>536549
get 20 fat bottoms to dig a forward but connected hole to contain the merciless, once they're fully grown, in addition to more space for future ants, and a deeper level for eggs and KILLER QUEEN.

have the remaining 5 fat bottoms go grab more food.

killer queen on guard duty.
>>
No. 528548 ID: 6164e0
File 125175766242.gif - (123.74KB , 988x595 , The Merciless.gif )
528548
Pic of what The Merciless looks like.

The merciless will grow to 3mm long/2.5mm wide, and are much more compact than Fat Bottomed Girls.

The Merciless significantly outweigh Fat Bottomed Girls (except when Fat Bottomed Girls have 5 or more units of nutrient concentrate stored)

The Merciless move more slowly than an unloaded Fat Bottomed Girl, but are more durable.
>>
No. 528549 ID: 06fc25
File 125175778717.jpg - (26.82KB , 613x871 , 125174816646.jpg )
528549
1. Main entrance with guards
2. Primary food storage
3. Rest area for lethargic/idle ants
4. Royal Guard chamber
5. Secondary food storage for larva
6. Queen's chamber

The dead ends are there to slow down invaders. The second entrance near the mouth of the crescent rock leads to 1. If possible, camouflage it and station some guards.
>>
No. 528550 ID: 6164e0
>>536550
Fat Bottomed Girls can either bring food back to the colony conventionally, or bring back several time more by taking the time to consume food on sight to make nutrient concentrate. This act also feeds Fat Bottomed Girls.

Please designate which method of food collection your suggestion follows.

Additionally, 'Gather Food' is vague. The only things established as edible are Nest Robber Centipedes (of which you have only seen the one) and the leaves of the yellow flowers that grow in the area. The yellow flowers and their nectar smell tasty, so you are fairly sure those are also edible.
As of yet, you don't know anything about your local landscape besides what you gleaned from your flight down and from your initial bit of observation of your immediate surroundings. Anything further than two feet from the rock is currently under fog of war.
>>
No. 528551 ID: f78140
>>536555
feed on leaves of the nearby flowers, spread out as to not kill them, and conventionally for now: slowing them down makes them easy targets for predators. also, >>536554 's colony is much better thought out than mine.
>>
No. 528552 ID: 6164e0
File 125175902140.jpg - (18.81KB , 613x871 , Basic Colony 2.jpg )
528552
>>536550
>>536554
KILLER QUEEN has 20 of the Fat Bottomed Girls begin expanding the colony, and adding new entrances that are not visible from outside the crescent (Also visible only to low flying creatures actively looking for them)

You may have grand plans for the hive in the future, but for now, it is a work in progress. The 20 Fat Bottomed Girls assigned to expanding the hive work tirelessly for you.

The five Fat Bottomed Girls sent out to take leaves without stripping the plants can only carry one leaf at a time due to their size, and coordinating their movements slow them. They have managed to bring back five more leaves.

As of yet, the flying furred beasts still seem to completely ignore you.

COLONY AGE: 0.5 HOURS

STATUS:
KILLER QUEEN: Sated, can produce more eggs
Fat Bottomed Girls: 25, Sated (need feeding in 30 minutes), 5 gathering, 20 expanding colony
The Merciless: 25, Sated, all in main chamber

FOOD:
140 units of Yellow Flower Leaf (Quality: 1/10)
45 units of Nest Robber Centipede (Quality: 3/10)

(Note: Unless otherwise requested, all ants will eat the lowest quality food first)
>>
No. 528553 ID: 6164e0
>>536558
(Forgot to add this part)

Further orders?

The Merciless are still in the main chamber doing nothing.

All Fat Bottomed Girls are currently occupied, but could be reassigned.

KILLER QUEEN is ready to produce a new batch of eggs if so desired of a clutch size anywhere from 25 to 100, and can now designate what strains are produced, and how many of each strain to produce (ex: could make 75 eggs, 50 The Merciless 25 Fat Bottomed Girls)
>>
No. 528554 ID: 06fc25
We could definitely use more Fat Bottom Girls to hasten hive construction and food gathering. Say, fifty for now?

Incidentally, how far away is that old ironwood stump from our present location?
>>
No. 528555 ID: 06fc25
>>536560

And have The Merciless scout around the rock.
>>
No. 528556 ID: 6164e0
>>536560
Keep in mind we flew from there, and now would have to walk.

You feel that without flight, it would take a very long time to get back.
>>
No. 528557 ID: 6164e0
>>536561
How many The Merciless would you like to scout around the rock?
>>
No. 528558 ID: 9891a9
>>536563
Send 5.
>>
No. 528559 ID: 6164e0
>>536564
KILLER QUEEN sends 5 of The Merciless out to scout the immediate area. Findings should be back in 30 minutes.

Any further plans to implement or change before the next half hour passes?
>>
No. 528560 ID: 6164e0
>>536560
It has been proposed to lay 50 eggs, and have all of them be Fat Bottomed Girls.

Any differing opinions should be voiced now.
>>
No. 528561 ID: f78140
>>536566
15 more merciless, 45 more fat bottoms.
>>
No. 528562 ID: 6164e0
Whichever strain distribution and egg total gets another different poster to agree with it first is the one that will be used.

!!NOTICE!! Ants other than KILLER QUEEN will only feed themselves if they are currently unoccupied. Ant currently engaged in tasks will only feed when ordered to do so. You can add orders to feed to existing orders.
>>
No. 528563 ID: 6164e0
>>536560
>>536567

Egg distribution totals:
65 total eggs, 15 The Merciless, 50 Fat Bottomed Girls.

Last chance to change orders before time advances 30 minutes.
>>
No. 528564 ID: 6164e0
File 12517644606.jpg - (20.46KB , 613x871 , Basic Colony 3.jpg )
528564
Work has continued without pause to expand the hive, and the new entrances finally meet with chamber 2. All the food, as well as KILLER QUEEN, are in chamber 1.

Both chambers 2 and 3 are finished enough that they can now have objects moved to them, even while construction continues.

Chamber 2 current maximum capacity: 100 points
Chamber 3 current maximum capacity: 75 points
(KILLER QUEEN is worth 10 points, The Merciless and Fat Bottomed Girls are worth 1 point. Food is 1 point per unit of food)


COLONY AGE: 1.0 HOURS

TOTALS:
1 KILLER QUEEN
75 Fat Bottomed Girls
40 The Merciless

STATUS:
KILLER QUEEN: Sated, can produce more eggs
Fat Bottomed Girls: 50 Sated (in main chamber, unassigned), 25 Lethargic (all actions at half speed, if not fed in one hour, will die), 5 gathering, 20 expanding colony
The Merciless: 40, Sated, 35 in chamber 1, 5 scouting around rock

FOOD:
125 units of Yellow Flower Leaf (Quality: 1/10)
45 units of Nest Robber Centipede (Quality: 3/10)

!!NOTICE!! Contact lost with all The Merciless scouting rock. Reason: Unknown.
>>
No. 528565 ID: 01383e
hey guys, I have a beehive, and let me give you a hot tip:

bees oftentimes have piles of dead bees under their hive, which should provide a small but continuous source of protein
>>
No. 528566 ID: f78140
>>536572
danger? send 20 merciless to investigate.
send 10 merciless to guard the gatherers that are eat/carrying.
5 merciless on guard duty
have 25 fat bottoms continue to expand
have 25 gather food: eat and walk. flowers, and if the merciless find anything and kill it, it's corpse.
have 25 eat/transfer food to chamber 3. (the lethargic ones)
queen: lay 25 fat bottoms, 25 merciless.
>>
No. 528567 ID: 01383e
>>536576
uh

Can I suggest you assign some fatbottoms to nursing duty as well? that's kind of important for ants, moving the eggs around, keeping them cool, feeding other ants, etc.
>>
No. 528568 ID: f78140
>>536585
we have a queen that killed a centipede and can spit poison. nursing duty is taken care of.
>>
No. 528569 ID: 6164e0
>>536576
20 The Merciless sent to investigate lost ants. Findings at next half hour mark.
10 The Merciless dispatched to guard Fat Bottomed Girls bringing food to the hive.
5 The Merciless patrolling inside hive as guards.
25 Fat Bottomed Girls assigned to expand Colony.
25 Fat Bottomed Girls assigned to consume resources on sight and bring back Concentrated Nutrients. At what amount (from 1 unit to 25 units) should they return? Keep in mind that the closer they get to their maximum capacity, the slower they move (speed stays unchanged until 10 units, and then slowly decays as the numbers climb from there)
25 Lethargic Fat Bottomed Girls assigned to feed themselves and then bring all food to chamber 3.

New Standing Order to Fat Bottomed Girls:
Consume any corpses discovered.

!!NOTICE!! Because there are so many flying furred beasts, it is highly likely that any attempt to harvest directly from the blossoms will place ants in directly in the path of the beasts. Currently no ants are assigned to attempting to harvest from the blossoms.
>>
No. 528570 ID: 6164e0
>>536585
As
>>536588
guessed, KILLER QUEEN is blessed by the color red and the speed it entails, she is only rendered unable to move and act for five minutes when she lays eggs. Her remaining time is then used to care for the eggs/larva until they are fully grown.
>>
No. 528571 ID: 6164e0
KILLER QUEEN is now preparing to lay 50 eggs, 25 The Merciless and 25 Fat Bottomed Girls in chamber 1.

Should KILLER QUEEN start laying in chamber 1? (any time she lays eggs means that another half hour will pass)
>>
No. 528572 ID: 6164e0
KILLER QUEEN lays 50 eggs, 25 The Merciless, 25 Fat Bottomed Girls.

KILLER QUEEN realizes that her colony does not have a name. KILLER QUEEN wishes to name the colony (naming rules the same as before, must be a song/album title or the name of a musical group)

Once the colony is named, time will advance.
>>
No. 528573 ID: f78140
>>536634
name it Crescent. (yes, this is the name of a band. i checked)
>>
No. 528574 ID: 6164e0
>>536640
And how many units of concentrated nutrients should each Fat Bottomed Girl out resource gathering stop at and return to the hive?
>>
No. 528575 ID: 01383e
>>536643
I say 15 at first. if they start getting eaten by things, we can reduce it to 10 until the guards pacify the area.
>>
No. 528576 ID: 6164e0
File 125177235964.jpg - (21.79KB , 613x871 , Basic Colony 4.jpg )
528576
Work expanding Crescent continues, but KILLER QUEEN seems to have lost track of where she is going to take the colonies design.

CRESCENT COLONY AGE: 1.5 HOURS

TOTALS:
1 KILLER QUEEN
100 Fat Bottomed Girls
60(65?) The Merciless

STATUS:
KILLER QUEEN: Sated, can produce more eggs
Fat Bottomed Girls:
-25 Lethargic Fed (Will lose Lethargic in 30 minutes), Idle in Chamber 3
-25 Sated (will need to feed in the next 30 minutes or become Lethargic), Expanding Colony
-25 Sated (self-feeding), consuming yellow flower leaves and returning at 15 units of Concentrated Nutrients
-25 Sated (will need to feed in 1 hour or become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 1

The Merciless:
-20 Sated (will need to feed in the next 30 minutes or become Lethargic), Investigating loss of contact with 5 The Merciless.
-10 Sated (will need to feed in the next 30 minutes or become Lethargic), Guarding Fat Bottomed Girls resource gathering.
-5 Sated (will need to feed in the next 30 minutes or become Lethargic), Patrolling Crescent.
-25 Sated (will need to feed in 1 hour or become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 1

FOOD:
25 units of Yellow Flower Leaf (Quality: 1/10)
45 units of Nest Robber Centipede (Quality: 3/10)
375 units of Concentrated Nutrients (Quality unknown, food has not been sampled)

Storage:
Chamber 1 current maximum capacity: 300 points (230/300 used)
Chamber 2 current maximum capacity: 400 points (0/400 used)
Chamber 3 current maximum capacity: 300 points (300/300 used)
(KILLER QUEEN is worth 10 points, The Merciless and Fat Bottomed Girls are worth 1 point. Food is 1 point per unit of food)


!!NOTICE!! The yellow flowers in your immediate vicinity are now thinned. Further leaf gathering will slow unless you are willing to strip the plants.
!!NOTICE!! Storage overflow in Chamber 3, additional food stored in Chamber 1.
!!NOTICE!! 20 Merciless have encountered several sandy sinkholes on the opposing side of the rock.
>>
No. 528577 ID: 6164e0
File 125177345134.jpg - (58.32KB , 400x281 , Pits.jpg )
528577
Pic of what The Merciless found. Still no sign of the lost ants.

Action?
>>
No. 528578 ID: f78140
>>536666
make a note of the doodlebug pit. avoid it like the plague.
>>
No. 528579 ID: 6164e0
File 125177402724.jpg - (27.41KB , 312x212 , Pit Monster.jpg )
528579
>>536671
KILLER QUEEN attempts to order The Merciless to stay clear of the hole.

...Perhaps you did too good of a job making The Merciless aggressive. Despite your orders, they charge one of the sinkholes, willing to give their lives to keep Crescent safe!

The sand shifts under them, and as the forward-most ant approachs the bottom, a creature appears out of the sand, and with a snap of its jaws bisects the ant. However, it was not expecting a group to charge straight into its home, and it is forced out of the soil.

Control has switched to:
The Merciless X19

Actions?
>>
No. 528580 ID: 43d730
>>536673
Circle and attack from behind.
>>
No. 528581 ID: 6164e0
>>536674
Attempts to circle behind the monster prove fruitless, as it always turns towards the largest grouping of The Merciless.

!On of the ants got too close circling, and was broken by the jaws.

The Merciless X18
>>
No. 528582 ID: f78140
>>536673
it's a doodlebug pit. you can go forward, or you can go forward while trying to go backwards.
attempt to destroy it's mandibles before it can kill all the merciless.
>>
No. 528583 ID: 2b8572
STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM THOSE JAWS
Try removing legs and ripping holes in the abdomen. Definitely all attack at once.
>>
No. 528584 ID: 2b8572
>>536678
split up. We still have 18 merciless, that's more than enough to surround it.
>>
No. 528585 ID: 01383e
swarm it! bite any and all soft bits!
>>
No. 528586 ID: 6164e0
>>536682
The Merciless through caution to the wind!

>>536683
They spread wide to surround the beast, and bravely charge it!

The monster attempts to pick off another one, but something strange happens: The Merciless are crowding together so closely to try to kill it that its jaws get jammed open by the push of bodies! three more ants fall, but the creature cannot stop the angry swarm from engulfing it.

!!NOTICE!! Monster has been killed!
!!NOTICE!! The Merciless Strain has evidenced the Strain Trait: Fearless Unity. The More Merciless fighting in tandem, the more effective they become, willing to spend their lives for the glory of KILLER QUEEN.

15 Merciless left. Orders?
>>
No. 528587 ID: 01383e
>>536690
well, the merciless have done their jobs well. have them drag the thing back to the hive, and leave a trail of both food and danger pherimones. we want more warriors to kill the other one.
>>
No. 528588 ID: 06fc25
>>536690

Drag the body back to the nest in triumph. Have one of The Merciless try some of monster's flesh to ensure it is safe to eat. If so, present it to the queen as a trophy of their first battle.
>>
No. 528590 ID: 6164e0
!!NOTICE!!Due to the intense fighting, the already hungry Merciless are now dangerously close to becoming Lethargic.
>>
No. 528591 ID: 06fc25
>dangerously close to becoming Lethargic.

Alright, have all fifteen chow down on the monster and bring what's left back to the nest.

>and leave a trail of both food and danger pheromones. we want more warriors to kill the other one.

I agree with this idea.
>>
No. 528592 ID: 6164e0
File 125177596726.jpg - (206.42KB , 600x400 , Big Ant.jpg )
528592
>>536695
One of The Merciless moves forward, gorging itself on the dead beast.

!!NOTICE!! A strange change is taking place! The Merciless grows larger, more durable, and more deadly. The Ant is now 6mm long, 4mm wide, and is better adapted to walking on loose sand.

!?!SECRET EVENT FOUND!?!: The Merciless will transform if they eat creatures like this!

You control:
The Merciless X14 (very close to becoming Lethargic from lack of food)
New Ant Strain X1

(I also need a name for this new strain)
>>
No. 528593 ID: 6164e0
>>536700
The remaining Merciless, after seeing their compatriot become so altered, all rush forward, and in a great swarming frenzy, devour the beast whole.

You are now in control of:

New Ant Strain X15

Orders?
>>
No. 528595 ID: 06fc25
Since we went with The Merciless last time, let's call _this_ breed Death on Six Legs.

Test out their new capabilities with the denizen of the other hole?
>>
No. 528596 ID: 43d730
>>536705
Let them rest and eat first.
And bring the other Merciless along so they can feast on the other one.
>>
No. 528597 ID: 2b8572
>>536703
idk how many units of food are left from this thing, but haul it back for additional merciless to feast upon.
>>
No. 528598 ID: 6164e0
>>536705
New Breed Designated: Death on Six Legs

The very first fifteen Death on Six Legs approach the other sand pit, sure another monster lurks within.

The Death on Six Legs march down the pit, stopping short when they feel the rumblings of a monster surfacing.

....The Beast does not seem as terrifying to them now. They prepare to assault it, but don't seem very enthused with the idea of slaughtering it so easy. Where is the challenge?

The Death On Six Legs wave their antenna about, pondering what to do, when the first Death on Six Legs boldly moves forward, hissing a challenge at the monster.

The beast strikes, trying to crush the ant.

!!NOTICE!! Death on Six Legs is evidencing a new Strain Trait: Proud Warrior. Whenever possible, Death on Six Legs will bravely face down foes many times their size without hesitation.

ALL GLORY FOR HER MAJESTY KILLER QUEEN!

Control has switched to:
Death on Six Legs X1
>>
No. 528599 ID: 6164e0
>>536708
No food is left from the first monster: they devoured it whole!
>>
No. 528600 ID: 01383e
>>536711
are your mandibles as big as its? if so, attempt to bite off its mouth before it can bite off yours.
>>
No. 528601 ID: 06fc25
Raw strength and skill will determine the victor this day.

Approach the monster with head high and mandibles open. When it is about to lunge, charge at it and lock pincers. Try to flip it over and snap it in half, or at least mangle the things own pincers as it jockeys for a better position.
>>
No. 528602 ID: 6164e0
>>536715
Death on Six Legs are still smaller than the monster, but that does not deter such Fearless and Proud Warriors!

Death on Six Legs dashes in even closer as the jaws come shut, striving to lock its jaws around the beast head and rend it asunder!

CRITICAL SUCCESS! The Death on Six Legs gains a large rent from its forehead all the way down its thorax, but is undeterred: its prize is in reach, and nothing will sway it from receiving righteous victory! Its jaws snap shut, cleaving the beasts head in twain, its massive jaws going limp in death.

The surrounding Death on Six Legs look upon this one, the first of their kind, and know what it is to feel respect.

!?!SECRET EVENT!?! One of your ants seems blessed by the stars, and can now be treated as an individual unit!

Please name the scarred Death on Six Legs
>>
No. 528603 ID: 01383e
>>536720
I can't think of any song names that have scar in them
>>
No. 528604 ID: ed8d8a
Scar tissue? by the red hot chili peppers?

I was gonna suggest calling it Quimby though, for the hell of it.
>>
No. 528605 ID: 6164e0
>>536724
While that would be very thematically aproppriate, the Name doesn't have to reference the scar, it just has to reference what the ant is: A fearless, proud warrior, ready to face any foe for the KILLER QUEEN, its ruler and creator, who faced down a type of beast that felled many of its brethren alone, and won.
>>
No. 528606 ID: 6164e0
>>536724
While that would be very thematically appropriate, the Name doesn't have to reference the scar, it just has to reference what the ant is: A fearless, proud warrior, ready to face any foe for the KILLER QUEEN, its ruler and creator, who faced down a type of beast that felled many of its brethren alone, and won.
>>
No. 528607 ID: 2b8572
>>536720
Sugar.

(Or, if something less saccharine is preferable, Alive.)
>>
No. 528608 ID: f78140
>>536720
Scars of Yesterday
>>
No. 528609 ID: 6164e0
>>536732
From this moment forth, Scars of Yesterday, the first Death on Six Legs, is born.

He eats the skull of the fallen monster as his spoils. He feels somewhat smarter!

Scars of Yesterday is now a Hero Ant, smarter and more capable than others of his breed. Other ants will follow his directions, so long as they do not conflict with any order from KILLER QUEEN.

Control has switched to:
Scars of Yesterday
Death on Six Legs X14 (under Scars of Yesterday's command)

!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday, more attentive than his fellow Death on Six Legs, hears the buzzing stop.
>>
No. 528610 ID: 06fc25
Begin falling back to the nest. No telling what kind of attention the war party has aroused.
>>
No. 528611 ID: ed8d8a
>>536735
aww.. but there's a Queen song called simply "The Hero"
>>
No. 528612 ID: 6164e0
File 125177941512.jpg - (71.17KB , 450x600 , Pit Flier.jpg )
528612
>>536738
Scars of Yesterday orders the other Death on Six Legs to fall back, bringing the food with them.

As they flee, a new Buzzing noise, deeper and louder than the norm, can be heard. Sparing a quick glance back, Scars of Yesterday sees a giant in the sky.
>>
No. 528613 ID: 6164e0
The flying giant lands at the pits, and a deep sound, a sorrow and rage filled knell, fills the air. The giant returns to the sky, and turns towards the fleeing ants. The giant can fly swiftly, and it is doubtful that it will cease chasing the ants.

What actions should Scars of Yesterday and the other Death on Six Legs take?
>>
No. 528614 ID: 01383e
>>536743
fell a flower on it!
>>
No. 528615 ID: 1689ab
>>536743
Take no shit. Go for the wings.
>>
No. 528616 ID: 6164e0
>>536744
The flowers are massive, and it would take time to cut one down.

>>536745
The giant has a wingspan of 80mm, and a body length of 65mm. It head is larger than the entire body of a Death on Six Legs. You are not sure how to get at its wings while it is in the air.

The giant grows closer. The Crescent is now visible, but as things are, the giant will catch your party before it can reach the hive. It would need to be stalled somehow for the ants to reach the colony before it is upon them.

Orders?
>>
No. 528617 ID: 6faa8c
>>536747
PROTIP: dragonflies can't fold their wings. They can only flap them! If we can get to a place where the wings could not fit, it would be forced to either give up or sacrifice its aerial advantage.
>>
No. 528618 ID: 06fc25
Split into three groups and scramble for cover. Whichever group the thing focuses on should find some kind of underbrush to hide in. Meanwhile the other two should hurry back to the nest to sound the alarm.
>>
No. 528619 ID: 6164e0
>>536748
And where do you propose to find such a place in the open ground near the entrance to the Crescent?
>>
No. 528620 ID: 1689ab
>>536748
This. Can we dig in anywhere quickly? Mayhaps we can lay a trap for it where it cant get us.
It threatens us, and must be destroyed.
>>
No. 528621 ID: 6164e0
>>536751
Death on Six Legs are specialized warriors. There is no way for them to dig a suitable cover before it reaches them.


>>536749
While there is no shelter above ground, the Crescent would prove ample shelter against the giant.

Scars of Yesterday orders the group to split into three groups.

Scars of Yesterday and Four Death on Six Legs, carrying monster carcass, heading to entrance of Crescent

Five Death on Six Legs, heading to one of the alternate entrances.

Five Death on Six Legs, heading to the other alternate entrance.

The giant seems to be pursuing Scar of Yesterday's party! They will not reach the entrance before it is upon them!

Orders?
>>
No. 528622 ID: 6faa8c
>>536754
It seems to be after the corpse!
Everyone, hide under it until he's in the sky, then climb onto his wings and destroy them!
>>
No. 528623 ID: 6164e0
>>536761
Scars of Yesterday and the four other Death on Six legs with him let the carcass drop, and quickly scuttle beneath it, waiting for the giant to come.

The giant descends, and with a loud thump, is on the ground, making the same anguish and hatred filled noise as before. It grabs hold of the carcass.

Scars of Yesterday and the four Death on Six Legs swarm around the carcass, trying to crawl onto the giant.

But despite its size, it consumes two Death on Six Legs whole. If it weren't for the Fearless Unity trait they still possess from their start as Merciless, Scars of Yesterday and the two remaining Death on Six Legs might have hesitated.

But they are not normal ants. They are soldiers, fighters by design and by action, honed to never stop, to spend every bit of life they have to defend the hive.

Scars of Yesterday and the two Death on Six Legs make it past the giant's maw, and start crawling towards the giant's wings, determined to forever lock it on the ground.

Realizing that something is amiss, the giant takes to the sky carrying the carcass and its unwanted passengers. It starts flying about at high speed, quickly daring about in an attempt to throw off its assailants.

One particularly sharp turn hurls the two Death on Six Legs off the giant's back. At this height and speed, it is unknown where they will land, and unlikely they will survive.

But Scars of Yesterday is not so easily thwarted. He may be new to having a mind of his own, but he knows what is important: Duty. No matter what, he must keep this creature from attacking Crescent. He must keep KILLER QUEEN safe. He would die for his queen. He bites deeply into the giant's side, eliciting a cry of pain. The giant flies higher and higher, trying to shake Scars of Yesterday off.

But his dedication is too great. No matter how the creature moves, he hangs on with dogged determination, doing everything he can to best it.

He has no real chance, the giant is so enormous that all he can do is cause it pain. And at the speeds they are moving, he cannot move to the wings. So he continues biting, continues hurting the giant. And it spirals higher and higher, trying to shake off the dutiful defender of the colony.

The giant and its passenger vanish in the vast heights of the sky as the hive is alerted to the threat and pours out to defend itself, only to find the threat removed, thanks to ever loyal Scars of Yesterday.
>>
No. 528624 ID: 6faa8c
File 125178292469.png - (37.53KB , 600x400 , 1247383680591.png )
528624
>>536765
Erm.

Well.

I'm sorry guys!
Still, manly tear for those I killed off.
>>
No. 528625 ID: 1689ab
Man... he's totally going to come back in our darkest hour and rally our troops with tales of fearless duty and strange beasts and the long journey taken to get home.
>>
No. 528626 ID: ed8d8a
>He has no real chance

Slander and defeatism! bite over and over in the same place, working to enlarge the holes and work deeper. Eventually it will sever something important.
Yours are the mandibles that will pierce the dragonfly!
>>
No. 528627 ID: 6164e0
??
Object observable in the sky!

the carcass of the sand monster drops from the sky, hitting the ground with a heavy thud.

Control has switched back to KILLER QUEEN and her offspring.

Action?
>>
No. 528628 ID: 6faa8c
>>536771
Take the carcass quickly.

Make tiny shrine to Scars.
>>
No. 528629 ID: 6164e0
>>536772
The carcass is dragged inside, and KILLER QUEEN is made aware of the trans-formative properties it has on The Merciless. There seems to be enough to feed 15 Merciless, should you choose.
>>
No. 528630 ID: 6164e0
In the middle of the Crescent, right in front of the hive, the ten surviving Death on Six legs drag a great piece of wood, easily more than an inch tall.

KILLER QUEEN exits the underground of Crescent, and gazes upon the wood as the Death on Six Legs roughly cut into it, tearing chunks off.

Shortly, a crude figure of an Ant head, complete with a large rent trailing back, is now the centerpiece of Crescent.

KILLER QUEEN wishes she could have met Scars of Yesterday, even for a moment.
>>
No. 528631 ID: 6164e0
>>536770

Never give up. Never stop. Even if your limbs are shattered, your mandibles cracked, your exoskeleton broken, keep fighting. That is what a true warrior does. That is the creed of the Death on Six Legs. That is how legends are made.

Scars of Yesterday knows this well. He is the first of his kind, and he exists because he never wavered, never stopped. The foe may be daunting, but what more could a Proud Warrior hope for, than to fight a foe so much stronger?

Scars of Yesterday is wounded. His body is beginning to split along the scar from before, and he is losing internal fluids.

But he didn't stop biting. He didn't stop tearing. He didn't stop cutting a gore-choked hole into the giant, no matter how it resisted.

And he has been rewarded. The giant's wings slow. Their ascent stops. Scars of Yesterday feels the tissue and fluids around him cease throbbing: the beast has died.

For just a brief moment, Scars of Yesterday can see the world stretching out, alone in the sky. He can't even see Crescent. Seeing land stretch out farther and farther in every direction, the only thought he can put together is contentment, seeing the world so vast, knowing his queen will some day claim it all.

He regrets he can't help her achieve such a lofty goal, as both he and the giant begin to plummet back down to the cold and harsh earth.

A plume of smoke is accompanied by a fountain of gore, as the giant splits apart from the terrible force of the impact.


What action should KILLER QUEEN TAKE?
>>
No. 528632 ID: 1689ab
>>536775
Really? You think terminal velocity for an ant is enough to hurt it? Fuck that. Get back up. We've earned this kill and damned if we aint bringing it home with us.
>>
No. 528633 ID: ed8d8a
Create another squad of Death on Sex Legs from the carcass that Scars of Yesterday valiantly fought for. If the body of the great flying beast can be found and salvaged, the original squad should be allowed to consume what remains, to honor their fallen leader's sacrifice.
>>
No. 528634 ID: 6faa8c
>>536776
This is true.
A tick can fall from the empire state and not die, dude.
>>
No. 528635 ID: 6164e0
>>536776
Normally, falling wouldn't hurt an ant.

But when the ant is UNDER a dragonfly when it falls, that might change.

KILLER QUEEN, the ten Death on Six Legs and all the nearby Merciless advance on the fallen giant. It quickly become clear it will not move again. There is only one wound on its body that stands out, a gaping hole in the creatures side caked in gore.

Action?
>>
No. 528636 ID: 6faa8c
>>536777
... But this in the interim, if Bob decides that Scars is truly dead.
>>
No. 528637 ID: ed8d8a
>>536776
damn your physics! so what if the ant and the dragonfly were actually like eight feet off the ground and falling at a speed that would hardly bruise fruit. It was epic.
>>
No. 528638 ID: 1689ab
Find the corpse of our fallen. We shall preserve his corpse and someday defy death itself to bring it back to life.
>>
No. 528639 ID: 6164e0
>>536777
KILLER QUEEN has 15 of The Merciless that have been idle in Chamber 1 consume the carcass.

!!NOTICE!! 15 The Merciless have transformed into 15 Death on Six Legs.

KILLER QUEEN now commands 25 Death on Six Legs and 25 The Merciless as armed forces.

Before you can consume the Flying Giant, someone must get close enough to inspect it.

Also, it is unknown what effect consuming the Flying Giant will have on any strain of ant, let alone whether it is edible.
>>
No. 528640 ID: 6faa8c
>>536783
Then send a single Six Legs and see if he lives through eating some, or even inspecting it.
>>
No. 528641 ID: 6164e0
>>536782

KILLER QUEEN would look upon Scars of Yesterday.

She advances to the giant's fallen form, heedless of danger. But even she feels dwarfed by the being before her.

KILLER QUEEN cannot see Scars of Yesterday anywhere, but she can smell his scent coming from the giant.

Actions?
>>
No. 528642 ID: 6faa8c
>>536785

This
>>536784

Then have the nest rip apart the Giant into smaller chunks, carefully.
>>
No. 528643 ID: 789c25
>>536779
Still shouldn't kill him, were it not for the fact that his exoskeleton was ruptured.
>>
No. 528644 ID: ed8d8a
send sufficient warriors to shift the carcass and turn it over.
>>
No. 528645 ID: 789c25
Well, something needs to take a bite. I'd say a six-legs.
>>
No. 528646 ID: 6164e0
>>536784
One of the Death on Six Legs, one of the ones to have fought alongside Scars of Yesterday, moves up beside KILLER QUEEN.

Both stand there for a moment, naught but their antenna moving. Not a sound can be heard.

And then the Death on Six Legs advances, grabbing some of the gore from the great rent in the giant's side.

Or at least, such the ants intent, but the body twitches.

Quickly the Death on Six legs places itself between KILLER QUEEN and the giant, mandibles akimbo, ready to fight.

The giant shifts, and the gaping ound in its side seethes as goo leaks out in a brutal cascade.

But then the Death on Six Legs stops, goes deathly still save for its antenna, waving wildly, frantically through the air.

The gore pile shifts again, and familiar scent drifts out......
>>
No. 528647 ID: 6164e0
And with the scent, a single command.

My................Foe..............Food............Mine
>>
No. 528648 ID: ed8d8a
>>536791
Six Legs: salute, step back.
Let Killer Queen have some tasty monster too though.
>>
No. 528649 ID: 6faa8c
>>536791
HE LIVES?!
>>
No. 528651 ID: 6164e0
File 125178817921.jpg - (75.08KB , 877x705 , The Hero Scars of Yesterday.jpg )
528651
>>536792

It takes some time, but slowly, inexorably, the pile of gore shift, and a six legged form comes out, still chewing on some of the Giant's innards.

...the scent coming from the ant is the same, but Scar looks very different. He is much larger (12mm long, 5.5mm wide), and his carapace has hardened, the rent now healed over with a razor sharp cluster of spikes.

Scars of Yesterday, once the first Death on Six Legs, now The Hero, Scars of Yesterday, Giantslayer, emerges, shaking off the detritus of the giant, his eyes only for his queen.




Okay, I think I am going to stop there. I will probably do more tomorrow (not as much as today). Anyone with thoughts or suggestions on the quest can go to http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/1816.html
>>
No. 528652 ID: 6164e0
Ok, KILLER QUEEN is getting ready to lay some eggs, but first two things:

How many eggs/what loadout of strains should be produced?

As it is, you do not have enough Leaf based food to feed everyone, please designate what food should be eaten by what. This is the food KILLER QUEEN has right now:

25 units of Yellow Flower Leaf (Quality: 1/10)
45 units of Nest Robber Centipede (Quality: 3/10)
375 units of Concentrated Nutrients (Quality unknown, food has not been sampled)
180 units of Black Dragonfly (Quality unknown, food has not been sampled)
>>
No. 528653 ID: 01383e
>>536835
concentrated nutrients should be distributed among the larvae, seeing as it has the highest chance, in my mind, of being just a straight up nutritional slurry.

The giant should be sampled by our second tier and first tier warriors- I don't really expect a mutation, but there's so much it has to be fooded. have some tier 1 warriors and fat bottomed ladies eat the doodlebug, I wanna see if the worker castes get mutated via strange meats or if they get mutated via strange plants.

Also, STILL not enough food for everyone? jesus christ, this next batch should be mostly fat bottomed ladies then. as much as possible.
>>
No. 528654 ID: 789c25
>>536837
Not enough Leaf based food. That means we have to eat bug-based food and slurry.

But more Fat-bottomed girls does sound like a good idea.
>>
No. 528655 ID: 6164e0
>>536837
1: The sand monster carcasses have both been devoured in their entirety, leaving you with 25 total Death on Six Legs.

2: You aren't running out of food (you can feed everyone and still have a decent chunk of food left), but since the gathering method has changed, you no longer bring in more leaves, instead Fat Bottomed Girls assigned to collecting food eat the food on site and bring it back exclusively as nutrient.

Order change: larva feed from the Concentrated Nutrients when possible.

Order change: The Hero Scars of Yesterday, Death on Six Legs and The Merciless switched to consuming the fallen giant for the next time stamp.

What should KILLER QUEEN and Fat Bottomed Girls eat at the next checkpoint? Remember, you have 25 leaves left, and KILLER QUEEN needs 25 units of food every 30 minutes currently.

!!NOTICE!!The Hero Scars of Yesterday has become an elite hero unit. In addition to now being directly controllable, he now requires 5 food every hour due to his increased size and faster metabolism.

Also, specifics on the number of eggs/strains used are needed.
>>
No. 528656 ID: 01383e
>>536841
I say 75 fat bottomed, 25 merciless.

Also, we DO have more than just the leaves for killer queen, right? I feel like she should get something... better. if there's anything else, have her eat that, and have the hero join in. maybe the slurry?
>>
No. 528657 ID: 6164e0
>>536843
KILLER QUEEN can eat whatever you want. I was simply observing we have exactly enough leaves to feed her this time.


So, maximum eggs possible, 75 Fat Bottomed Girls, 25 The Merciless. Does that sound acceptable?
>>
No. 528658 ID: 06fc25
Sounds good to me. When the quest starts up again, we should focus on building up the food stores and building the nest.
The warriors also need to finish their scouting - 15 Merciless and 5 D6L's should be fine.
>>
No. 528659 ID: 01383e
>>536844
sounds good. and give the queen some slurry, it's all pre-digested and good.

when's the quest start again?
>>
No. 528660 ID: 6164e0
>>536846
Egg load out confirmed.

time will advance imminently.
>>536849
Shortly. Making sure I have number right and everything. Big post soon.
>>
No. 528661 ID: ed8d8a
Queen should eat the dragonfly too.
>>
No. 528662 ID: 6164e0
File 125182487445.jpg - (22.62KB , 613x871 , Basic Colony 5.jpg )
528662
CRESCENT COLONY AGE: 2.0 HOURS

TOTALS:
1 KILLER QUEEN
1 The Hero Scars of Yesterday
25 Death on Six Legs
50 The Merciless
175 Fat Bottomed Girls


STATUS:
KILLER QUEEN: Sated (does not need food until hour 3), can produce more eggs

The Hero Scars of Yesterday: Sated (needs 5 units of food in 1 hour or become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 1

Death on Six Legs:
-25 Sated (will need to feed in 1 hour or will become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 1

The Merciless:
-5 Sated (will need to feed in 1 hour or become Lethargic), Patrolling Crescent.
-10 Sated (will need to feed in 1 hour or become Lethargic), Guarding Fat Bottomed Girls resource gathering.
-10 Sated (will need to feed in 1 hour or become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 1

Fat Bottomed Girls:
-25 Sated (will need to feed in the next 30 minutes or become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 3
-25 Sated (will need to feed in the next 30 minutes or become Lethargic), Expanding Colony
-25 Sated (self-feeding), consuming yellow flower leaves and returning at 15 units of Concentrated Nutrients
-25 Sated (will need to feed in the next 30 minutes or become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 1
-100 Sated (will need feeding in 2 hours or will become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 1

FOOD:
25 units of Yellow Flower Leaf (Quality: 1/10)
45 units of Nest Robber Centipede (Quality: 3/10)
175 units of Black Dragonfly (Quality: 3/10)
375 units of Concentrated Nutrients (Quality: 4/10)

Storage:
Chamber 1 current maximum capacity: 300 points (300/300 used)
Chamber 2 current maximum capacity: 400 points (245/400 used)
Chamber 3 current maximum capacity: 300 points (300/300 used)
Chamber 4 current maximum capacity: 150 points (0/150 used)
(KILLER QUEEN is worth 10 points, The Hero Scars of Yesterday is worth 5 points, Death on Six Legs are worth 2 points, The Merciless and Fat Bottomed Girls are worth 1 point. Food is 1 point per unit of food)

!!NOTICE!!The Concentrated Nutrients seem extra nutritious! Any ant that eats this food can go twice as long before it needs to feed again.
!!NOTICE!! Construction on Chamber 4 has progressed enough it can be used to store things.
!!NOTICE!!Crescent is running out of room! New expansion plans must be drafted!

ASSESSING UPGRADES EARNED.

First Hero Unit: 1 upgrade
Found tasty new food: Sand Monster Ant Lion: 1 upgrade
Found tasty new food: Flying Giant Black Dragonfly: 1 upgrade
Found tasty new food: Concentrated Nutrients: 1 upgrade

You have earned: 4 total upgrades.

Please spend upgrades on the following:

Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv2.
Improve The Merciless Strain.
Create New Ant Strain
Create Specialty Strain: Trap Ant (A strain that mimics the sand monster, self feeds) (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES)
Make Death on Six Legs a normal Strain (makes it upgradeable, lets KILLER QUEEN lay eggs) (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES, d20 rolled, must beat 14)
Upgrade Exoskeletons
Upgrade Mandible Quality
Upgrade Intelligence
Specialize KILLER QUEEN (choose either attack, defense, harvesting, digging or mobility) (can specialize multiple times, and stack upgrades)
Gift KILLER QUEEN Poison Trait to The Hero Scars of Yesterday

The first options to get 3 votes are chosen.
>>
No. 528663 ID: f78140
>>536853
upgrade intelligence
upgrade exoskeleton
new strain

have all the ants that need feeding in 30 minutes eat nutrient.

assign 150 fat bottoms to expanding colony
dig 2 more chambers below chamber 4 in a "/\" shape and 2 more below each of those.

assign 20 fat bottoms to leaf eating to 15 and returning

assign all merciless to guarding the gathering fat bottoms.

assign 10 DO6L to biting through the stem of a stripped flower
and 30 fat bottoms to carry it back

remaining DO6L on guard duty in colony with Scars of Yesterday
>>
No. 528664 ID: 6164e0
>>536854
You didn't say what you want the fourth upgrade on.
>>
No. 528665 ID: 06fc25
Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv2.
Create New Ant Strain - Mobility
Upgrade Mandible Quality
Upgrade Exoskeletons

Set all ants to feed automatically 30 minutes before becoming lethargic.

Have 15 of the idle Death on Six Legs continue scouting around the rock. The other ten should join the the 10 idle Merciless in guarding Fat Bottomed Girls resource gathering.

50 idle Fat Bottomed Girls should assist in expanding the colony, while the remaining 100 should gather more resources, with an emphasis in locating any new sources of food.
Have 25 of them try collecting nectar from the flowers.
>>
No. 528666 ID: f78140
>>536855
uhh, upgrade fat bottoms
>>
No. 528667 ID: 6164e0
>>536854
>>536856
Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv2. 2
Improve The Merciless Strain.
Create New Ant Strain 2
Create Specialty Strain: Trap Ant (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES)
Make Death on Six Legs a normal Strain (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES)
Upgrade Exoskeletons 2
Upgrade Mandible Quality 1
Upgrade Intelligence 1
Specialize KILLER QUEEN
Gift KILLER GUEEN Poison Trait to the Hero Scars of Yesterday
>>
No. 528668 ID: 06fc25
File 125182624449.jpg - (30.35KB , 613x871 , 125182487445.jpg )
528668
>>536854

Like this? Not sure what to use the rooms for, but I'm sure we can come up with something.
>>
No. 528669 ID: 6164e0
Still waiting on more people to say what upgrades should be taken.
>>
No. 528670 ID: ed8d8a
>>536859
This is a workable floor plan. Queen uses chamber 6 for egg laying, higher quality food stored deeper.

Upgrade fat bottoms
Improve exoskeleton
create scout strain
Gift hero with poison
>>
No. 528671 ID: 6164e0
>>536861
Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv2. 3 CHOSEN
Improve The Merciless Strain.
Create New Ant Strain 3 CHOSEN
Create Specialty Strain: Trap Ant (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES)
Make Death on Six Legs a normal Strain (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES)
Upgrade Exoskeletons 3 CHOSEN
Upgrade Mandible Quality 1
Upgrade Intelligence 1
Specialize KILLER QUEEN
Gift KILLER QUEEN Poison Trait to the Hero Scars of Yesterday 1
>>
No. 528672 ID: 06fc25
>>536856

I'm not especially attached to Upgrade Mandible Quality, so if someone else votes for Upgrade Intelligence or Hero Poison I'll support it.
>>
No. 528673 ID: 6164e0
Upgrade Mandible Quality 1
Upgrade Intelligence 1
Gift KILLER QUEEN Poison Trait to the Hero Scars of Yesterday 1

Each of these upgrades have been picked once, and only one more upgrade can be made.

Which upgrade should be taken?
>>
No. 528674 ID: 43d730
>>536864
Devote one to the trap ants (Voting for Crying Game on the name).
>>
No. 528675 ID: 6164e0
>>536863
Next person to vote for either Intelligence or to gift Poison to Scars of Yesterday decides the fourth upgrade.
>>
No. 528676 ID: 6164e0
Voting is now open even to those who already voted

Choose between Raising Intelligence or gifting Poison to Scars of Yesterday.
>>
No. 528677 ID: 954933
>>536871
Intelligence.
>>
No. 528678 ID: 401fe2
>>536871
I vote intelligence too.
>>
No. 528679 ID: 6164e0
Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv2. CHOSEN
Create New Ant Strain CHOSEN
Upgrade Exoskeletons CHOSEN
Upgrade Intelligence CHOSEN

Fat Bottomed Girls are now stronger! They can carry up to 30 units of food before being slowed, and can cut through tougher materials with their mandibles. They can now dig through compacted clay soil at the same speed they dig through normal dirt, and can now tunnel into soft woods at a slow rate!

All Ants have a stronger carapace! All ants are more durable now!

All ants become more intelligent! Ants can appraise unknown object to get a good guess as to whether they can safely eat it! Ants now understand cause and effect! You chance of creating further Hero units is improved!

KILLER QUEEN is more adept at making new breeds of ants, she can now more finely control what kind of breed she makes!


jack of all trades
focus on movement speed
focus on jumping ability
focus on agile combatants
focus on durable combatants
focus on digging/harvesting
focus on digging
focus on harvesting
roll a 1d30 (1 being the worst, 30 being awesome) to try and randomly make the new (Only a roll of one will create a negative trait that randomly manifests, all other rolls create a strain of varying quality)


You can now place as many of the following restrictions as desired on new ant strains to further improve them:

-Each egg takes 5x as much effort to lay
-Larva needs multiple feedings and more time to mature
-Diet restricted to fauna only
-Diet restricted to foods of a minimum quality level.


The more restrictions you stack on a new breed, the better it gets (cannot apply restrictions to randomly generated new strains)
>>
No. 528680 ID: ed8d8a
I envision a group of expendable scout ants able to explore great distances and probably forage for food in the field. I am unsure if this job description should make them straight movement speed, or agile combatants. Others have thoughts?
>>
No. 528681 ID: 6164e0
File 12518329158.jpg - (74.55KB , 980x705 , The Hero Scars of Yesterday Clean.jpg )
528681
!!NOTICE!! The Hero Scars of Yesterday has now been cleaned of giant's ichor from his fight with the giant! He shines with an awesome light that tells him to defeat KILLER QUEEN's foes!

The Hero Scars of Yesterday has gained the following Trait: Shining Light! Scars of Yesterday is now much more visible to foes, but can also rally troops with his presence! His Carapace is particularly slick, and he is more difficult to grapple!

!!NOTICE!! The Hero Scars of Yesterday has gained the Talent Stoner Sunshine! In exchange for becoming lethargic and deactivating Shining Light until no longer Lethargic, Scars of Yesterday can snap his mandibles at incredible speeds, creating a shock wave that is more damaging the closer his opponent is! (think pistol shrimp shrunk down)
>>
No. 528682 ID: f78140
>>536877
hold off making the new strain until we get that flower. if it's worth it, we can make jumper-gatherers, and if it isn't, we can make something else.
>>
No. 528683 ID: 401fe2
>>536879
Agile doesn't mean fast. It means able to dodge, duck, and weave (most likely so as to close the distance to a target without being killed). Speed (in running) is another thing altogether.

Go with movement speed. Scouting should be rather useful considering there are apparently nifty things we can find in the area through exploration.
>>
No. 528684 ID: 6164e0
>>536881
The new strain must be developed before time can continue advancing. Upgrades/new strains must be applied immediately upon purchase.
>>
No. 528685 ID: 06fc25
>>536882

Yeah, we should have the scouts focus on movement speed. I would also add the restrictions -Each egg takes 5x as much effort to lay and Larva needs multiple feedings and more time to mature.

Sure, it will consume more resources and take time, but we can get all Speedy Gonzalez in here.
>>
No. 528686 ID: 43d730
>>536884
See if we can get gliding wings, too.
At the very least.
>>
No. 528687 ID: ed8d8a
Eh, forget combat capability. Name scout strain "Who Wants to Live Forever" and optimize for speed. Those restrictions seem fine too. Avoid the ones about eating, as the scouts need to be able to consume whatever is available in the field.
>>
No. 528688 ID: 401fe2
>>536884
That would create high quality scouts, but not high quantity. We have to decide between large numbers of expendable ants that we don't have to worry about losing, or a smaller number of more competent ants who will get the job done faster.

Personally I say settle for some of both. Take only the restriction 'needs more food and time to hatch.'

Or... and perhaps this is a bit questionable on the ethics... but we could take the two food restrictions, create a large group of relatively high quality ants, then send them out to scout and return before they die of starvation. Good quality and literally expendable.
>>
No. 528689 ID: 6164e0
>>536882
I didn't say nifty things.

I said 'Interesting' things. Notice the ominous quotes.

But yes, increased risk usually means increased rewards.
>>
No. 528690 ID: 6164e0
>>536887
They would still need to be fed sufficiently to transform from larva to adults.

But yes, that is a viable option.
>>
No. 528691 ID: ed8d8a
>>536887
it IS worth noting that the lowest quality food source we have is simple plant leaves, so both food restrictions are easily met within the local zone at least.
I'm curious what qualifies as low quality food for the purposes of the restriction though. Being unable to consume concentrated nutrient slurry would be inconvenient.
>>
No. 528692 ID: 6164e0
>>536885

You do not currently have the capacity to evolve wings. You can gain that capacity later.
>>
No. 528693 ID: 6164e0
>>536882
>>536884
>>536887
Okay, it seems that a focus on speedy movement is desired to make some scouts.

What kind of restrictions should be applied?
>>
No. 528694 ID: 6164e0
>>536890
The food quality restriction is modular, and arguably the most potent restriction.

An ant can be restricted to eating foods of a certain minimum quality, such as 2/10 quality, or if so chosen 10/10 quality.

You can only restrict ants to quality levels that have been sampled at least once. That would mean that currently, the highest food restriction you can place is 4/10
>>
No. 528695 ID: 6164e0
Still need someone to specify exactly what restriction (if any) to apply to the new breed focused on speedy movement.
>>
No. 528696 ID: ed8d8a
>>536884
>>536886
There were two people saying 5x effort and extra feedings. My guess is that the silence here is because nobody is quite decided on the strategic implications of any of this, so lets just go with that combination and get things moving again.
>>
No. 528697 ID: 6164e0
>>536896
Okay.

How many extra feedings do you want the restriction to entail (each additional feeding means it take another 30 minutes for the strain to mature)
>>
No. 528698 ID: 43d730
>>536897
Let's say three or four.
We should further build our position here, and more time means more improvements.
I suggest improved scent trails and more sensory organs on the scouts.
>>
No. 528699 ID: 06fc25
>My guess is that the silence here is because nobody is quite decided on the strategic implications of any of this

Pretty much.

Anyway, I like to be daring so I'll go ahead and say five extra feedings. Sure, it's two and a half hours of nothing, but if we end up with scouts that are nigh impossible to catch I think it's a net gain.
>>
No. 528700 ID: 6164e0
File 125183694043.jpg - (37.73KB , 450x295 , Speedy Gonzalez Ant.jpg )
528700
>>536900
New ant strain created!

Size: 7mm long, 7mm wide, 3mm tall (nearly all leg)

These ants are incredibly fast, outrunning almost all other land based insect.

They have advanced vision, and are able to see farther than normal ants.

They can sense tremors in the ground, and can tell if there are creatures underground (as long as the creatures move about)

They can leave complex scent trails, and even if killed before able to return to the hive, everything they discovered will be documented on their scent trail.

Due to their quality, they are as capable at combat as The Merciless.


These ants need to be fed four times as larva to mature, and take 2 hours to mature.

These ants are exhausting to create, and need five eggs worth of energy from KILLER QUEEN to produce.

What name should these ants be given?
>>
No. 528701 ID: 6faa8c
>>536904
Speedy Gonzalez, what else?
>>
No. 528702 ID: 43d730
>>536904
'Flash', perhaps?
>>
No. 528704 ID: 06fc25
NEED A DISPENSER HERE

I've ended up naming a few already, so I'll pass on this.

>These ants are exhausting to create, and need five eggs worth of energy from KILLER QUEEN to produce.

So does this mean the KILLER QUEEN has to eat five times as much, that she can only create 20 of them at a time, or both?
>>
No. 528705 ID: ed8d8a
>>536905
Thats not a Queen song. Heck, I don't even think thats a song at all.

>>536906
Ugh, how could I miss this one? Yes please.
>>
No. 528706 ID: 6164e0
>>536906
Flash Strain created!

>>536908
When designating what types of eggs she lays, each Flash egg counts as five eggs.

So if KILLER QUEEN wanted to lay 10 Flash eggs, that would count as 50 eggs.

Okay. Orders can now be issued once more to the ants.
>>
No. 528707 ID: ed8d8a
Lay 20 Flash strain in lowest chamber available (4 at the moment) and follow >>536856 with expansions matching >>536859
>>
No. 528708 ID: 6164e0
What chambers should KILLER QUEEN and The Hero Scars of Yesterday respectively reside in?
>>
No. 528709 ID: ed8d8a
>>536920
Queen eventually in chamber 6, the most defensible. Scars in chamber 2, for most rapid response to any threat to the nest.
>>
No. 528710 ID: 06fc25
Hero in 2, Queen in 4 for the time being.
>>
No. 528711 ID: 6164e0
File 125184133989.jpg - (46.72KB , 504x312 , Angry Flying Furred Beast.jpg )
528711
-All ants set to feed themselves whenever they have 30 minutes left before becoming lethargic
-Fat Bottomed Girls have expanded the size of several existing chambers

CRESCENT COLONY AGE: 2.5 HOURS

TOTALS:
1 KILLER QUEEN
1 The Hero Scars of Yesterday
25 Death on Six Legs
50 The Merciless
175 Fat Bottomed Girls
20 Flash (ready at hour 4)


STATUS:
KILLER QUEEN: Sated (does not need food until hour 3), can produce more eggs in Chamber 4

The Hero Scars of Yesterday: Sated (needs 5 units of food in 2 hours or become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 2

Death on Six Legs:
-15 Sated (will need to feed in 2 hours or will become Lethargic), Finishing scouting around the rock (done in 30 minutes)
-10 Sated (will need to feed in 2 hours or will become Lethargic), Guarding Fat Bottomed Girls resource gathering.

The Merciless:
-5 Sated (will need to feed in 2 hours or become Lethargic), Patrolling Crescent.
-20 Sated (will need to feed in 2 hours or become Lethargic), Guarding Fat Bottomed Girls resource gathering.

Fat Bottomed Girls:
-75 Sated (will need to feed in 2 hours or become Lethargic), Expanding Colony
-100 Sated (self-feeding), consuming yellow flower leaves and returning at 15 units of Concentrated Nutrients
-25 Sated (will need to feed in 2 hours or become Lethargic), harvesting yellow flower blossoms/nectar.


FOOD:
5 units of Yellow Flower Leaf (Quality: 1/10)
45 units of Nest Robber Centipede (Quality: 3/10)
175 units of Black Dragonfly (Quality: 3/10)
495 units of Concentrated Nutrients (Quality: 4/10)

Storage:
Chamber 1 current maximum capacity: 300 points (50/300 used)
Chamber 2 current maximum capacity: 500 points (250/500 used)
Chamber 3 current maximum capacity: 375 points (175/375 used)
Chamber 4 current maximum capacity: 600 points (260/600 used)
Chamber 5 current maximum capacity: 175 points (0/175 used)
(KILLER QUEEN is worth 10 points, The Hero Scars of Yesterday is worth 5 points, Death on Six Legs are worth 2 points, The Merciless and Fat Bottomed Girls are worth 1 point. Food is 1 point per unit of food)


!!NOTICE!! Fat Bottomed Girls attempting to harvest yellow blossoms and nectar have attracted the attention of a flying furred beast!
!!NOTICE!! There are 5 Death on Six Legs and 10 The Merciless nearby to the prior notice.
!!NOTICE!! compacted clay with small rocks intermingled found farther down. Expansion downward slowed!
>>
No. 528712 ID: 6164e0
File 125184138238.jpg - (57.98KB , 613x871 , Basic Colony 6.jpg )
528712
And this is how Crescent looks now.
>>
No. 528713 ID: 06fc25
Good thing we upgraded the FBGs.

Have one of the Death on Six Legs challenge this fuzzy flying fool. Send Scars of Yesterday to the scene, but only as an observer. He should only intervene if the warriors are clearly outmatched.
>>
No. 528714 ID: 6164e0
You are in control of the following ants until the skirmish is resolved:

5 Death on Six Legs
10 The Merciless
25 Fat Bottomed Girls (no food stored)

The fat bottomed girls are being aggressed by the flying furred beast, and both The Merciless and Death on Six Legs are already halfway up the stalk.

Action?
>>
No. 528715 ID: 6164e0
>>536935
The hive is currently unaware of the event. They must be made aware before you can control anyone else.
>>
No. 528716 ID: ed8d8a
>>536930
Wave at furred beast, sample nectar. It's one flower in a big field, hopefully they won't get too pissy about it as long as we don't start devouring flowers themselves..
Also be on the lookout for parasitic creatures living on/in plant stem or leaves.
>>
No. 528717 ID: 6164e0
>>536938
One of the Fat Bottomed Girls tries to greet the creature with its recently gained BASIC INTELLIGENCE.

!!CRITICAL FAILURE!! The beast bites the Fat Bottomed Girl in twain, spraying internal fluids all about.

All The Merciless and all Death on Six Legs under your control have climbed to the top of the flower. The Flower now sags under the weight of all the Fat Bottomed Girls, The Merciless and Death on Six Legs atop the flower with the beast.

5 Death on Six Legs
10 The Merciless
24 Fat Bottomed Girls (no food stored)

Action?
>>
No. 528718 ID: 06fc25
>>536940

Have the Fat Bottom Girls retreat for now, but keep an eye out on other flowers. If another flying creature leaves a flower alone to assist its comrade, take the opportunity to harvest the nectar from it.

If the flying creature is hovering more or less in the center of the flower, have the warriors spread out to surround it. Take turns darting in for an attack.
>>
No. 528719 ID: 961ddb
>>536940
Hmm... Attacking this one might get the entire hive riled up, but I'm not sure if that applies to the gatherers. If it wouldn't, I suggest someone try to pull the stinger out with their mandibles.
>>
No. 528720 ID: 6164e0
>>536944
The remaining Fat Bottomed Girls retreat down he flower's stalk, heading towards the ground.

The flower is no longer sagging.

The Merciless and the Death on Six Legs are eager to fight the beast, quickly surrounding it.

>>536955
One of the Death on Six Legs that ended up behind the beast sees a sharp protrusion from the creature's posterior, and decides it shouldn't have a weapon on both ends. With a mighty wrench, he clips the stinger off at the base. The beast seems enraged by the act, but since it has no other way to attack besides biting now, it can do little to retaliate.

While the Death on Six Legs are hardy enough the beast cannot kill them outright, The Merciless are not so sturdy. One falls to the beast mandibles, and another loses a leg.

5 Death on Six Legs
9 The Merciless (1 Wounded)

24 Fat Bottomed Girls near the base of the stalk.

Actions?
>>
No. 528721 ID: ed8d8a
The beast has claimed one of our own, it must suffer. It will fly away if we just attack it outright. Attempt to climb onto its legs rather than bite them off. attempt to disable wings and it will be at our mercy.
>>
No. 528722 ID: 6164e0
>>537002

With the Death on Six Legs leading the charge, all the warriors swarm up the creatures legs.

The beast takes off, but it is too late: It is already moving much more slowly from all the extra weight, and as such cannot shake loose any of its assailants.

!!NOTICE!! Another nearby flying furred beast sees its comrade in distress, and it flies off, towards the parts of the flower field with the loudest buzzing.

!!NOTICE!! two flowers are now untended by the flying furred beasts.
>>
No. 528723 ID: 06fc25
Have the fat bottom girls split up and conduct a lightning raid on the untended flowers. Leave one on watch at each flower while the rest gather as much nectar as possible. Flee as soon as any sign of reinforcements appear. If it proves especially high in nutrients, don't consume too much that they are slowed down.

As for the warriors; continue fighting, but have the wounded Merciless try too attract the brunt of its attention. Better to sacrifice an already injured warrior. If they manage to take it down, hustle it back to the nest.
>>
No. 528724 ID: 6164e0
>>537025
Just to clarify: any food consumed and stored as nutrient, irrelevant of original type or quality, gets converted into Concentrated Nutrients. The only way to transport the nectar and blossoms back and still have them count as their own food type is to carry them.

Do you want the Fat Bottomed Girls to eat the material and bring back Concentrated Nutrients, or bring back the material directly?
>>
No. 528725 ID: f78140
>>537035
bring material directly.
>>
No. 528726 ID: 06fc25
>>537035

Yeah, bring it directly.
>>
No. 528727 ID: 1bfd02
>>537035
Direct transport would be a good idea. New samples!
>>
No. 528728 ID: 6164e0
File 125186152329.jpg - (32.24KB , 320x240 , Vespa Mandarinia Japonica.jpg )
528728
>>537041
>>537025

The Fat Bottomed Girls, thanks to their BASIC INTELLIGENCE, realize this means two flowers are unguarded. They split into two groups and start frantically harvesting nectar and blossoms, unsure how long the flowers will remain unguarded. They grab as much food as they think they can carry, moving as fast as they can. They start heading back to Crescent shortly, loaded with as much food as they can carry without being slowed down. Speed is the most important thing right now, as far as they are concerned.


The Merciless and Death on Six Legs manage to damage the beast's wings, and it start drifting towards the ground, unable to hold up all the weight. As they descend, they hear an incredibly loud buzzing, coming from the direction of the area the other worker ran off to. Just as they drift too low to see over the flowers, they see dozens of shapes in the distance.

(Pic is what they see)
>>
No. 528729 ID: 6164e0
File 125186177299.jpg - (33.19KB , 500x332 , HEY GUYS EAT THE STINGER TRUST ME.jpg )
528729
With a jarring impact, the pile of ants and beast hit the ground. Before the creature can orient itself, two of the Death on Six Legs attack the joint between its head and thorax, and promptly decapitate the creature. The loud buzzing grows ever louder, but the warriors think they could maybe get the beast back to Crescent before the new creatures arrive.

Actions?
>>
No. 528730 ID: 06fc25
Run. Run your asses off. Run until your spiracle valves burn like acid, and then run some more.
>>
No. 528731 ID: f78140
>>537046
carry back your spoils.
>>
No. 528732 ID: 6164e0
>>537050
(I see someone knows a bit about this particular insect)

The ants flee back to the hive, as fast as they can.

>>537051
Thankfully, the ants can carry their spoils and still move at top speed. Just as they are about to descend into Crescent, they hear the Buzzing grow even louder: it sounds like many more of the new creatures are coming.

The ants have successfully made it back to Crescent without being seen!

!!NOTICE!! There seem to be several dozen of the new creature flying about, looking for something.

!!NOTICE!! You have regained control of all ants.

Actions?
>>
No. 528733 ID: 06fc25
What's the range on the Queen's poison spit? Can she hide inside the nest entrance and spit poison at the creatures?
>>
No. 528734 ID: 6164e0
File 125186316153.jpg - (117.37KB , 718x600 , Flying Abomination.jpg )
528734
>>537054
If one landed on the ground close enough, sure.

OH WAIT, ONE DID

....KILLER QUEEN was not aware how big these creatures are.

Commence with Poison Spit?
>>
No. 528736 ID: 06fc25
Sure. If nothing else, we can find out how vulnerable these things are too it. Be ready to duck away quickly, however. Those pincers are very sharp.
>>
No. 528737 ID: 6164e0
>>537057
KILLER QUEEN quickly pops her head out of the ground and spits Poison on the beast, before withdrawing back into the hive.


....OH GOD IT JUST MADE IT MADDER ITS TRYING TO DIG INTO THE HIVE WHAT DO I DO

!!NOTICE!! KILLER QUEEN has experienced: FEAR
>>
No. 528738 ID: 6faa8c
>>537058
D:

Where is Scars?!
>>
No. 528739 ID: 06fc25
Uh. Shit. Prepare to repel invaders, it seems. Get Scar up here pronto, and have the Queen retreat deeper. Have all the warriors assemble and prepared to fight. Hopefully these things are handicapped in tight quarters.
>>
No. 528740 ID: 6164e0
>>537059

Of course! The Giantslayer, The Hero Scars of Yesterday, he must be able to fend off this beast!

CONTROL SWITCHED TO THE HERO, SCARS OF YESTERDAY

His queen needs him. She.... she looks agitated. Something has taken some of her brazen courage, and some luster has left her.

....Scars of Yesterday will make her happy again. He marches up the tunnel, stopping shy of the Abomination, still struggling to get into Crescent.

Actions?
>>
No. 528741 ID: 6164e0
>>537061
All the warriors in the hive swarm to the chamber nearest the entrance, but Scars of Yesterday is too large to pass. They wait in the central chamber.
>>
No. 528742 ID: 6faa8c
>>537062
AVOID DEM JAWS. If possible, call to minions to distract while you tear into his EYES.
>>
No. 528743 ID: 6164e0
>>537065
No ant can pass by Scars of Yesterday, he occupies the entire tunnel.

The Abomination continues digging downward, slowed by its size, but the nightmare keeps digging down, bit by bit.

It is drawing even closer to Scars of Yesterday, and can almost reach him.

Action?
>>
No. 528744 ID: 06fc25
Should we have Scars fight, or let the warriors go at it bolstered by his Shining Light?
>>
No. 528745 ID: 6faa8c
>>537067
SWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARM as much as possible. Let's see how the BEE deals with being COVERED IN ANTS
>>
No. 528746 ID: ed8d8a
>>537066
This is WHY we have side tunnels. Scars back up slowly, being a distraction. others swarm creature from behind
>>
No. 528747 ID: 6faa8c
>>537068
Also, Scars needs to back up a bit. We lose him, we lose him forever. army can die by the dozens.
>>
No. 528748 ID: 1bfd02
Have some FBGs dig mini-tunnels to get behind the Huge Thing™ so Scar and the other combat ants can hit it with a pincer attack.
>>
No. 528749 ID: 6164e0
File 12518647677.jpg - (57.81KB , 613x871 , UNDER ATTACK.jpg )
528749
Red dot is Abomination

Yellow Dot is Scars of Yesterday


All warrior ants are in chamber 1
>>
No. 528750 ID: 6164e0
Oh, and for those unfamiliar with the creature attacking the hive, here is a video of what they can do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fTrSOFyfxs
>>
No. 528751 ID: 6faa8c
>>537073
QUEEN: HIDE FUCK RUN SHIT AAAAAAAAH

SCARS: LET THE FUCKER IN, SURROUND, AND KILL THE FUCKER.
>>
No. 528752 ID: f78140
>>537073
send the fast ants to loop around from our side tunnels and attack the abomination from behind. zerg rush with merciless and DO6Ls
>>
No. 528753 ID: 6164e0
>>537071
Digging would take too long. By the time the tunnels are complete, the Abomination would already be in Chamber 1
>>
No. 528754 ID: 6faa8c
File 125186496064.jpg - (8.85KB , 256x372 , 1251612881206.jpg )
528754
>Japanese Hornets
>>
No. 528755 ID: 6164e0
>>537076
REMINDER: There are still dozens of Abominations flying around outside. It is unlikely they would not see the ants on the surface.
>>
No. 528756 ID: 6faa8c
>>537079
To reiterate:
"ALL IT TAKES IS ONE"
>>
No. 528757 ID: 6faa8c
>>537075
ONCE KILLED, STUFF TUNNEL WITH CORPSE.
>>
No. 528758 ID: ed8d8a
>>537081
irrelevant if the abomination has scent marked the entrance already. Is there a noticeable smell?

If there does not appear to be evidence of scent marking, just back up into chamber 1, then have ALL available units swarm the beast once it works its way inside. This includes Fat Bottomed Girls, but not Killer Queen. Everyone participates in colony defense swarm tactics.
>>
No. 528759 ID: 6164e0
>>537075
Scars of Yesterday withdraws back into chamber 1, drawing the Abomination to where the warriors lay in wait.

The moment it gets its head into Chamber one, all of the Death on Six Legs, who had been standing on the walls around the entrance, swarm past the creatures jaws and start madly biting at anything they can. The Merciless start to follow suit, piling onto the creature. In the process, 10 The Merciless are torn asunder. But the Abomination

...!?! The Abomination's carapace is incredibly durable! So far, the warriors have only managed to scratch it!

Scars of Yesterday sees the monster, and is moved by its absolute strength. He wants to fight it.

Action?
>>
No. 528760 ID: 6164e0
>>537086
No smell has been noticed. The Abomination seems fully confident it can eradicate the entire colony on its own.
>>
No. 528761 ID: 6faa8c
>>537088
THE EYES

GO FOR THE EYES SCARS

DESTROY ITS SIGHT

CUT ITS ANTENNAE

STRIKE TO DEBILITATE
>>
No. 528762 ID: 6164e0
>>537086
More ants pile onto the Abomination. The entire Colony save KILLER QUEEN and Scars of Yesterday are swarming on the monster. It is now barely visible, but broken ants continue to drop off the creature.

Action?
>>
No. 528763 ID: 6faa8c
>>537091
REITERATING

CRIPPLE THE JAPANESE SON OF A BITCH
>>
No. 528764 ID: 01383e
guys, this isn't as big of a threat as you think it is. The bees lose to these because they attack them only a few at a time, as is their standard strategy VS bugs. the hornets exploit a bee AI error, basically. as ants, we can just SWARM THAT MOTHERFUCKER. I bet we could take out up to four of these fellas at a time.
>>
No. 528765 ID: 6164e0
>>537091
Scars of Yesterday sees the Abomination, sees its incredible strength, its carapace growing more and more battered but still nothing has managed breach it. The creature turns to the side, snapping at a Fat Bottomed Girl.

The monster is distracted for the moment. That is all a Proud Warrior needs. Scars of Yesterday dashes in, and locks his pincers around one of the Abomination's antenna.

For the first time, the creature seems to take notice that it is actually being attacked while it slaughters ants. It drags itself into the chamber, and with a monstrous display of strength shakes off most of the ants clinging to it. But Scars of Yesterday continues to hold onto the antenna. While he may be in awe that the monster is so well armored that he cannot even sever an antenna, he at least has gotten it to stop killing ants.

The only problem is it is now completely focused on trying to swing Scars of Yesterday into its jaws to kill him.

!!NOTICE!! The Abomination has so far killed a total of: 15 The Merciless, 20 Fat Bottomed Girls and 5 Death on Six Legs. So far no significant injury has been inflicted on the beast.

Action?
>>
No. 528766 ID: 6faa8c
>>537097
((SHADOW OF THE COLOSSUS NEVER LET GO FEELING HERE AWESOME))

SCARS BITE HARDER
FOR THE SAKE OF THE QUEEN
DESTROY HIS SIGHT, HIS SCENT
DARKEN HIS WORLD UNTIL HE IS NO LONGER A THREAT
>>
No. 528767 ID: 6164e0
>>537095
...you seem to be missing the fact that ANTS ARE MUCH SMALLER THAN BEES, AND THE HORNET IS TWO INCHES LONG.
>>
No. 528768 ID: 01383e
>>537097
>action?

send some fat bottomed ladies to start sealing the hive entrance, first of all. Second of all, start closing more and more tunnels, trapping this thing as much as we can. Finally, I suggest our hero cling to him and gain his attention while two death-on-six-legs each work on the other antennae, each leg, and each wing.

work together, great heroes, and fell the biggest beast.
>>
No. 528769 ID: 06fc25
Use Stoner Sunshine and blow its head off
>>
No. 528770 ID: 01383e
>>537102
actually, I keep forgetting it's a hero, solo-caste.

BITE THAT MOTHERFUCKERS ANTENNAE OFF, AND DIG IN THROUGH AN EYE
>>
No. 528771 ID: 6164e0
>>537099
Scars does not care if he has not even managed to cut off the creatures antenna. As long as it is focused on him, it cannot harm his precious KILLER QUEEN.

His determination absolute, Scars shines brightly, a Shining Light to bring some measure of hope to the survivors.

....But no matter how hard he tries, he cannot do more than simply scratch the creature's formidable carapace. Nothing has damaged it appreciably so far. Something stronger is needed.
>>
No. 528773 ID: 6faa8c
>>537107

How high up is the chamber ceiling?

Are there any rocks?

Can any of our ants climb up above the Abomination?
And lastly, SCARS TARGET EYES. THEY ARE NEVER HARD. ALWAYS SOFT, AND DELICIOUS.
>>
No. 528774 ID: 01383e
also, I may take back my comments about it not being much of a threat. look at them take the beatle from the mantis- like goddamn flying, stinging, wolves!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBDdIZiSgQ8&feature=related

also, may I suggest collapsing a chamber on it?
>>
No. 528775 ID: ed8d8a
File 125186686132.jpg - (49.44KB , 603x464 , zapp.jpg )
528775
Every Abomination has a preset kill limit.
>>
No. 528776 ID: 6faa8c
>>537109
Wait

Why are we trying to sever it?

PULL IT OUUUUUT
>>
No. 528777 ID: 6164e0
>>537102
While the Abomination continues to try and fling Scars of Yesterday into reach of its terrible jaws, surviving Fat Bottomed Girls race around the conflict, and start sealing the entrance. With so many workers on the task, it will not take long to completely seal the tunnel, as if it was never there.

>>537104
...Scars of Yesterday still has one more way to try and harm the beast. But two problems arise:

1: the majority of the hive is still in chamber one, and Stoner Sunshine is not a precise Ability. He might end up killing more of the hive than the Abomination.

2: He needs to open his jaws to full extension to ready the Ability. This would mean letting go of the antenna. If the attack fails, he will likely be devoured.

>>537109
DID YOU MISS THE PART ABOUT THE ABOMINATION FLAILING ABOUT AND SCARS OF YESTERDAY BARELY BEING ABLE TO HOLD ON JEEZ.


Action?
>>
No. 528778 ID: 6faa8c
>DID YOU MISS THE PART ABOUT THE ABOMINATION FLAILING ABOUT AND SCARS OF YESTERDAY BARELY BEING ABLE TO HOLD ON JEEZ.

SORRY MAN
>>
No. 528779 ID: 01383e
>>537113
PULL ANTENNA OFF LIKE A MADMAN

if that doesn't work, have a swarm of merciless attack the thing and ride its next flail off of it- get flung on purpose some distance away. Cock your mouth and fire- try to leave a scorchmark in the shape of a swarm of ants fighting a giant fucking monster on the wall/ceiling, for future posterity.

They will die like ants, in a beam of white-hot light.
>>
No. 528780 ID: 6164e0
>>537116

REMINDER: Stoner Sunshine is more potent the closer to a foe it is discharged, and can only be used once before Scars of Yesterday becomes severely weakened.

Are you sure you wish to fire it from a distance?
>>
No. 528781 ID: 6faa8c
>>537119
I don't like the idea of blasting it from far away, myself.
>>
No. 528782 ID: 6faa8c
>>537120
If there was a way to climb onto it's back and blast it in the back of the head, though...
>>
No. 528783 ID: 01383e
>>537119
I thought it was more of a cone- if we fire it here, we'll blow a chunk out of the thing, but will it be a VITAL chunk?

Just as a question, how do we ensure MAXIMUM force disperal over this thing? If we step back, a wider arc of the bug will be hit than at point-blank range, would point blank still do more damage, all in all? if so, go for the point-blank decapitation ray. If he flings you off mid-ray, flip the hell around and cut him in half, lazer-style. casualties are expected.
>>
No. 528784 ID: 6164e0
>>537121
...Scars knows what he must do.

Slowly, agonizingly slowly, he shimmies out farther along the antenna, purposefully letting himself be flung about more viciously. He is getting beaten about fairly severely, but he has a job to do. He just needs the right moment, and he can leap from the antenna to the Abomination's back.

!!NOTICE!! The Entrance has been completely sealed.

The ants are still mostly in chamber 1.

Action?
>>
No. 528785 ID: 6faa8c
>>537126
Swarm: Continue to distract/defend Queen.

Queen: RUN

Scars: GET ON BACK, BOOM HEADSHOT
>>
No. 528786 ID: 01383e
>>537126
allow the great warrior to continue attempting to blow the thing up. Evacuate all non-warrior castes from the area, have the warriors at the ready to tear the thing to pieces as soon as any kind of hole is made in its armor.
>>
No. 528787 ID: 6164e0
>>537123
The hypothetical optimal damage achieved by Stoner Sunshine would be to perform it point blank at an area where the Carapace is breached.

However, there are no breaches in the Abomination's hide, so the closer it is set off, the more damaging it is.

As to the blast, strictly speaking it is a cone, but it would be more fair to call the blast area a hemisphere.
>>
No. 528788 ID: ed8d8a
Clear the room, apart from a squad of The Merciless tasked with holding the beast as still as can be managed, prepared to sacrifice themselves so that their Hero may have a better chance to save the hive.
>>
No. 528789 ID: 6164e0
>>537128
FYI:

KILLER QUEEN already withdrew to Chamber 4. She is safe from immediate threat by the Abomination.
>>
No. 528790 ID: 6164e0
>>537133
How large of a squad do you propose?

There are currently 35 surviving The Merciless, and 20 Death on Six Legs
>>
No. 528791 ID: ed8d8a
>>537135
At least 20, up to all of them. The Merciless are as expendable as our warriors get.
Death on Six Legs must protect the Fat Bottomed Girls, for the future of the nest.
>>
No. 528792 ID: 6164e0
>>537138
Scars watches with both sorrow and pride as all the surviving The Merciless, every last one of them, rush forward, not towards victory, but willing to spend their lives to give Scars of Yesterday a chance.

He will not squander it.

As the Abomination turns its attention to the plethora of easy targets before it, Scars of Yesterday lets go of the antenna, his Mandibles opening wider and wider. Just as he lands on the monster's back, a soft click emenates from Scars jaws.

He looks downward, turning his head as if to look through the Abomination, his gaze directed at his unseen queen, safe far below.

If an ant could smile....

STONER SUNSHINE

The world goes white....

Contact has been lost with: Scars of Yesterday.
>>
No. 528793 ID: 6164e0
Control has switched to KILLER QUEEN

Action?
>>
No. 528794 ID: 1bfd02
Oh shit, blast in a confined space. Chunky Salsa Effect may be in play here. Cautious invesitgation is in order.
>>
No. 528795 ID: 6164e0
File 125186958249.jpg - (241.00KB , 800x600 , Abomination Corpse.jpg )
528795
>>537150
KILLER QUEEN, accompanied by the remaining 20 Death on Six Legs, cautiously venture into chamber one.

While the still forms of dozens of dead ants litter the floor, all eyes go to the Abomination.

...There are no new wounds on the monster's body, but it has the complete stillness of death about it.

Only one thing in the room is moving: The Hero, Scars of Yesterday, Giant Slayer and Vanquisher of the Abomination is trying to stand, but is having difficulties. His golden carapace has dimmed, having only a dull sheen now. But the moment he sees KILLER QUEEN, he redoubles his efforts to stand, only to fall again. He seems very disoriented.

Action?
>>
No. 528796 ID: 82167e
>>537151
Bring our conquering hero some delicious food. He deserves it. Or bring him TO the squishy bits of his new food, either way.
>>
No. 528797 ID: 6faa8c
>>537151
Queen help Scars.

REJOICING
>>
No. 528798 ID: 1bfd02
Help him up, of course. ...And put a watch on the corpse, just in case.
>>
No. 528799 ID: 01383e
>>537151
FEED THAT DAMN SUMBITCH

the best shit we got. I doubt the best shit we got is actually this monster, as it's probably tough and mealy. also, butcher this thing into easily consumable pieces.
>>
No. 528800 ID: ed8d8a
>>537158
>butcher

evolve stronger mandibles, THEN butcher corpse.
>>
No. 528801 ID: 6164e0
>>537155
KILLER QUEEN rushes forward, supporting her dazed defender and helping him stand.

>>537158
Some of the Fat Bottomed Girls move forward to begin the long process of slowly chipping through the Abominations ridiculously tough carapace.

...Well that's strange, the monster's carapace is easy to break through as soil now. It seems STONER SUNSHINE nullified the beasts incredible armor as it passed through it, crushing its internal organs.

...But the Abomination is not the only thing killed by STONER SUNSHINE. The Merciless that bravely distracted the beast are dead, and even the lightest of touches causes the corpses to crumble.

!!NOTICE!! Scars now roughly understands how STONER SUNSHINE works. It creates incredible heat and pressure that forms a powerful concussive wave, which can pass through armor with relative ease. STONER SUNSHINE is now known to PIERCE ARMOR. STONER SUNSHINE is now known to be INCREDIBLY POTENT in confined areas, but will damage everything (including the user)

!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday is Lethargic! He will need rest and food to recover.
!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday is no longer a Shining Light! He will need rest and food to recover.

Control of The Hero Scars of Yesterday regained.

Action?
>>
No. 528802 ID: 1bfd02
Eat part of the Abomination, then rest. Ya done good, boy.
>>
No. 528803 ID: 6faa8c
Methinks we should make a new strain for armor-peircing, defense, and holding back enemies.

Now that I think on it, the last two traits would be fine.
>>
No. 528804 ID: ed8d8a
Remain in the nest and use the stockpiled foodstuffs for at least one time cycle. Can we get an update on our food and population please?
>>
No. 528805 ID: 6164e0
>>537163
moving slowly, and with KILLER QUEEN supporting him along the way, Scars of Yesterday moves to the Abomination's corpse. After removing the inedible and now brittle carapace, Scars of Yesterday digs in, eating of the fallen beast.

...Something is happening to Scars of Yesterday!

!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday has gained the trait Wham-Bam: Scars of Yesterday now possesses a fully functional second set of mandibles, just as strong as the first. From now on, Scars can now choose to employ any individual mandible to cause STONER SUNSHINE, with the more mandibles used, the greater the power.
-If a STONER SUNSHINE is activated with only one mandible (not mandible set, but one individual mandible), it will not automatically cause Scars of Yesterday to become Lethargic, but will force him to roll a d10. He must roll at least 3+the number of times he has used a single mandible STONER SUNSHINE recently to avoid becoming Lethargic.
- Any number of mandibles beyond one will cause Lethargy as normal. If three mandibles are employed, Scars of Yesterday must roll a d10 and roll five or higher to stay conscious (Scars of Yesterday will still become Lethargic).
-If all four mandibles are employed, Scars of Yesterday must roll a d20 and beat a DC 15 challenge to stay conscious. If he rolls a 1, he dies.
-The power of STONER SUNSHINE grows the more mandibles employed.

(If anyone has questions about how this works, ask in the discussion thread. I AM WATCHING.)

Scars of Yesterday is still Lethargic, but now he only needs rest to recover the Shining Light Trait.

There seems to not be much of the Abomination's innards still edible after the incredible blast.

Action?
>>
No. 528806 ID: 01383e
>>537172
send a scout or two up, see if there's any of them still about. if they are, just burrow down and wait. maybe pile all our dead up in one area, our food in another, are larvae in another, etc. use this chance to do some housekeeping is what I'm saying.
>>
No. 528807 ID: 6164e0
>>537167
Population:
1 KILLER QUEEN
1 The Hero Scars of Yesterday
20 Death on Six Legs
0 The Merciless
154 Fat Bottomed Girls
20 Flash (ready at hour 4)

Food:
5 units of Yellow Flower Leaf (Quality: 1/10)
45 units of Nest Robber Centipede (Quality: 3/10)
175 units of Black Dragonfly (Quality: 3/10)
495 units of Concentrated Nutrients (Quality: 4/10)
25 units of Abomination Hornet (Quality: 7/10)
>>
No. 528808 ID: 6164e0
>>537176
Recovered dead ants inside Crescent.

60 units of Dead Ant food stockpiled.
>>
No. 528809 ID: 6164e0
A few Death on Six Legs cautiously peer out of the two remaining entrances to Crescent, and still see dozens of Abomination swarming around the area. The Death on Six Legs quickly withdraw before they are noticed.
>>
No. 528810 ID: ed8d8a
>>537177
What of the flower nectar and dead furred beast that started this whole mess?

Earmark Abomination corpse for Death on Six Legs and Killer Queen's next meal. Assuming Scars has eaten his fill.
>>
No. 528812 ID: 6164e0
>>537182
Those commodities have not yet been sampled, so it is unknown if they are even food.
>>
No. 528813 ID: 6faa8c
So the threats so far: Centipede (killed by Queen) Dragonfly (Scars) and Jap Hornet, killed again by Scars.

I have a feeling we need to seriously make a defensive strain, either to better escort and assist Scars, or to stick with the Queen and keep her safe while Scars is out.
>>
No. 528814 ID: 6164e0
>>537185
This can be attempted at the next check point.

Anyway, go ahead and post things you guys want done before the next checkpoint, I'll check again in the morning to see what you want done.


I will be at my computer for most of tomorrow for assorted reasons, so I should respond to posts fairly quickly. Tomorrow would be a good day to keep checking the thread so that things go faster.

And again, if anyone is unsure about how something works or has other questions, go ahead and post them in the discussion thread, and I will try to answer all of them tomorrow morning as well.
>>
No. 528815 ID: 6faa8c
>>537184
sample commodoties.
>>
No. 528816 ID: 06fc25
Have a Death on Six Legs sample the nectar and a Fat Bottom Girl sample the Abomination.
>>
No. 528817 ID: 6164e0
File 125191290849.jpg - (57.52KB , 613x871 , Crescent Current.jpg )
528817
>>537190
>>537270

At the Direction of Killer Queen, one of the remaining 20 Death on Six Legs tries the yellow flower blossom/nectar, to see if it is food.

Result: Death on Six Legs finds the food somewhat bland compared to meat. No special properties observed. Several of the Fat Bottomed Girls that carried the food use their BASIC INTELLIGENCE to indicate that they would like to try the nectar and blossoms.

A Fat bottomed Girl tries to eat some of the Flying Furred Beast, but quickly spits it out. It tastes of poison! But it did taste good....

A Fat Bottomed Girl tries a sample of the Abomination. The food is very delicious, but it doesn't seem to have any special qualities beyond its high quality.

New foods:
10 units Flying Beast Bumblebee (Quality: 5/10) Special: Poisonous?
45 units of Yellow Flower Nectar/Petals (Quality: 2/10?) Special: Warrior ants dislike it.


Okay, So, pretty much every ant in Crescent got their order canceled when they all came to defend the colony from the Aboomination.

Orders can be submitted now, Killer Queen can lay eggs now (automatically advances time), and/or the ants can wait for time to pass.

Action?
>>
No. 528818 ID: 06fc25
>Several of the Fat Bottomed Girls that carried the food use their BASIC INTELLIGENCE to indicate that they would like to try the nectar and blossoms.

Permission granted.

Check to see if the Abominations are still hanging around the nest. If not, cautiously resume prior duties. Avoid stealing further nectar for now. Despite the quality, I don't think the cost of bringing down the Abomination was worth it. Until further notice, all ants should avoid pissing them off and flee if attacked.

As for the Queen, I propose laying 50 Merciless and 50 Fat Bottom Girls.
>>
No. 528819 ID: 6164e0
>>537292
One of the Fat Bottomed Girls tastes the Nectar and Blossom.

...? The Fat Bottomed Girl's scent has vanished!

Re-appraisal of Yellow Flower Nectar/Blossoms:

(Quality: 2/10 Warriors, 4/10 Non-warriors, grants Masked Scent Trait until the next feeding. Masked Scent allows an ant to remain completely undetected so long as they do not touch any insects directly, or perform an action that would alert suspicion (intentionally left vague))

The Abominations were observed as still swarming outside during this time block. They have not left yet.

Actions?
>>
No. 528820 ID: f78140
>>537293
see if the abominations notice the scent masked fat bottom.
>>
No. 528821 ID: 6164e0
>>537294
Killer Queen commands the Fat Bottomed Girl that has a Masked Scent to go outside, and see if the Abominations take notice. Happy to be of service to Killer Queen, the Fat Bottomed Girl happily complies.


.....
.....
.....
The Abominations pay no mind to the Fat Bottomed Girl standing in plain sight as they continue to swarm about.

Action?
>>
No. 528822 ID: 01383e
>>537295
feed as many fat bottomed girls on that scent-dissapearing flower as possible! Additionally, have them harvest more delicious flowers.

how is the nectar? superawesome?
>>
No. 528823 ID: 6164e0
>>537296

45 Fat Bottomed Girls have now eaten all the Yellow Flower Nectar and exited the hive, still eliciting no response from the Abominations.

They observe that two new Flying Furred Beasts have appeared, and resumed resource gathering on the two flowers that had been vacant. All visible flowers appear to have an attending Flying Furred Beast tending them.

Action?

Control has switched to: 45 Fat Bottomed Girls with Masked Scent.
>>
No. 528824 ID: 43d730
>>537297
Climb a flower, disturb it to the point that the flying furries leave.
>>
No. 528825 ID: 6164e0
>>537298
How many Fat Bottomed Girls should attempt this?
>>
No. 528826 ID: 06fc25
Hmm. We need to get these Abominations the hell away from the nest. Have two of them take one unit apiece of the bumblebee, and another two take one unit apiece of the Abomination and scramble away from the nest at top speed.

Have a few of the remainder try >>537298

...Maybe cutting down one of the flowers will provoke their attention?
>>
No. 528827 ID: 6164e0
>>537300

5 Fat Bottomed Girls return to the hive to grab some Abomination food and Flying Furred Beast food.
-2 units Abomination Hornet food
-3 units Fly Beast Bumblebee food

10 Fat Bottomed Girls climb one of the yellow flowers, and begin disturbing it.

...!?! The Swarming Abomination horde has noticed the Fat Bottomed Girls carrying food.

...!?! The Swarming Abomination horde has noticed the Fat Bottomed Girls disturbing one of the Yellow Flowers.

Action?
>>
No. 528828 ID: 06fc25
Have the food carriers run as far from the nest as they can. If they can find somewhere to hide safely, that's fine, but the important thing is that the Abominations leave the Colony alone.
>>
No. 528829 ID: 6164e0
>>537315
The Fat Bottomed Girls carrying food flee as fast as they can, desperate to convince the Abominations coming after them that the colony is elsewhere, to keep Killer Queen safe.

The Fat Bottomed Girls atop the flower, however, do not get the chance to flee. An Abomination zips over to the flower, and in a few bloody moments eviscerates the Fat Bottomed girls there.

5 Fat Bottomed Girls (Detected), running away from Crescent.
30 Fat Bottomed Girls with Masked Scent.

Action?

(I gotta go take care of some stuff for a bit, but back in an hour or so)
>>
No. 528830 ID: ab91ae
>>537321
Have the 30 masked Fat Bottomed Girls begin harvesting leaves, so we can build up our food stores. Since they can't be noticed, have them make the Nutrient Concentrate, and don't come back until they have full capacity. There is no reason not to play it nice and slow and safe right now.
>>
No. 528831 ID: ba362f
Have a couple FBGs dig underneath the flower to check if the roots are edible, maybe?
>>
No. 528832 ID: ed8d8a
>>537326
I was actually pondering the idea of just tunneling under the flowers and dragging them into the nest wholesale. The stealth nectar is valuable, and an entire flower has a lot of food content, but we should be careful how much we try to harvest that way. Don't want to clear cut the area.

Ideally we should come up with a way to utilize our stealth capability to harvest more nectar directly. I don't know that it will be possible as long as there are Abomination patrols around though. We should still be laying low, and taking this chance to expand the nest.
>>
No. 528833 ID: 6164e0
>>537324
30 Fat Bottomed Girls with Masked Scent set to harvesting leaves to collect nutrients. They will return when they have gathered 30 units of food each. This will take approximately one hour, and yield 900 units of Concentrated Nutrients.

>>537326
None of the flowers are rooted in the immediate area of Crescent. Any attempt to reach the roots would either require extensive tunneling from Crescent or would require a new colony to be built underneath some of the flowers.
>>
No. 528834 ID: 6164e0
!!NOTICE!! The fleeing Fat Bottomed Girls have been caught by the abominations. Not much is left of them.
!!NOTICE!! Killer Queen has had her confidence bolstered by Scars of Yesterday's courage. Killer Queen has lost Emotion: FEAR and once again become KILLER QUEEN.

Control has returned to KILLER QUEEN

Action?
>>
No. 528835 ID: ed8d8a
>>537357
Have remaining Fat Bottomed Girls complete construction of new colony space.

begin construction of highway tunnel outward from the colony, to allow for subterranean travel out into the field. Build it with corners which can be collapsed in the event of a breech.
>>
No. 528836 ID: 6164e0
>>537365
The remaining 109 Fat Bottomed Girls start working on a tunnel system that leads to underneath some of the flowers. The tunnel will be sufficiently long in 30 minutes.

As of yet, the only ants not currently occupied are KILLER QUEEN, The Hero Scars of Yesterday, and 20 Death on Six Legs.

Should further orders be given, or should KILLER QUEEN prepare to lay eggs and advance to the next checkpoint?
>>
No. 528837 ID: ab91ae
>>537374
Set remainder on Guard Duty, proceed to next checkpoint.

I think we need more The Merciless. 50 of them.
>>
No. 528838 ID: 7d190c
Is there any point in having our troops train? Can our hero teach the grunts a thing or two about being as awesome as he is, or are they basicly born the best they can be?

If training is out, I advise advancement.
>>
No. 528839 ID: 6164e0
>>537389
The only way for a given ant to become stronger is for it to either become a Hero Unit and thus qualify as an individual or eat a food that causes it to metamorphosis (like how Death on Six Legs are upgraded The Merciless that ate Sand Monster flesh)

>>537388
The 20 Death on Six legs are already idle in Chamber 2 (currently the only chamber with paths to the surface. Any threat attempting to enter the hive must pass them.

KILLER QUEEN begins laying 50 eggs, all The Merciless

Give me a sec, I'll post the checkpoint marker in a bit.
>>
No. 528840 ID: 6164e0
File 12519286614.jpg - (57.61KB , 613x871 , Crescent with Tunnel.jpg )
528840
-All ants set to feed themselves whenever they have 30 minutes left before becoming lethargic

CRESCENT COLONY AGE: 3 HOURS

TOTALS:
1 KILLER QUEEN
1 The Hero Scars of Yesterday
20 Death on Six Legs
50 The Merciless
139 Fat Bottomed Girls
20 Flash (ready at hour 4)


STATUS:
KILLER QUEEN: Sated (does not need food until hour 4), can produce more eggs in Chamber 4

The Hero Scars of Yesterday: Sated (needs 5 units of food in 2 hours or become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 1

Death on Six Legs:
-20 Sated (will need to feed in 1.5 hours or will become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 2

The Merciless:
-50 Sated (will need feeding in 2 hours or will become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 4


Fat Bottomed Girls:
-109 Sated (will need to feed in 1.5 hours or become Lethargic), Idle at end of tunnel
-30 Sated (self-feeding), consuming yellow flower leaves and returning at 30 units of Concentrated Nutrients (will return at 3.5 hour mark)



FOOD:
5 units of Yellow Flower Leaf (Quality: 1/10)
45 units of Nest Robber Centipede (Quality: 3/10)
175 units of Black Dragonfly (Quality: 3/10)
400 units of Concentrated Nutrients (Quality: 4/10)
8 units of Flying Beast Bumblebee (Quality: 5/10) Special: Tastes Like Poison
22 units of Abomination Hornet (Quality: 7/10)
60 units of Dead Ant (Quality Unknown)

Storage:
Chamber 1 current maximum capacity: 300 points (5/300 used)
Chamber 2 current maximum capacity: 500 points (0/500 used)
Chamber 3 current maximum capacity: 375 points (0/375 used)
Chamber 4 current maximum capacity: 600 points (10/600 used)
Chamber 5 current maximum capacity: 175 points (0/175 used)
(KILLER QUEEN is worth 10 points, The Hero Scars of Yesterday is worth 5 points, Death on Six Legs are worth 2 points, The Merciless and Fat Bottomed Girls are worth 1 point. Food is 1 point per unit of food)

!!NOTICE!! The buzzing sounds have returned to normal levels.
!!NOTICE!! No Abominations are visible!!
!!NOTICE!! KILLER QUEEN can now attempt to make up to two new strains at a checkpoint.
!!NOTICE!! Fat Bottomed Girls have made a tunnel with defensive collapse points that reach under some of the yellow flowers.

ASSESSING UPGRADES EARNED.

Found tasty new food: Abomination Hornet: 1 upgrade
Found tasty new food: Yellow Flower Nectar/Blossoms: 1 upgrade
Found strange new food: Flying Beast Bumblebee: 1 upgrade
Survived angering Abomination Hornets: 1 upgrade

You have earned: 4 total upgrades.

Please spend upgrades on the following:

Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv3.
>>
No. 528841 ID: 6164e0
!!NOTICE!! The Hero Scars of Yesterday has regained the Shining Light Trait!
>>
No. 528842 ID: 6faa8c
>>537415

>!!NOTICE!! KILLER QUEEN can now attempt to make up to two new strains at a checkpoint.

Something highly defensive and strong, able to lift large objects and also hold them back. damage dealing ability is a non-issue.
>>
No. 528843 ID: 7d190c
Can we get some sort of aerial defender?
Something capable of punching through fast moving wings incase we ever have to deal with dragonflys again?
>>
No. 528845 ID: 43d730
>>537417
'Beast of Burden'?
>>
No. 528847 ID: ba362f
Looks like you only listed one potential upgrade to spend points on, Bob.
>>
No. 528848 ID: 6164e0
>>537415
...Hm. My post got cut off.

You have earned: 4 total upgrades.

Please spend upgrades on the following:

Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv3.
Improve The Merciless Strain.
Create New Ant Strain
Create Specialty Strain: Trap Ant (A strain that mimics the sand monster, self feeds) (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES)
Make Death on Six Legs a normal Strain (makes it upgradeable, lets KILLER QUEEN lay eggs) (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES, d20 rolled, must beat 14)
Upgrade Exoskeletons Lv2.
Upgrade Mandible Quality
Upgrade Intelligence Lv2.
Specialize KILLER QUEEN (choose either attack, defense, harvesting, digging or mobility) (can specialize multiple times, and stack upgrades)
Gift KILLER QUEEN Poison Trait to The Hero Scars of Yesterday

First four upgrades to reach 3 votes will be chosen.
>>
No. 528850 ID: 43d730
As many as needed to Fat Bottomed Girls strain 3, then large beefy strain for heavy work, then increase poison all around for eventual spitting upgrade.
Start work on acid if we think we're up to it.
>>
No. 528851 ID: ba362f
>Create Specialty Strain: Trap Ant (A strain that mimics the sand monster, self feeds) (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES)

>Upgrade Mandible Quality

>Gift KILLER QUEEN Poison Trait to The Hero Scars of Yesterday
>>
No. 528852 ID: 6164e0
>>537427
Please list the four upgrades you are voting for.
>>
No. 528853 ID: 7d190c
>>537425
Can we use wings as an improvment? I say we give our warrior strains wings, unless we have to create a new strain for that. If we have to create a new strain, I think we should create flying defenders to better swarm our enemies with.

Also: Make death on six a standard thing.
>>
No. 528854 ID: ab91ae
>>537425
New strain: Beast of Burden.
New specialty strain: Trap ants.
Upgrade mandibles.

Beast of Burden: Focus on Strength and Lifting ability. Limitation: Quality 4/10 food or better.

We have a near infinite supply of Nutrient Concentrate; no reason NOT to give all of our troops 4/10 food quality limit.
>>
No. 528855 ID: 6164e0
>>537428
Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv3.
Improve The Merciless Strain.
Create New Ant Strain
Create Specialty Strain: Trap Ant (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES) [1]
Make Death on Six Legs a normal Strain (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES, d20 rolled, must beat 14)
Upgrade Exoskeletons Lv2.
Upgrade Mandible Quality [1]
Upgrade Intelligence Lv2.
Specialize KILLER QUEEN
Gift KILLER QUEEN Poison Trait to The Hero Scars of Yesterday [1]

>>537430
Please list the four upgrades you are choosing.


FYI, plans for new strains are irrelevant until all upgrade points have been spent.
>>
No. 528856 ID: 6164e0
>>537431
Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv3.
Improve The Merciless Strain.
Create New Ant Strain [1/0]
Create Specialty Strain: Trap Ant (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES) [2]
Make Death on Six Legs a normal Strain (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES, d20 rolled, must beat 14)
Upgrade Exoskeletons Lv2.
Upgrade Mandible Quality [2]
Upgrade Intelligence Lv2.
Specialize KILLER QUEEN
Gift KILLER QUEEN Poison Trait to The Hero Scars of Yesterday [1]
>>
No. 528857 ID: ed8d8a
>>537422
Alternately, I submit the name "Under Pressure"

Upgrade mandibles
Create heavy work strain
Make Death on Six Legs Standard x2
>>
No. 528858 ID: 7d190c
New strain.
Make Death on Six Legs a normal Strain.
Upgrade Intelligence Lv2.
>>
No. 528859 ID: ba362f
>>537431
Well, there's the whole mutation potential of undiscovered lower-quality foods to keep in mind, not to mention the already-documented stuff and its effects on our current strains. Good keep the options open for experimentation, yeah?
>>
No. 528860 ID: 6164e0
>>537437
Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv3.
Improve The Merciless Strain.
Create New Ant Strain [2/0]
Create Specialty Strain: Trap Ant (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES) [2]
Make Death on Six Legs a normal Strain (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES, d20 rolled, must beat 14) [1]
Upgrade Exoskeletons Lv2.
Upgrade Mandible Quality [3] [CHOSEN]
Upgrade Intelligence Lv2.
Specialize KILLER QUEEN
Gift KILLER QUEEN Poison Trait to The Hero Scars of Yesterday [1]
>>
No. 528861 ID: ba362f
>>537439
...Speaking of which, might be a good idea to have Killer Queen try eating some of the bee once we're finished upgrading. Only makes sense since KQ can spit poison already, so something that tastes poisonous might not have as much (or any) of an adverse effect on her as opposed to the rest of the ants.
>>
No. 528862 ID: 6164e0
Only one upgrade point has been spent (On upgrading Mandible Quality), more votes are required.
>>
No. 528863 ID: 6faa8c
>>537455
Did I already vote for New Strain?
>>
No. 528864 ID: 6164e0
>>537456
You have not yet submitted which upgrades you would like to see taken (you posted an idea for a new strain, but that won't matter until after all upgrade points are spent).
>>
No. 528865 ID: ed8d8a
>>537438
Missed this one Bob, new strain has 3 votes now
>>
No. 528866 ID: 6164e0
>>537461
Ah, thanks.

>>537438

Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv3.
Improve The Merciless Strain.
Create New Ant Strain [3/0] [CHOSEN1x]
Create Specialty Strain: Trap Ant (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES) [2]
Make Death on Six Legs a normal Strain (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES, d20 rolled, must beat 14) [2]
Upgrade Exoskeletons Lv2.
Upgrade Mandible Quality [3] [CHOSEN]
Upgrade Intelligence Lv2. [1]
Specialize KILLER QUEEN
Gift KILLER QUEEN Poison Trait to The Hero Scars of Yesterday [1]
>>
No. 528867 ID: ab91ae
>>537462
I'll throw in a vote for trap ants.
>>
No. 528868 ID: 6164e0
>>537464
Create New Ant Strain [CHOSEN]
Create Specialty Strain: Trap Ant [CHOSEN]
Upgrade Mandible Quality [CHOSEN]

All four upgrade points have been allocated.

-All ants now have stronger mandibles capable of better cutting than before! They can bite harder, and can bite harder things!
-Trap Ants Specialty Strain is about to be created. Would you like to add any restrictions to them to improve the strain? (NOTE: because Trap Ants do not need to eat, Dietary restrictions cannot be employed)


Once the Trap Ants are ironed out, we can move on to creating a new strain.
>>
No. 528869 ID: ab91ae
>>537469
No restrictions.
>>
No. 528871 ID: 6164e0
File 125193763439.jpg - (30.73KB , 600x394 , Trap Ant.jpg )
528871
The specialty strain is created.

They walk very slowly, and their body is fairly squishy. However, their heads are heavily armored, and their Jaws are large and powerful. Once they dig a small and shallow pit and settle in, they lay in wait for any non-KILLER QUEEN affiliated creature to come close enough, then they vibrate, causing soil and sand to shift, pulling the creature close. They then pop their head out of the soil and attempt to kill the invader. So long as they are buried and only expose their heads, this breed is difficult to kill compared to other similarly size ants.

Now all they need is a name....
>>
No. 528872 ID: ab91ae
>>537474
Iron Jaw Angels.
>>
No. 528873 ID: 1689ab
>>537474
Sing: Lurker at the Threshold.
Plur: Lurkers at the Threshold.
>>
No. 528875 ID: ed8d8a
uhm... We Will Rock You?
I fear that the well of Queen songs may be running dry.
"The Hitman" and "The Invisible" are still up for grabs
>>
No. 528876 ID: ba362f
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_by_Queen
Instant reference sheet, just add internet!
>>
No. 528877 ID: 6164e0
>>537480
KILLER QUEEN can now make Lurkers at the Threshold!

Now it is time to figure out what kind of new strain you are making.

jack of all trades
focus on movement speed
focus on jumping ability
focus on agile combatants
focus on durable combatants
focus on digging/harvesting
focus on digging
focus on harvesting
roll a 1d30 (1 being the worst, 30 being awesome) to try and randomly make the new (Only a roll of one will create a negative trait that randomly manifests, all other rolls create a strain of varying quality)


You can now place as many of the following restrictions as desired on new ant strains to further improve them:

-Each egg takes 5x as much effort to lay
-Larva needs multiple feedings and more time to mature
-Diet restricted to fauna only
-Diet restricted to foods of a minimum quality level.
[INSERT YOUR OWN PROPOSED RESTRICTION HERE]


The more restrictions you stack on a new breed, the better it gets (cannot apply restrictions to randomly generated new strains)
>>
No. 528878 ID: 6164e0
>>537479
Save that name for later.
>>
No. 528879 ID: ab91ae
Durable combatants, designed for heavy lifting and holding off foes.

Restriction: 4/10 quality food or better.
New Restriction: Dull Mandibles: Mandibles are dull and have trouble piercing things. This makes them more suited to delicate carrying and heavy lifting, but poor damage dealers.
>>
No. 528880 ID: 1689ab
While I personally wouldnt mind seeing some high quality Jumping Jack Flash Ants, It seems the earlier consensus was for More efficient workers. Strength and Lifting was the suggestion, I believe.

So lets go digging/harvesting, I guess?
With Diet restricted to foods of a minimum quality level (4/10)
>>
No. 528881 ID: ed8d8a
I was actually thinking of building them as straight diggers, since the Fat Bottoms were built as digger/harvesters, and they have become quite skilled at the harvesting, but not much improvement to the digging.

Diet restriction 4/10
take 5x effort
>>
No. 528882 ID: ed8d8a
Also: does slow movement qualify as a restriction, or is that simply a result of other factors?
>>
No. 528883 ID: 6164e0
>>537492
Actually, Fat Bottomed girls perform fairly well at digging. If you made a new strain focused on digging, it would need some restrictions to match Fat Bottomed Girls who have been upgraded multiple times.

Remember, Fat Bottomed girls can dig through dirt and compacted clay equally well, and can dig into soft woods. That is pretty good digging for ants.

JUST SAYING.
>>
No. 528884 ID: 6164e0
>>537493

Slow movement can be added as a restriction to any non-agility based ant, and increases the creatures size, weight and durability.

Movement can currently be slowed somewhat or slowed significantly.
>>
No. 528885 ID: 1689ab
Well, if we already have a nice worker ant, I propose some Jumping Jack Ants.

focus on jumping ability.
-Larva needs multiple feedings and more time to mature
-Diet restricted to foods of a minimum quality level. (4+/10)

This will increase our abilities to swarm and bring down large targets, and may provide greater defence against flying opponents.
>>
No. 528886 ID: ed8d8a
>>537495
Oh, um.. roight then. Durable combatants it is. I stand by 5x effort and dietary restriction 4/10, and add significant slowness to the order. Tank tank tahnk
>>
No. 528887 ID: 6164e0
>>537499
How severe of restriction do you want the multiple feedings/longer incubation restriction to be? Currently, the maximum this restriction can reach is 5 extra feedings, for an incubation period of 3 hours. This will make for a rather sizable return in terms of increased strain quality.
>>
No. 528888 ID: 1689ab
>>537502
These will be our rocks. Our stalwart defenders. The better they are. The better we are. Pump up the volume I say. Make them as good as possible, no matter the cost.

Maybe we should make them supersized as well... so that they have trouble fitting through the tunnels not specially enlarged... That would be a nice little hindrence, and it would probably give some good returns to. Can we do that?
>>
No. 528889 ID: 6164e0
Okay, I am seeing conflicting requests for Durable Combat focus and Movement Jumping focus.

So.... whichever of the two is first to have three people support it after this post is the focus for the strain. Anyone is allowed to voice their opinion, so get posting!

Then we can worry about restrictions.
>>
No. 528890 ID: 6164e0
>>537504
You cannot directly boost size.

However, a durable combat focus would likely mesh well with a movement speed restriction, as mentioned here:
>>537498
>>
No. 528891 ID: ba362f
My vote's for tanker-ants.
>>
No. 528892 ID: 1689ab
I withdraw my jumping suggestion. tanks all the way.
>>
No. 528893 ID: 06fc25
Tanks sound good to me.
>>
No. 528894 ID: 6164e0
>>537509
>>537510
>>537512
Durable Combat focus chosen.

What kind of restrictions should be implemented?

Restrictions available:
-Each egg takes 5x or 10x as much effort to lay
-Larva needs multiple feedings and more time to mature
-Diet restricted to fauna only
-Diet restricted to foods of a minimum quality level.
-Slowed travel speed (minor or moderate)
[INSERT YOUR OWN PROPOSED RESTRICTION HERE]
>>
No. 528895 ID: 6faa8c
>>537512
tankety tank.
>>
No. 528896 ID: 6faa8c
>>537513
Inelegible for increased intellect and reduced speed.
>>
No. 528897 ID: 06fc25
10x as much effort to lay

Larva needs multiple feedings and more time to mature (as long as possible)

Slowed travel speed (moderate)

Diet restricted to foods of a minimum quality level (Level 4)
>>
No. 528898 ID: ba362f
>>537513

>10x effort to lay
>5x feedings
>Moderate speed reduction

Plus Tripshot's idea about perma-dumbness.
>>
No. 528899 ID: 1689ab
-Each egg takes 5x or 10x as much effort to lay - MAXIMUM
-Larva needs multiple feedings and more time to mature - MAXIMUM
-Diet restricted to foods of a minimum quality level. - 4+/10
-Slowed travel speed - MAXIMUM AVAILABLE
- This >>537515

Does concentrated Nutrients count as "Fauna"? If so, add Fauna Foods Only as well.
>>
No. 528901 ID: ed8d8a
>>537513
oh my goodness, 10 times is available now? I think we should go all the way there. I am less comfortable with the taking longer to mature restriction. That may go poorly if we need to shore up our defenses in a hurry.

>>537515
Ineligibility for future upgrades sounds like a sort of shady disability to me, as a general policy. Its a dangerous precedent. We might not take that upgrade at all, and then where would the "disability" be?
>>
No. 528902 ID: 6164e0
>>537515
New Restriction: Mindless Drone

Ants with this restriction will blindly follow orders irrelevant of what happens around them, unless there is at least one ant with BASIC INTELLIGENCE or higher with them (all normal ants currently have BASIC INTELLIGENCE, Scars of Yesterday and KILLER QUEEN have MEDIOCRE INTELLIGENCE)

That sound good?
>>
No. 528903 ID: 6164e0
>>537520
Concentrated Nutrients are treated as flora.
>>
No. 528904 ID: ba362f
>>537526
SPAWN MORE OVERLORDS
>>
No. 528905 ID: 06fc25
>>537521

After that number the Abominations did on us, I'm thinking we should play things more carefully from now on. In light of that, hopefully we won't need the tanks quickly.

For the time being we should focus on expanding the colony and finding other sources of food. Discreetly.
>>
No. 528906 ID: 6faa8c
>>537526
Pretty much.

"Duurrr, stand here boss? Block big things? duuurrr okay."
>>
No. 528907 ID: ed8d8a
>>537526
Workable!
>>
No. 528908 ID: 6164e0
Additional Restriction available if eggs are 10x as hard to make and the ant has at least somewhat slowed speed:

Larger Appetite: The ant needs 5 units of food every hour instead of 1.
>>
No. 528909 ID: ba362f
>>537530

...We have to call them Mongos. Mongoes? However the hell you pluralize Mongo!
>>
No. 528910 ID: ed8d8a
>>537529
Its more of a concern for AFTER our invasion force is wiped out by a sudden rain shower and we need to rebuild in a hurry. I am glad someone else is thinking in terms of cautious, stealthy encroachment though.
>>
No. 528911 ID: 6164e0
So far, these are the restrictions that will be applied:

-10x as hard to make eggs.
-needs 5 units of food every hour instead of 1
-needs food of a minimum quality of 4/10.
-significantly slowed movement.
-Mindless Drone Trait added.

!!NOTICE!! Enough restrictions have been place on this ant that it will require a minimum of one extra feeding and have a minimum incubation period of one hour.

Does that sound acceptable, or does anyone want to change the restrictions?
>>
No. 528912 ID: ed8d8a
>>537532
sure why not! we got lots of food at the moment.

>>537533
I was actually gonna drag out a "Hammer to Fall" suggestion from the ol' Queen song list again.
>>
No. 528913 ID: 6164e0
>>537533
I believe the plural is also Mongo.

Mongo do not like mucking about with grammer, I have been told.
>>
No. 528914 ID: 6164e0
>>537533
Also I am fairly sure no band, album or song is titled 'Mongo,' thus invalidating the name.

We are operating under standard JoJo rules, after all.
>>
No. 528916 ID: ab91ae
>>537537
Acceptable!

Seconding the name Hammer to Fall.
>>
No. 528917 ID: ba362f
>>537540
Oh, right, right. No worries, then. Carry on!
>>
No. 528918 ID: ed8d8a
To be fair, Turbonegro has a song called Bad Mongo. It's not *terrible* I guess, though it is pretty obscure.
>>
No. 528919 ID: 6164e0
File 125194513649.jpg - (82.73KB , 400x575 , HUGE ANT IS HUGE.jpg )
528919
Okay then.

New Strain Created!

Durable Combat Focus

Restictions:
-10x as hard to make eggs.
-needs 5 units of food every hour instead of 1
-needs food of a minimum quality of 4/10.
-significantly slowed movement.
-Mindless Drone Trait added.
-needs two feedings and one hour to mature.

These ants even dwarf the queen, 2cm long, 8mm tall and 9mm wide.

What shall they be called?
>>
No. 528920 ID: 6164e0
>>537547
FYI, the smaller ants are The Merciless for comparison.
>>
No. 528921 ID: ab91ae
>>537547
Hammer to Fall, or Hammerfalls plural.
>>
No. 528922 ID: ba362f
Hey...if band names count...They Might Be Giants!
>>
No. 528923 ID: 6faa8c
>>537550
Hammerfalls YES
>>
No. 528924 ID: 6faa8c
>>537551
NO WAIT THIS
>>
No. 528926 ID: 6164e0
They Might Be Giants

Hammer to Fall

ONLY ONE NAME WILL LEAVE THE THUNDERDOME!
>>
No. 528927 ID: 6faa8c
>>537556
TMBG
>>
No. 528928 ID: ab91ae
>>537556
The problem with They Might Be Giants is they're already gargantuan. Its not a Might anymore.

And I like the idea of calling them Hammerfalls.
>>
No. 528929 ID: 35cea2
My vote goes for They Might Be Giants
>>
No. 528930 ID: ed8d8a
>>537556
>THUNDERDOME

Um, Hammer to Fall jumps upward toward the chainsaw suspended in the middle of the ceiling?
>>
No. 528931 ID: ba362f
TMBG, since I thought of it in the first place.
>>
No. 528933 ID: 6164e0
>>537562
NAME FIGHTS DO NOT WORK THAT WAY

>>537558
>>537561
>>537561

And it seems They Might Be Giants is the one to leave the THUNDERDOME, the triumphant name of the new strain.

They Might Be Giants have incredibly durable carapaces, potentially rivaling that of an Abomination. Additionally, their jaws possess a frightful strength, and can pierce most defenses with relative ease! However, this strength comes at a price, as They Might Be Giants move at half the speed of normal ants, need five times as much food and take twice as long and twice as many feedings to mature. They Might Be Giants can only eat food of a quality level of 4 or higher. They Might Be Giants are not capable of adapting to new situations without other more mentally capable ants around to show them what to do.

Okay, all upgrades have been allocated and resolved.

Orders can once again be issued.

Action?
>>
No. 528934 ID: ab91ae
>>537569
Have Fat Bottomed Girls make HIGHWAY TUNNEL SYSTEM in the direction of one of the nearby flowers. Lets see if we can't do that "kidnap an entire flower" plan.
>>
No. 528935 ID: 6faa8c
>>537562
AND FALLS, RIGHT THROUGH THE CANVAS! OUCH
>>
No. 528936 ID: 6faa8c
>>537571
lol, you're going to undermine it and take it to one of our chambers?
>>
No. 528937 ID: 6164e0
File 125194697270.jpg - (82.68KB , 613x871 , Yellow Flower Outpost 1.jpg )
528937
>>537571
There is already a tunnel (complete with fiendish traps to allow ants to quickly collapse sections as a defensive measure) leading to a particularly dense patch of flowers.

How should construction commence?
>>
No. 528938 ID: ba362f
Also, let's start getting some TMBGs operational.
>>
No. 528939 ID: 6164e0
>>537576
REMINDER
Egg laying causes time to advance, and so far no actions have been taken during this 30 minute segment.
>>
No. 528940 ID: ed8d8a
>>537575
Is the red stuff roots?
>>
No. 528941 ID: ba362f
>>537577
Ah, righto. Well in that case I'd say sending a scent-masked FBG outside to the base of one of the smaller flowers (may as well test the idea with something easier to manage at first), and bore down beneath it to meet the tunnel to act as a guide for the upward diggers.
>>
No. 528942 ID: ab91ae
File 125194762785.png - (541.99KB , 600x850 , antses.png )
528942
Proceed to make multiple paths to prevent clogging and allow for tunnels to be collapsed if needed. If you run into any roots along the way, widen out the area around them into a small room. Later we'll try abducting an entire flower by the roots.
>>
No. 528943 ID: 6164e0
File 125194810272.jpg - (83.70KB , 613x871 , Yellow Flower Outpost 2.jpg )
528943
>>537581
Within minutes, the horde of Fat Bottomed Girls begins constructing an outpost to start harvesting roots, with multiple paths and tunnels that can be collapsed at a moment's notice.

(This is as much construction as can be completed here before the next timestamp. And since all your Fat Bottomed Girls are here, no construction can be attempted at Crescent.

What name will this outpost be called?
>>
No. 528944 ID: 6164e0
>>537579
Yes it is.
>>
No. 528945 ID: ba362f
>>537583
Stealin'!
>>
No. 528947 ID: 6164e0
>>537585
Keeping in mind the fact that the Flying Furred Beasts and their Abomination overlords have already laid claim to the flowers, the outpost is appropriately named Stealin'.
>>
No. 528948 ID: 6164e0
File 125194858772.jpg - (82.97KB , 613x871 , Stealin\' 1.jpg )
528948
Stealin' has been christened!

Actions?
>>
No. 528949 ID: ab91ae
>>537589
Well, we're waiting on the FBGs above ground to return with food, we're waiting on new things to hatch, and we're waiting to lay new eggs.

Send The Merciless to cover the Fat Bottomed Girls before they go to town on the roots, then wait until we can lay 8 TMBG eggs [80 eggs of material] and 20 trap ants [20 eggs of material].

The FBGs are not to try pulling a flower down unless we have a ton of reinforcements ready for them. It might go poorly.
>>
No. 528950 ID: ba362f
>>537598
Churning out another batch of FBGs might be good too. 50 or so, maybe?
>>
No. 528951 ID: 6164e0
>>537598
All 50 The Merciless travel the tunnels, arriving at Stealin' to guard the Fat Bottomed Girls as they sample the roots.

!!NOTICE!! the roots seem to be very tough, and are not cut easily! Continue attempting to harvest roots?
>>
No. 528952 ID: ba362f
>>537601
One would expect The Merciless to have a bit more bite to them than the FBGs, perhaps they could help with the root-snippage.
>>
No. 528953 ID: 6164e0
>>537603
All warrior strains have mandibles designed for combat, not harvesting. Chewing motions are necessary for cutting through the roots, not direct jaw strength.

BASIC INTELLIGENCE Bonus! The Merciless are fairly certain that their spiky mandibles would become stuck in the tough roots.
>>
No. 528954 ID: ba362f
>>537608
Good point. Well, in that case, continue harvesting attempts as-is. It'll just take a little longer. We can always upgrade later, and really, no reward comes without a little effort anyway.
>>
No. 528955 ID: 6164e0
>>537612
Fat Bottomed Girls know not of frustration. They patiently continue cutting into the roots, and after some time, are rewarded by breaking through to a soft and pungent core: It smells hardy!

Action?
>>
No. 528956 ID: ba362f
>>537620
Give it a try as food, both for FBGs and The Merciless. Only a couple of each strain though, in case it proves toxic.
>>
No. 528957 ID: 6164e0
>>537623
Once a small chunk of the root's innards is pulled free, a couple Fat Bottomed Girls and some The Merciless test the food.

.....
.....
.....
>>
No. 528958 ID: 6164e0
File 125195236640.png - (135.32KB , 676x599 , THE MORE YOU KNOW.png )
528958
.....
.....
.....
..?!?

One of the Fat Bottomed Girls that sampled the roots explodes, while the other's antenna grow larger. One of The Merciless that sampled the food grows an extra eye on his thorax, and another grows a seventh leg out of his back!

The third The Merciless that sampled the roots grows a stinger on the end of his gaster, and bulges appear on his tergite, as poison sacks link to the stinger. The Merciless seems completely unimpeded by the change.
>>
No. 528959 ID: 43d730
>>537633
XOM FINDS THIS HILARIOUS
>>
No. 528960 ID: ba362f
Oh god, these roots have been Xom'd!
>>
No. 528961 ID: 6164e0
>>537635
BASIC INTELLIGENCE bonus:

Roots of Chaos Identified! (Quality XOM/10)
>>
No. 528962 ID: 43d730
>>537633
We can gather and store this without ingesting any, yes?
Get a few dozen units of it, maybe we can refine it, use it normally, or work it into a poison.
And we do have the numbers to use it effectively.
>>
No. 528963 ID: 1689ab
Have our hero unit eat some of this. Maybe he'll wind up breathing fire!
>>
No. 528964 ID: 43d730
>>537639
Or exploding.
It seems harsh, but the best course of action I can see it using it on mass quantities of minor units to average out the negative effects.
Also, I can't seem to locate the gaster on that anatomical diagram.
>>
No. 528965 ID: ba362f
Okay...time for another experiment. Send the Merciless with the stinger back to the main colony to eat some of the bumblebee, if it's poisoned maybe Merciless-S will have a tolerance.

Back at Stealin', recommence clearing operations. Just no more eating the roots. However, storing them for scattering above ground later as bait for any nearby enemies could be an option (and hilarity may ensue).
>>
No. 528966 ID: 6164e0
File 125195311972.png - (120.73KB , 676x599 , LOOK UP DUDE.png )
528966
>>537640
>>
No. 528967 ID: 6164e0
>>537641
The Fat Bottomed Girls continue the slow work of harvesting Roots of Chaos, mindful to not actually ingest it.


The Merciless that Sprouted a Stinger heads back to the hive, and eats some of the Flying Beast Bumblebee.

.....
.....
.....
>>
No. 528969 ID: 6164e0
File 125195503564.jpg - (27.39KB , 591x471 , WHAT THE HELL.jpg )
528969
.....
.....
.....

Something is happening to The Merciless!

!?!SECRET EVENT FOUND!?! The mutated The Merciless has transformed into a new type of ant!

It has become highly poisonous, and has a powerful stinger than can pierce armor! Its body is now HIGHLY POISONOUS!

...!?!
The ant develops a sense of self!

NEW HERO UNIT ACQUIRED

What should this new breed be named?
>>
No. 528970 ID: ba362f
>>537647
For this one, I'm thinking The Hitman would be rather appropriate.
>>
No. 528971 ID: ab91ae
>>537648
Toxic is my suggestion.
>>
No. 528972 ID: 192956
>>537648
The Silent Death
>>
No. 528973 ID: 6164e0
>>537650
New Hero Unit Named: Toxic

Toxic can now be controlled individually.

Should any further orders be issued, or should KILLER QUEEN start laying eggs (and if so, what load out should be used?)
>>
No. 528974 ID: ba362f
Seems that not much more can be done that's already underway. Gonna recommend churning out a new batch of FBGs since the current lot is on the job at Stealin'. Also pop out a few TMBGs (10 or so, maybe, 5 for shock troops and 5 for reserves/Killer Queen's honor guard), and ten Lurkers to see how they perform. Anyway, I'm goin' to bed, so g'night guys. And keep up the good work, Bob!
>>
No. 528975 ID: 6164e0
>>537655
I am going to disregard this load out since it is mathematically impossible (They Might Be Giants cost ten eggs worth of energy to make, so making 10 They Might Be Giants would be a full clutch of eggs) Sorry if I didn't make that clear enough.

Any other suggested load outs?
>>
No. 528976 ID: ab91ae
>>537656
8 TMBGs and 20 Lurkers. We don't explicitly NEED more FBGs right now, since the ones we have are doing just fine.
>>
No. 528977 ID: ed8d8a
>>537656
I believe the earlier suggestion 8 and 20 would work fine
>>
No. 528978 ID: 6164e0
>>537657
>>537658
KILLER QUEEN will lay 8 They Might Be Giant eggs and 20 Lurkers at the Threshold.

I will post a timestamp sometime tomorrow when I have some time to be on the computer diligently enough to keep running the quest.
>>
No. 528979 ID: 6164e0
-All ants set to feed themselves whenever they have 30 minutes left before becoming Lethargic.
-Fat Bottomed Girls have continued harvesting Roots of chaos, but the thick exterior the needs to be cut through coupled with the need for the ants to carefully not ingest the food when harvesting slows the harvesting process.
-Fat Bottomed Girls with Masked Scent returned from harvesting, and have lost the Masked Scent Trait.

CRESCENT COLONY AGE: 3.5 HOURS

TOTALS:
1 KILLER QUEEN
1 The Hero Scars of Yesterday
20 Death on Six Legs
50 The Merciless
138 Fat Bottomed Girls
20 Flash (ready at hour 4)
8 They Might Be Giants (ready at hour 4.5)
20 Lurkers at the Threshold

STATUS:
KILLER QUEEN: Sated (does not need food until hour 4), can produce more eggs in Chamber 4

The Hero Scars of Yesterday: Sated (needs 5 units of food in 1.5 hours or become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 1

Toxic: Sated (needs 1 unit of food in 1.5 hours or will become Lethargic), Idle in Stealin'

Death on Six Legs:
-20 Sated (will need to feed in 1 hour or will become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 2

The Merciless:
-49 Sated (will need feeding in 1.5 hours or will become Lethargic), Guarding Fat Bottomed Girls at Stealin' (2 mutated)

Fat Bottomed Girls:
-108 Sated (will need to feed in 1 hour or become Lethargic), Expanding Stealin' (1 mutated)
-30 Sated (self-feeding), Idle in chamber 2

Lurkers at the Threshold:
-20 Idle in Chamber 2 (notice: Once a Lurker at the Threshold buries itself, it becomes permanently immobilized)

FOOD:
5 units of Yellow Flower Leaf (Quality: 1/10)
45 units of Nest Robber Centipede (Quality: 3/10)
175 units of Black Dragonfly (Quality: 3/10)
1,220 units of Concentrated Nutrients (Quality: 4/10)
0 units of Yellow Flower Nectar/Blossoms (Quality: 2/10 Warriors, 4/10 Non-Warriors) Special" Masks Non-Warrior Scent
8 units of Flying Beast Bumblebee (Quality: 5/10) Special: Tastes Like Poison
22 units of Abomination Hornet (Quality: 7/10)
50 Units of Roots of Chaos (Quality: XOM/10)
60 units of Dead Ant (Quality Unknown)

Storage:
Chamber 1 current maximum capacity: 300 points (300/300 used)
Chamber 2 current maximum capacity: 500 points (140/500 used)
Chamber 3 current maximum capacity: 375 points (375/375 used)
Chamber 4 current maximum capacity: 600 points (560/600 used)
Chamber 5 current maximum capacity: 175 points (175/175 used)
(KILLER QUEEN is worth 10 points, The Hero Scars of Yesterday is worth 5 points, Death on Six Legs are worth 2 points, The Merciless and Fat Bottomed Girls are worth 1 point. Food is 1 point per unit of food)

!!REMINDER!! The buzzing sounds have returned to normal levels.
!!REMINDER!! No Abominations are visible!!
!!REMINDER!! KILLER QUEEN can now attempt to make up to two new strains at a checkpoint.
!!NOTICE!! Crescent is running out of space!

ASSESSING UPGRADES EARNED.

Found chaotic new food: Roots of Chaos: 1 upgrade
New Hero Unit: 1 upgrade

You have earned: 2 total upgrades.

Please spend upgrades on the following:

Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv3.
Improve The Merciless Strain.
Improve Flash Strain
Improve They Might Be Giants Strain
Improve Lurkers at the Threshold Strain
Create New Ant Strain
Make Death on Six Legs a normal Strain (makes it upgradeable, lets KILLER QUEEN lay eggs) (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES, d20 rolled, must beat 14)
Upgrade Exoskeletons Lv2.
Upgrade Mandible Quality Lv2.
Upgrade Intelligence Lv2.
Specialize KILLER QUEEN (choose either attack, defense, harvesting, digging or mobility) (can specialize multiple times, and stack upgrades)
Gift KILLER QUEEN Poison Trait to The Hero Scars of Yesterday

First upgrade(s) to reach 3 votes will be chosen.
>>
No. 528980 ID: ba362f
>Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv3.
>Improve The Merciless Strain.

Specialty units might be effective, but basic strains are our backbone. Probably a good idea to keep 'em up to date.
>>
No. 528981 ID: 06fc25
Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv3.
Upgrade Mandible Quality Lv2.

Better harvesting is always good, and after that confrontation with the Abominations increased armor piercing capacity seems wise.

Have the 30 idle Fat Bottom Girls work on expanding Crescent. Have a fewof the ones in Stealin' carve out a storage area for the Roots of Chaos. I don't like the idea of having that stuff in the main nest.

Toxic patrols Stealin' rather than remaining idle.

All 20 Death on Six Legs patrol topside at Crescent, but be ready to scramble back to the nest if the Abominations come back.

5 Lurkers at the Threshold put down roots at the Crescent bottleneck.

And ignore any of these of someone has a better idea.
>>
No. 528982 ID: ba362f
Was thinking m'self that getting the Lurkers dug in across a moderate arc outside of Crescent's entryway and just a little ways inside as something of a living minefield could be a nice little defensive emplacement.
>>
No. 528983 ID: 6164e0
>>537762
>>537763
Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv3. [2]
Improve The Merciless Strain. [1]
Improve Flash Strain
Improve They Might Be Giants Strain
Improve Lurkers at the Threshold Strain
Create New Ant Strain
Make Death on Six Legs a normal Strain(REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES)
Upgrade Exoskeletons Lv2.
Upgrade Mandible Quality Lv2. [1]
Upgrade Intelligence Lv2.
Specialize KILLER QUEEN
Gift KILLER QUEEN Poison Trait to The Hero Scars of Yesterday
>>
No. 528984 ID: ed8d8a
>>537770
Specialize queen for defense
Improve The Merciless
>>
No. 528985 ID: 6164e0
>>537770
Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv3. [2]
Improve The Merciless Strain. [2]
Improve Flash Strain
Improve They Might Be Giants Strain
Improve Lurkers at the Threshold Strain
Create New Ant Strain
Make Death on Six Legs a normal Strain(REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES)
Upgrade Exoskeletons Lv2.
Upgrade Mandible Quality Lv2. [1]
Upgrade Intelligence Lv2.
Specialize KILLER QUEEN (defense) [1]
Gift KILLER QUEEN Poison Trait to The Hero Scars of Yesterday
>>
No. 528986 ID: 01383e
guys, why do we not have teensy tiny swarming worker drones to keep the hive, the warrior ants, and everything else clean, maintained, fed, nursed, and whatever? We could even maybe start up a fungus farm with them at some point.
>>
No. 528987 ID: 6164e0
Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv3. [CHOSEN]
Improve The Merciless Strain. [CHOSEN]

-Fat Bottomed Girls can now carry up to 35 units of food as concentrated nutrients before being immobilized!
-Fat Bottomed Girls can now dig faster through soft woods!
-The Merciless are now denser, and have a more durable body!
-The Merciless can now keep fighting for a short time even when mortally wounded so long as their head is intact!

Orders can be issued again!

!!NOTICE!! Something is making a rhythmic tapping noise near one of the entrances to Crescent!

Action?
>>
No. 528988 ID: 06fc25
>>537791

I don't know about anyone else, but I just don't feel like micromanaging THAT much. Fungus farms are a good idea, but beyond that a horde of little peon ants would just add a layer of unnecessary complication.

>>537792

Send the Death on Six Legs to investigate.
Put Scars on standby.
>>
No. 528989 ID: 6164e0
File 125200868430.jpg - (123.93KB , 501x335 , A Challenger Appears.jpg )
528989
>>537795
The Death on Six Legs investigate the source of the rhythmic tapping.

A golden creature is waiting outside!

It makes no aggressive movements, but stops tapping. It seems disinterested in the Death on Six Legs, and is noticeably bigger than them!

It seems to be waiting for something!
>>
No. 528990 ID: 06fc25
>>537798

Form a semicircle around it and attempt to scare it off.

Are any of the other breeds acting strange since the tapping began?
>>
No. 528991 ID: 6164e0
>>537802
The Death on Six Legs exit Crescent, and try to scare the creature off. However, the nimble golden creature is blindingly fast, and always returns to the entrance of crescent after escaping the cluster of Death on Six Legs. It does not seem to want to fight!

Action?
>>
No. 528992 ID: 92bbc1
Copy its tapping. Attempt communication.
>>
No. 528993 ID: 6164e0
>>537808
Several of the Death on Six Legs begin mimicking the rhythmic tapping the creature produces.

The golden creature starts to release pheromones

(From now on, I will translate pheromone communication to English directly)

'Ah, even the drones have some rudimentary intelligence. Wonderful. I am here because it seems one of the Mandarinian Empire's warriors went missing near here, and both myself and several other very much so wish to know if your queen knows how it died.'

(NOTE: Only KILLER QUEEN and Hero Units can produce complex enough pheromones to hold conversations currently.)

Action?
>>
No. 528994 ID: ba362f
One of the D6Ls should go get Killer Queen, considering what the topic of his query is. Looking like golden boy is some kinda diplomatic emissary.
>>
No. 528995 ID: 01383e
>>537815
tell them that we just aroused a small swarm of angry buzzing beasts- they've dispersed now, but anything in the area with them around would most likely have died.
>>
No. 528996 ID: 6164e0
>>537819
While the Remaining Death on Six Legs continue to vigilantly watch the golden creature, one of their number returns to Crescent's interior, and communicates to KILLER QUEEN that she should relocate to the surface.

KILLER QUEEN is shortly on the surface, looking at the golden creature from the opposing side of a wall of Death on Six Legs.

The golden creature seems to perk up.

'Ah, I assume you are the queen of this brood, correct? Well, I am here to ask what you know about the recent troop movements of the Mandarinian Empire.... oh yes, the perhaps you don't know. The creatures you see tending the flowers around here are domesticated servants of the Mandarinian Empire, and the rather large creatures that were flying about recently are warriors of said Empire.

Where was I... ah, yes, Do you know what precipitated their troops being deployed to this location, or how it is they lost one of their warriors?'

How should KILLER QUEEN respond?
>>
No. 528997 ID: ba362f
Careful choice of words. We don't know where or who this fellow is beholden to. Present it as a case of self-defense, I think. Attacked without reason or warning given, and an according response dealt out, both to the initial attacker and the big one that followed up.
>>
No. 528998 ID: 06fc25
>>537825

The bee did attack first, after one of our FBG's attempted communication.

Scrutinize this 'Mandarinian'. Is it actually an ant? It could be a Kerengga Ant-like Jumper trying to fool us.
>>
No. 528999 ID: 6164e0
>>537825

>'Well, some of my offspring went to try and make contact with the... servant? creatures that tend the flowers, and were rather abruptly attacked. They defended themselves and felled the flying beast, but shortly thereafter the Abominations, the... Empire's warriors showed up. One of them started tunneling into Crescent-that's the colony here-, but we managed to defend ourselves and killed the.. warrior after a time.'

The golden creature looks shocked.

'You mean to tell me ANTS killed a one of the warriors of the Mandarinian Empire's warriors? I am afraid I find that difficult to believe. If these are the best warriors of your brood, I doubt even hundreds of them could have traded their lives for the death of such a foe. They are potent and terrible foes, implacable and unrelenting.'

The golden creature seems skeptical.

How should KILLER QUEEN respond?
>>
No. 529000 ID: 43d730
>>537832
You have a better explanation?
>>
No. 529001 ID: 01383e
>>537824
how DID they lose the warrior? we obliterated it via... superpowers.

I don't actually know how we killed it, so I can't compose a proper viking victory ballad. can the quest righter deliver a victory ballad?
>>
No. 529002 ID: 6faa8c
>>537832
"These are not our strongest."
>>
No. 529004 ID: 6164e0
>>537836
>'You have a better explanation?'

'Well, if you would tell me exactly how you managed to wound a Mandarinian Warrior, I would find your tale more believable. They are notoriously durable.

Ideally, you would show me the warrior's corpse, but if you do not wish to allow me in you lair, I understand. This is a rather dangerous place to live, after all.'

Response?
>>
No. 529006 ID: 01383e
>>537839
show him a TMBG. or uh... toxic, I think his name was.

or show him the scarred guy, if we can do a repeat performance of our shining blast thing in a way that doesn't kill everything.
>>
No. 529008 ID: 6164e0
>>537837
(check the discussion thread, I explained how STONER SUNSHINE works.)
>>
No. 529009 ID: 01383e
oh hey, we still have 22 units of abomination hornet. do they smell of hornet, or do they look like hornet? could we use them as proof?
>>
No. 529010 ID: ba362f
>>537840
Hrm. Quick little bugger or not, doesn't seem like he'd be too much of a threat inside the colony (and escorted by the D6Ls). May as well show him the remains.
>>
No. 529011 ID: 6faa8c
>>537842
It's really not a g show off all our military might...
>>
No. 529012 ID: 06fc25
>>537847

He's not a threat, true. But if we let him in, he'll know the layout of the nest which would be very bad if for some reason the Mandarinians decide to go to war with us.
>>
No. 529013 ID: ba362f
>>537853
Assuming he's in their camp to begin with. Nothing's certain of course, but I'm getting the impression he might be from a third party.
>>
No. 529014 ID: 6164e0
>>537846
The unusable body parts have since crumbled due to the extensive damage STONER SUNSHINE did.

The few bits of food salvaged could be from any insect.

>>537838
>'These are not our strongest.'

'Indeed? Even then, I find it hard to swallow that anything smaller than the Mandarinian Empire's warriors could ever threaten it, cramped in a cave or no.'

>>537842
>'One moment.'

'Of course.'

The golden creature waits patiently as KILLER QUEEN dispatches a Death on Six Legs to summon The Hero, Scars of Yesterday.

.....
.....
.....

His Queen has called for him. Scars knows happiness to be of service to his beloved queen, and promptly emerges from Crescent.

'You have need of me, my queen?'

The golden creature looks very shocked.

'You mean to tell me you bred an ant with Valiance?! Impossible!'

The golden creature takes a step forward, visibly agitated.

Scars of Yesterday quickly places himself in between KILLER QUEEN and the golden creature, standing alongside the Death on Six Legs as they warily watch the outsider.

Response?
>>
No. 529015 ID: ba362f
Ask him to calm down and please elaborate on this Valiance thing. Sounding like this is a trait beyond simple fighting spirit.
>>
No. 529016 ID: 6164e0
>>537858
>'Calm yourself. My warriors are very protective, and we have yet to meet residents fo the area who did not mean us harm.'

The golden creature regains some of his composure, and take a few steps back to show he does not intend violence.

'...My apologies, it is just... Hrm. You have just proven several popular ideas wrong about what races can possess Valiance. I suppose this lends a great deal of credence to your claim that your brood felled a Mandarinian Warrior. I imagine that this individual was the cause of the warrior's death?'

Scars of Yesterday raises his head, pride pouring off of him.

'I am not 'This one,' I am Scars of Yesterday, loyal warrior in the service of our ruler, KILLER QUEEN.'

The golden creature seems further surprised.

'I find myself surprised again. Your the first ant collective we have ever met that possessed sufficient individualism that names are used. I suppose I should introduce myself then.'

The golden creature bows its head lower, and sweeps its front two legs out in a dramatice flourish.

'I lay claim to the name 'Motörhead.''

Response?
>>
No. 529017 ID: ba362f
Give him a more official welcome to the colony, maybe with an offering of food as a token of potential friendship. Maybe we can get the beginnings of an alliance from this little encounter. And of course, don't forget to address him by name, it would be rude not to after he's mentioned it.
>>
No. 529018 ID: 6164e0
>>537858
>>537862
>'Scars of Yesterday, Death on Six Legs, stand down.'

Without a moment's hesitation, the ants, a brief moment ago ready to enter mortal combat with Motörhead, relax, and step away.

>'...Perhaps you can come inside. I feel somewhat exposed outside, with the Mandarinian Empire's servants so ever-present here.'

Scars of Yesterday looks to KILLER QUEEN, worry radiating from him.

'I am sorry, but I must protest, my queen. It is still unknown whether this Motörhead can be trusted inside Crescent.'

Oddly enough, Motörhead seems to agree.

'Your warrior-Scars of Yesterday, was it?- is right, and I would not wish to impose. Besides, as long as you do not get near the flower blossoms, the servants of the Empire you see above will ignore you. They are not particularly mentally acute. We can talk in the open here without fear of them going to their masters with word of our presence.'

>'You have mentioned 'Valiance,' and that Scars of Yesterday possesses it. Could you explain what this 'Valiance' is?'

'To a degree, certainly. Valiance.... well, valiance is different for each individual, and has been known to manifest in many races, but usually it is found more commonly in the larger and more powerful races. As I had mentioned before, no ant has ever been noted to have possess Valiance before, and I imagine that Scars of Yesterday is likely the first ant in history to have it. I imagine that was your saving grace, as the Mandarinian warriors would never think to look to an ant colony for the source of a threat sufficient to kill one of their warriors.

It... is usually somewhat difficult for non-Valiant individuals to perceive who does and does not have Valiance, but any Valiant can readily identify other with Valiance. As to what Valiance is... as I said, it manifests differently for each individual, but it blesses those who possess it with extraordinary abilities, usually oriented around mobility, attack or defense.

Ah, actually, there is a way to identify Valiance, at least in smaller races such as ours. For most smaller races, those who Possess Valiance will have a bright golden coloration. I think that is all I can explain of Valiance to you, and you would need to speak to an expert to learn more.'

Motörhead strikes himself in the head.

'I am sorry, I was distracted by these revelations. Since you are responsible for the events that transpired recently, I have a message for you. I come as a representative of The Collective, and have a reward to offer your colony, as we have a standing bounty on all Mandarinian Warriors.'

Response?
>>
No. 529019 ID: ba362f
>>537870
"Intriguing. By all means, continue."
>>
No. 529020 ID: 6164e0
File 125201973254.jpg - (78.24KB , 480x640 , Armored Behemoth 2.jpg )
529020
>>537872
>'Intriguing. By all means, continue.'

'Of course, I-'

A loud rumbling is herd, and a massive creature, larger than any seen before, crests the mountains of Crescent.

'Motörhead, what is taking so long, we-'

The massive creature stops, staring directly at Scars of Yesterday.

'Oh-ho, a Valiant ant. Well doesn't that beat all. Whats yer name, squirt?'

'I am Scars of Yesterday, warrior in service of KILLER QUEEN.'

'Hah! A good name, a strong name. I am Metallica, and let me guess, you're the one that killed the Mandarinian warrior, ain't ya?'

'I am. The Abomination offered a true challenge. It was glorious battle!'

'ZEHAHA, ya got yer head in the right place, squirt.'

At this, Motörhead indignantly addresses the newcomer.

'Metallica, you impatient oaf, must you always speak so crudely?!'

'BAH. I ain't got time for fancy words and all that rigamaroll you fancy.'

The two start bickering, and it is abundantly clear they know eachother well.

Scars of Yesterday is trembling with excitement. This Metallica is enormous, and his very being radiates strength and power. Compared to him, even the Abomination pales.

Scars of Yesterday wonders, how large is the gap between them? He wants to know....

!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday feels a similar feeling from both Metallica and Motörhead.

Action?
>>
No. 529021 ID: 6faa8c
>'I am sorry, I was distracted by these revelations. Since you are responsible for the events that transpired recently, I have a message for you. I come as a representative of The Collective, and have a reward to offer your colony, as we have a standing bounty on all Mandarinian Warriors.'

>Reward

Yaaaay!
>>
No. 529022 ID: 6faa8c
>>537874
If only where was a beer analouge in this tiny, tiny world.
>>
No. 529023 ID: ba362f
Is there an ant equivalent to facepalming? Try to get Motörhead's attention back so we can hear the rest of what he was going to say, and I guess that'd let Scars and Metallica have some time to chatter amongst themselves (or wrassle around for a while, which seems more likely).
>>
No. 529024 ID: 6164e0
>>537877
(Okay, just to clarify, Metallica is about 10cm long, 6.5cm wide and 4.5cm tall. Scar of Yesterday is 12mm long, 5.5mm wide and 6mm tall. Metallica probably outweighs him by about 100 fold or more)
>>
No. 529025 ID: 6faa8c
>>537878
Which is why I proposed bonding over alcohol. Alas, there is none.
>>
No. 529026 ID: ba362f
>>537878
I kinda meant it in the sense of wandering away to goof off much like a big redneck with a scrawny beer-buddy might do, poor choice of words on my part there.
>>
No. 529027 ID: 55569e
Enough dilly dally, what is this reward spoken of?
>>
No. 529028 ID: 6164e0
File 125202664946.jpg - (42.15KB , 400x320 , Fungus.jpg )
529028
(Hold yer damn horses, Bob had to do some much needed beard maintenance. Gotta keep that shit nice and neat.)

>>537886

As the two continue to bicker, KILLER QUEEN tries to once again gain Motörhead's attention.

>'What is this reward you speak of?'

It takes a moment for Motörhead to extricate himself from the argument (which he seemed to at least partly be enjoying).

'You stupid muscle brained... What? Oh, yes, my apologies the reward. Metallica, if you would.'

'Damn, and here I was hoping I would get to eat it.'

The gargantuan beetle grumbles as he springs off the mountain, trundling off into the distance.

'Uncouth savage...' Motörhead mutters, before turning to face KILLER QUEEN once more.

'Hrm, yes, as I was saying, there is a reward given for every Mandarinian warrior slain. There is a rare fungus that grows in certain places, that has been found to effect all races in the same way. It is known as Bohemian Rhapsody, and is both a performance enhancer and a mild narcotic. It is considered a delicacy, and any creature that eats of it will find themselves growing stronger in some format or other. Oh, just to let you know, don't bother trying to plant it, the fungus is notorious for only growing in very specific climates, and this is not one of those climates. Ah, it seems Metallica has returned'

The earth rumbles as Metallica walks across the peaks of Crescent, descending into the interior of the hive. in his jaws is a small piece of fungus, with a singularly unique smell.

!?!EVENT OCCURRING!?!

Scars of Yesterday strides forward, and as Metallica drops the small piece of fungus near him, he takes a place in front of the massive beetle.

'I...I wish to fight you, to know how strong you are.'

Motörhead looks ready to protest, but Metallica rumbles, the very earth shaking.

'ZEHAHAHA, I knew ya were an alright sort. Alright then, lets see what you got!'

Without further warning, Metallica moves forward with incredible speed, and with a swipe of his mandibles he strikes Scars of Yesterday, sending him flying into the mountain.

CONTROL IS NOW SPLIT BETWEEN KILLER QUEEN AND SCARS OF YESTERDAY. PLEASE ISSUE ORDERS FOR BOTH. BE AWARE THAT SCARS OF YESTERDAY MAY IGNORE CERTAIN ORDERS.

Actions?
>>
No. 529029 ID: ba362f
KQ: Ignore the scuffling for now, nothing wrong with letting the warrior-types indulge in a bit of rough-housing as long as there's no permanent damage in the end. Examine the fungus and determine how many ants it can be split between.

Scars: Oh boy, looks like we've got a lightning bruiser here. The big guy might have a quick charge, but there's a chance you might be able to outmaneuver him. Pick yourself up and dart around from side to side while closing in, see how well he can keep up with abrupt reorientations.
>>
No. 529030 ID: ef4792
>>537892
Hopefully we can use STONER SUNSHINE on Metallica without outright killing him. If we can, get close and blast away.
>>
No. 529031 ID: 6164e0
>>537906
KILLER QUEEN may still be getting to know the mind of her greatest protector and warrior, but she at least knows that this is what he wants, and that both intend this not as fight to the death, but as a test of strength.

She appraises the piece of Bohemian Rhapsody. It looks like it could only be 5 units of food at the most.

............................................

He knew that Metallica had to be strong, a powerful warrior, but this... if his carapace was just a bit weaker, or if he had weighed just a bit more, the blow would likely have crushed him outright. The massive warriors strength is terrifying, is frightful, is.....exciting.

Scars of yesterday shakily gets to his feat, determined to do his queen proud. He shines bright, resolution filling him to the brim.

As he raises his head, he sees that Metallica wasted no time, and is charging up the mountain to him, and is almost upon him. How such a heavy creature could move so fast.....

But what he feels is not fear, but anticipation. For this is a true warrior, a pillar of absolute strength, against which to measure himself. He will not stop until he can no longer move. As Metallica charges ever close at a blistering rate, he readies himself to act.


Actions for both?
>>
No. 529032 ID: 6164e0
>>537907
From now on, if it is desired for Scars of Yesterday to use STONER SUNSHINE, please list how many mandibles to employ, and if called for, roll the appropriate dice, as listed here
>>537172
>>
No. 529033 ID: ba362f
>>537908
KQ: Eat a unit's worth of the fungus, let's see what happens.

Scars: Channel your inner toreador! Break to the side at the last moment and let Metallica go tearing past, slipping in behind him if possible.
>>
No. 529034 ID: 6164e0
>>537910
KILLER QUEEN approaches the Bohemian Rhapsody, her jaws opening to take a bite.

Just as her jaws are about to click shut, there is a gust of wind and a blur of movement, and the food vanishes!

As she looks about, she sees Motörhead holding the piece of fungus. He bows his head apologetically.

'Forgive me, but the reward is for the one who killed the warrior, which seems to be implied as Scars of Yesterday. I am sorry, but unless he gives you permission to eat it, queen or no, I must ask you to not eat the Bohemian Rhapsody. It is a rather stringent rule of the collective, you see.'

KILLER QUEEN is too surprised to be indignant. How did Motörhead make the food vanish and reappear in his grasp?

.........................................

Scars of Yesterday stares down the charging Metallica, and dodges to the side at the last instant, intent on getting behind the mighty warrior. But as the colossal Metallica streaks by, he leaps upwards, flaring his shell wide to slow himself, rotating in the air to land with a heft thump, face to face with Scars of Yesterday.

'Pfft. Have to do better than that to catch me off guard.'

Scars of Yesterday has a split instant to choose an action.


Actions for both?
>>
No. 529035 ID: 43d730
>>537913
KQ
Not much you can do about it. Sit and watch, cheer on your champion if it seems appropriate.
>>
No. 529036 ID: 6164e0
>>537915
Desired action for Scars of Yesterday?
>>
No. 529037 ID: ba362f
>>537913
KQ: Okay, that's reasonable. No harm done. Also ask Motörhead how he got so fast.

Scars: ...Hrm. All right, he has some skill. Could try jumping onto his face and climbing up, you're hard to grapple, after all.
>>
No. 529038 ID: 6164e0
>>537919
>'Fine. I will not attempt to eat the food until Scars gives me permission. But how did you move so fast?'

Motörhead carefully places the Bohemian Rhapsody on the ground, and fastidiously rubs his front legs together.

'As I said, Valiance gives abilities to those who have it. My Valiance happens to be focused on speed.'

..............................................

Scars of Yesterday knows no fear. A the titanic Metallica smashes his mandibles downwards to smite him, Scars of Yesterday leaps up, through the gap between the mandibles, and lands on the weighty beetle's face.

With a terrible noise, Metallica's mandibles pulverize the stone where just moments ago Scars of Yesterday was standing. If he had stood his ground.... best not to think about it.

'ZEHAHA, you have guts! You may be tiny, but I'll admit, you have courage! Well, lets see how far you can go!'

And with that, Metallica leaps skyward, his powerful legs propelling the up so rapidly that Scars of Yesterday is compressed against the mountainous beetle's head, trapped by incredible pressure.

As their ascent slows, Metallica again flares his shell, propelling himself backward and out from under Scars of yesterday.

....This maneuver has places Scars in free-fall between the massive beetles formidable mandibles.

'I wonder, how are you going to avoid my jaws this time? LET'S SEE WHAT YOU GOT, SQUIRT!!'

With terrible purpose, the Mandibles start to shut.


Actions for both?
>>
No. 529039 ID: ba362f
rolled 6 = 6

KQ: Ask him about how he came to accquire his Valiance.

Scars: Right, looks like point-blank range here. Let loose with a STONER SUNSHINE at minimal power, single mandible. Should at least surprise the big guy, or hopefully stun him, and the backblast (if applicable) might even propel you out of his biting range.
>>
No. 529040 ID: 6164e0
>>537923
>'How did you acquire your Valiance?'

Motörhead looks rather proud of himself, and puffs his chest forward.

'I take some measure of pride with my means of ascension. I had to kill all of my brothers and sisters while we were still within a protective silk cocoon my mother crafted to keep us safe from predators as we matured and warred amongst ourselves to stay fed. I am somewhat small for my race, and I survived only be being faster than my larger and stronger brethren.'

Motörhead seems wistful.

'Ahh... those were terrifying and thrilling times, not sleeping for fear the others would consume my while I slumbered.'

..........................................

(Roll SUCCESS)

This is not the time to hold back. Metallica is clearly a far more experienced warrior than Scars of Yesterday, and he should learn from the mighty warrior.

A mandible swings wide, and snaps shut in a flash of light and roar of noise.

STONER SUNSHINE LV[1]

A ripple races through the air, and slams into Metallica. His legs jerk and his head snaps back, his jaws missing Scars of Yesterday by the slimmest of margins.

The hulking beetle rumbles once more, and lowers his head, uncaring that both of them are now plummeting to the earth.

'Ho ho.... nice bit of kick in that. That's yer Valiance, I figure. Not bad. But....'

Metallica flares his shell open slowly, and his rate of descent slows.

...!?! He is now directly above Scars of Yesterday!

'You need to give your attacks more impact. Something LIKE THIS.'

As the ground leaps closer at an alarming rate, Metallica turns his body, and drops to meet Scars of Yesterday.

Thanks to his MEDIOCRE INTELLIGENCE, Scars of Yesterday realizes the gargantuan warrior intends to crush him against the ground with his incredible weight!


Actions for both?
>>
No. 529041 ID: ed8d8a
>>537926
If he wants more power, perhaps two mandibles are in order. This fight will need to end soon anyway, being too lethargic to continue is better than being too crushed to continue.
If he is within reach, attempt to crawl atop him before unleashing the attack, though if this proves infeasible, just go ahead and do it. Scars has few other methods to control a fall.
>>
No. 529042 ID: ba362f
>>537926
KQ: "Well, survival of the fittest doesn't always mean the biggest, yes?"

Scars: Looks like there's a gap just in front of his wings, see if you can crawl over his body without being thrown off and skitter into that weak point. He'll take the impact if he still tries to force a crash, and meanwhile you can bite the chit(in) out of him.

...Note to self, lay off the puns.
>>
No. 529043 ID: 43d730
>>537926
Impressive, sir.

Well, one didn't work.
Can we ratchet it up to three- shit, use one to blast out from under him then do a double.
Assuming we have four and that they can't be reused immediately after.
>>
No. 529045 ID: ba362f
>>537932
Well, if it produces a blast-like effect at the point of impact (not sure on this, strictly conjecture), it stands to reason that if Scars is too close he'd get caught in the shockwave and thrown back a bit.
>>
No. 529046 ID: 6164e0
>>537929
>'Well, survival of the fittest doesn't always mean the biggest, Yes?'

'Exactly, EXACTLY. It is rare to run into another who believes so, especially with overgrown lummoxes like Metallica around. Although to be fair he doesn't hold someone's size as a measure of their caliber, and for that I tolerate being paired with him on occasion.'

Motörhead looks skyward.

'Oh, I can see them again. If I may ask, what caused that flash of light and loud noise a bit ago? I am unfamiliar with the area here, and would like to know if you have some sort of strange weather or some such that I should be mindful of. I am not some invincible bruiser like my compatriot, and would prefer to not get injured.'

..........................................

Scars of Yesterday see only one way to avoid being crushed: He must crawl up Metallica, past his potent mandibles, and he does so, knowing that hesitation is the bane of a Proud Warrior.

'What, you think that will keep you safe? Pfaw!'

The humongous beetle tucks his head, and his hole body spins in the air, reorienting so his back is aimed earthward, with Scars of Yesterday between the beetle and the still nearing ground.

Scars has moments to act.
>>537928
He makes his decision. Two mandibles swing wide, and click open. And then close. The world goes white and a terrible noise, so potent it makes his carapace vibrate, escapes.

STONER SUNSHINE LV[2]

Once more, Metallica convulses. His legs spastically jerk, and his shell snaps ajar, buffeting Scars of Yesterday aside as his body stops glowing, his limbs growing heavy with fatigue. At least he will not be crushed by the vast and weighty Metallica.

The two insects strike the ground, and a great thunder rolls through the earth, tossing Scars of Yesterday about with the incredible impact of Metallica hitting the earth.

!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday no longer has the Shining Light Trait!
!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday is now Lethargic. He will need food and rest to recover!

Actions for both?
>>
No. 529048 ID: ed8d8a
>>537930
I did not get the impression there was actually any self-knockback component to the STONER SUNSHINE effect, though I could be mistaken.

[edit: man I suck, and now the conversation is all out of order]
>>
No. 529049 ID: ed8d8a
Queen: Oh, don't worry. That's just Scars of Yesterday playing with your friend.

Scars: Struggle to your feet and attempt to look fearsome and ready for more.
>>
No. 529050 ID: 6164e0
>>537937
There is no knock back effect to STONER SUNSHINE, for future reference. It 'DOES NOT WORK THAT WAY.'

Also for future reference, Mandibles do not become 'expended' by using STONER SUNSHINE. In theory, if rolls stayed high enough, you could machine gun fire LV[1] eight times, and then finish with a LV2-4.
>>
No. 529051 ID: ba362f
>>537935
KQ: "That would have be- " (cut off by the crash) "...Excuse me for one moment." Go investigate to make sure the two aren't harmed in any major fashion.

Scars: Check yourself over when you're re-oriented. Might want to see if Metallica is hurt too, the intention wasn't to REALLY damage him after all.
>>
No. 529052 ID: ba362f
>>537940
Thanks for the clarification, Bob. Carry on!
>>
No. 529053 ID: 6164e0
>>537938
>'Oh that is just Scars having fun with your friend.'

Motörhead looks somewhat unsettled.

'I... am not sure I understand. What do-OH!'

Motörhead recoils as Scars of yesterday discharges a more powerful STONER SUNSHINE than before, much closer to the golden creature, immediately followed by a rolling shock wave from Metallica hitting the ground.

'That is really quite a racket. I'm sorry, what were you saying? I got distracted.'


..............................................


Scars of Yesterday is battered, tired, weary. But he must stand, for until he is certain the fight is done, he cannot rest. with trembling legs he tries to stand, but finds it difficult. Being thrown against Mt. Crescent and hitting the ground so hard combined with using a standard STONER SUNSHINE have taken their toll, and he is having difficulty getting his body to obey his commands.

The Ground trembles as the tremendously colossal Metallic rumbles with laughter.

'ZEHAHAHAHA, now THAT had some impact, to be sure. Well, lets start round 2 then, little warrior!'

With a heave and a flaring of his shell, the beetle rights himself, a small plume of dust trailing off his back. He goes to charge Scars of Yesterday, but stumbles to the side, shaking his head.

'Bah. My head's a little fuzzy from that last hit. A good strike, to be sure.'

He shakes his head for a moment more, and once again sets himself to charge, his feet deft once more.

He seems to look at Scars of Yesterday for the first time since landing, and relaxes.

'Ah, guess that's all you have. You have some good fight in you, little warrior, I admit that freely. Fighting like that is probably why you beat that Mandarinian Warrior. But it takes a great deal more than that to slow me down.'

Mettalica leans close, looking at Scars of Yesterday more closely.

'Hey now, what happened? I can't feel any Valiance from you now.'

The mountainous beetle looks genuinely concerned, and not much worse for wear from the fight. Scars finds his durability hard to fathom, but then again, his speed and his strength are similarly otherworldly.



Actions for both?
>>
No. 529054 ID: 6faa8c
>>537945
Scars: "Do not worry. This happened when I fought the Mandarinian, and I was weaker then. I will be fine with food and rest."
>>
No. 529055 ID: 6164e0
>>537955
Action desired for KILLER QUEEN?
>>
No. 529056 ID: ed8d8a
Queen: Continue conversation as though nothing has happened. Where were we? "Who do you represent? You have hinted at a larger conflict of which my brood is unaware."
>>
No. 529057 ID: 6164e0
>>537959
>'Where were we? You had hinted about some sort of larger conflict that my brood is unaware of.'

Motörhead continues staring at the forms of Metallica and Scars of Yesterday as they face each other, and seems to conclude that his attention is no longer required.

'...Well, yes and no. The Mandarinian Empire is vast, controlling most of this valley and much beyond. The Collective, by comparison, is far smaller and less cohesive. After all, we are a collection of individuals and hive minds banding together against a common threat, not a singular military force like the Empire. However, there are many powerful warriors who claim membership to the collective, some who regularly hunt down Mandarinian Warriors for profit. Metallica is one such warrior, and a rather talented one at that. That is one of the reasons that The Collective bothers to feed the glutton. Still, I have seen him attack eight warriors of the Empire once, and he won his way through, standing on a pile of broken bodies and proclaiming his strength to all around.

So while The Collective is not large enough to support a conventional war with the Empire, we encourage members capable of it to hinder their efforts where they can.

We also have a defensible location where the weaker members of The Collective assist in growing foods and making homes for those who fight. There is more to it than that, but you now know the general gist of the situation. So, would you be interested in joining The Collective? If you need more time to think, you could send a representative, perhaps this Scars of Yesterday individual, to come and observe our operations and return with more information for you.'

.......................................

>>537955
'Do not worry. This happened when I fought the Mandarinian, and I was weaker then. I will be fine with food and rest.'

Scars of Yesterday continues to struggle to stand, but to no avail. But then a giant mandible is slowly placed beside him, as Metallica steps closer.

'Here, let me help ya. Heh, yer quite the interestin' one, little warrior. Not only do ya have the most purely offensive Valiance that I've ever seen, But even though it is too mighty for your body as of yet, you can regenerate your Valiance with time. ZEHAHAHA!'

With the help of the laughing Metallica, Scars of Yesterday shakily gains his footing.

'Word o' advice: Don't go showing off that shiny trick of yours all willy nilly to the others of The Collective. Me and Motörhead, we're alright, but not everyone in The Collective plays nice with newcomers. As it is, plenty ah those with Valiance could mop the floor with ya, meself included. You have to grow stronger if you don't want someone eating you for your Valiance, as plenty o' critters would love to have a trick like that.'


Actions for Both?
>>
No. 529058 ID: 6faa8c
>>537985
KQ: We kinda need Scars for our defensive abilities. However, joinging the Collective doesn't sound bad.
(leaving that choice to others)

Scars: "You can gain another's Valiance by eating them?" pause in thought. "Have any of the Mandarinian shown Valiance?"
>>
No. 529059 ID: 6164e0
>>538018
(I'm going to hold off on KILLER QUEEN's end of this for a bit, until more people weigh in on what to do regarding The Collective.)

Scars of Yesterday, still dazed and wobbly, perks up at what Metallica just said.

'You can gain another's Valiance by eating them?' pause in thought. 'Have any of the Mandarinian shown Valiance?'

'Yeah, you can. I got a regenerative dealie from some scorpion, called himself Helter Skelter down south. Sucker put up one hell of a fight. I would have died from poisoning and the licking he gave me if I hadn't lucked out on what Valiance he had. Turns out it fixes broken stuff, slowly but surely. Real handy.

As to the Mandarinians, a few have, but be careful of 'em. They always have a cohort o' normal warriors with them.'

The prodigious beetle pauses for a moment.

'Well, not all of them. There's this one, calls himself Red Comet, that's red and gold instead of black and yellow. He's a right mean bastard. I've tangled with him twice before, and I can't rate his prowess high enough. One helluva scrapper, and a right tricky bastard too.'

What should Scars of Yesterday do?
>>
No. 529060 ID: 6faa8c
>>538040
"Can two people share a meal of Valiance?"
Slowly form plan to take down Red and take his power for our own. Or share it if possible. "I am all for single combat, but a victory with friends is just as sweet."
>>
No. 529061 ID: 6164e0
>>538054
(I assume by people, you mean insects/bugs/critters)

'Can two share a meal of Valiance? Perhaps we could work-'

'Woah woah, stop right there. Firstly, Valiance is one to one. You can't split Valiance. And secondly, I don't want to work together like that. Red Comet may be one mean giant hornet, but he has the pride to fight alone, and I'll always return the courtesy to 'em.'

'But I like your spirit, little warrior. I tell ya about someone just as strong as me that wouldn't hesitate ta kill ya being part of the empire ya built your nest underneath, and ya don't even flinch.

Listen, there's a spot in The Collective's area where folks go to test their strength and hone their skill, called The Fight Song. I think ya might find the place real interestin', and I happen to know a few fellows there, if'n yer interested.'

What should Scars of Yesterday do?
>>
No. 529062 ID: 6faa8c
>>538071
"This Fight Song. It is to the death? Winner takes all?"

iiiinteresting....
>>
No. 529063 ID: 6164e0
>>538076

Scars of Yesterday perks up at this latest revelation. A place solely built to test one's strength? He longs to go there, to forge himself anew in a crucible of conflict. Perhaps he could become strong enough to make Metallica fight with all he has...


'This place, The Fight Song. It is to the death? Winner takes all?'

'Eh, you can ask fer an opponent that doesn't want a lethal fight, but even then, ya could still die if you don't pay attention. But yeah, most o' the time it is to the death, and yeah, it is winner take all. Ya can bet chunks o' Bohemian Rhapsody on fights, includin' bettin' on yerself. Just to lechya know, if ya bet some o' the stuff, yer guaranteed to fight someone who has killed at least one Mandarinian Warrior, maybe more.

There's more rules and such than that, but I don't bother worrying about them too much. I'd rather just get in some good fights, ya know?'

The vast beetle is starting to look bored.

'Look, are we done with the jibber jabber? I don't like talkin' so damn much.'

What should Scars of Yesterday do?
>>
No. 529064 ID: 6faa8c
>>538083
"Yes. Maybe if this home is secure enough you could show the way there?"

Let's ask mom if we can go out and play!
>>
No. 529065 ID: 6164e0
Okay, I am going to stop here for now. Go ahead and post what you think KILLER QUEEN should do about the offer, I'll check again tomorrow.
>>
No. 529066 ID: 6faa8c
>>538089
OH WAIT

We should eat our prize, first thing.
>>
No. 529067 ID: ed8d8a
>>538091
We need Scars around until our tanks are ready, after that he can go and play. His little brother Toxic will be in charge of our defenses after he leaves.
>>
No. 529069 ID: 6164e0
>>538089
'Yes. Maybe if this home is secure enough you could show the way there?'

The hefty and monumental beetle tilts his head from side to side, considering something.

'Eh, not good at these politicky things like that midget Motörhead. He told me that for colony dealies, I can't promise anything unless we get the say-so of the colony's queen.'

'Of course, I would never leave on a quest for battle if my queen did not wish me to leave.'

'ZEHAHAHA, ya colony types always have some strange habits. Well, whatever. I guess we should go talk with Motörhead and that queen o' yours, what did ya call 'er?'

'My beloved queen is known as KILLER QUEEN.'

'Oh ho. A bold name. I'm liking ya guys more and more. And 'beloved' huh? Ya like yer queen that much, is it?'

'I would gladly die for her.'

'Pfaw, I gathered that, but not what I meant. Well, whatever. Anyway, lets see what those two have to say.'

Keeping a careful eye on the still woozy and Lethargic Scars of Yesterday, the two trundle back over to the conversing pair by the entrance to the hive, with the 20 Death on Six Legs still mulling about.

>>538091
Scars of Yesterday moves, his feet regaining their surety with every passing step, Lethargy or no. But he is hungry. So very hungry. The fight was exhausting, and being Lethargic from using STONER SUNSHINE is not helping.

Scars of Yesterday sees the piece of fungus, and thinks it would be enough to sate his hunger. But first things first; He must ask his queen if he can journey to this warrior's crucible, this place, The Fight Song.

Both Motörhead and KILLER QUEEN seem to be waiting for them.

(actions can now be issued to both KILLER QUEEN and Scars of Yesterday again)


Actions for both?
>>
No. 529070 ID: ed8d8a
>>538143
Well gawrsh, that food sure is handy sitting right there waiting. Eat a piece!
Offer a piece to your queen too.
>>
No. 529071 ID: 06fc25
I have no issue with Scars heading to the Fight Song, but only after our Tanks are ready.

As for joining the Collective - sure, but only if we can be guaranteed our autonomy.
>>
No. 529072 ID: 6164e0
(sorry I vanished, but I got the chance to get a free original mint condition record of Van Morrison Blowin Your Mind. Could not pass that shit up!)

>>538149
There are 5 units of Bohemian Rhapsody. Scars of Yesterday becomes full at 5 units of food and is currently hungry. KILLER QUEEN becomes full at 25 units of food and has recently eaten. How many units should be offered to KILLER QUEEN, and how many units should Scars of Yesterday eat?

>>538150

'My Queen, this warrior has told me about a place called The Fight Song.....'

Scars of Yesterday explains what he has learned.

Motörhead decides to chip in.

'Yes, a popular place. You don't need to be a member of The Collective to fight, and it is in the heart of The Collective's central base. A fine place to go if one wanted to see what the collective is.'

>'Scars of Yesterday is my strongest warrior. I cannot let him leave.'

Scars of Yesterday's antenna droop, but he voices no complaint.

>'However, I will soon have some sturdy defenders in my hive. Would it be possible for him to go in a half hour's time?'

Scars of Yesterday immediately perks up, gratitude oozing out from him.

Motörhead rubs his front legs together, cocking his head from side to side.

'Of course. Well, if he would be ready to leave so soon, I suppose we could wait a short while.'

'Damn right we could wait. I'm itchin' ta see how this little warrior fares in The Fight Song. Heh, better not lose your first fight, I'm gonna bet on ya, and if yer foe don't kill ya, I will for making me lose Bohemian Rhapsody!'

Despite his rather threatening choice of words, it is clear the colossal beetle is pleased that Scars of Yesterday will be coming with them.

'If you wouldn't mind trying to stop offending everyone we meet, Metallica....? Anyway, we shall be waiting here, by this little statue of yours, if that is acceptable.'



Actions?
>>
No. 529073 ID: 06fc25
I say let Scars eat all five units of Bohemian Rhapsody. He'll need it.

Have Killer Queen return to the safety of the nest after polite farewells, and offer to have food brought up to the guests if they are hungry.

Send a runner to Stealin' to request Toxic's presence. He'll need to be brought up to speed.
>>
No. 529074 ID: ed8d8a
>>538159
>sorry
(No problem Bob, you have been updating reliably and speedily all week. I am more concerned you are going to get burned out. Feel free to take breaks, it gives me a chance to get some work done.)

I was thinking Scars would be concerned for the safety of his Queen, especially if he was planning to leave the nest. Since the Bohemian Rhapsody was a reward for something Scars did in the line of duty, and since The Merciless sacrificed themselves to give him that chance, it seems only right that he should want to give something back to the hive. I was thinking in terms of one unit of the food back to the Queen, as a tithe or whatever.
>>
No. 529075 ID: 6164e0
>>538163
KILLER QUEEN sends one of the Death on Six Legs to get Toxic and summon him to crescent. He will return shortly.

>'Well, if you are going to stay here, perhaps we could offer you some food while you wait?'

Motörhead looks pleasantly surprised at the offer.

'Oh, I would not wish to impose, but if you have any spare carcass bits, I would be delighted to have some food. I really apprec-'

'Hah, now that is an offer I could go for. Any food will do for me, I can eat pretty much anything. ZEHAHAHA, I have to, I'm too big ta be picky.'

>'Well, I'll go inside and send out what we can spare. If you will excuse me, I have to get back to managing my colony.'

'Of course, we understand.'

The fastidious diminutive golden spider responds, as he continues to air wash his front legs.

What kinds of food should be offered to Motörhead and Metallica, and in what amounts?


Scars of Yesterday is hungry, so very hungry, and he is more than a little curious about a food purported to make the eater stronger. He tears into the hunk of Bohemian Rhapsody, and shortly it is gone.

>>538164
Oops.

.....
.....
.....
...!?

Scars of Yesterday finds the food incredibly delicious!

!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday is instantly sated and rested!
!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday has regained the Shining Light Trait!
!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday feels stronger!
!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday is mildly intoxicated!


Actions?
>>
No. 529076 ID: ed8d8a
Bring up remains of Nest Robber Centipede (it doesn't seem to do anything interesting, and it has just been sitting around) and one FBG worth of Concentrated Nutrients taken from the stockpile. (Please don't regurgitate it in front of them)
Hopefully this will be enough to satisfy them, but Metallica is huge. If he scarfs through it all in a hurry, bring up more nutrients without waiting to be asked. Foodstuffs we have, and hospitality is a good policy.
>>
No. 529077 ID: 6164e0
>>538168
Fat Bottomed Girls bring food out to the guest, bringing them the remains of the Nest Robber Centipede and 30 units of Concentrated Nutrients (mindful not to regurgitate it in front of the guests.)

Motörhead seems content to nibble on some of the severed legs of the Nest Robber Scorpion, and Metallica consumes the Concentrated nutrients in short order. He seems to enjoy the nutrients!

'Hey Motörhead, ya gonna eat all that?'

'Yes, I am clearly going to consume this entire carcass, several times my size.'

'Don't get all snarky with me, mister hoity-toity, it don't suit ya. Though I'll help ya finish that as a means of showing I forgive ya.'

The two shortly finish the food (Metallica eating the vast majority of it) and seem reasonably content.

Toxic has arrived in Crescent. His queen finally has need of him! He knows he may not be as great of a warrior as The Hero Scars of Yesterday, but he tries his hardest to be of use to the hive, and is ecstatic that KILLER QUEEN finally has a task that only he can do!

(Orders can be issued to all ants as normal now, and time will advance once KILLER QUEEN lays eggs)

Actions?
>>
No. 529078 ID: 92bbc1
Perform an all ant version of Macbeth to entertain our guests.
>>
No. 529079 ID: 6164e0
>>538172
(KILLER QUEEN does not know what theater is yet. INTELLIGENCE would need to rise, or she would need to witness it first before she could comprehend it. Also, I GOT MY EYE ON YOU.)
>>
No. 529080 ID: 92bbc1
Daring feats of ant acrobatics? Shows and feats of strength and/or skill? Tribal dancing? Put on a performance for our guests. We'll have to increase our int later for proper theatre I guess.
>>
No. 529081 ID: 348cb4
>>538171
KQ: Send for Toxic and introduce him to the other two when he arrives. In the meantime, see if you can get a little more information on the Empire's workings or details about what to expect from other Collective representatives.

Scars: Erm...just try not to stagger about too much whilst under the influence?

Miscellaneous other ants: Go on about your business, what does this look like, a holiday?
>>
No. 529082 ID: 06fc25
Resume normal operations. Since Scars of Yesterday won't be leaving until hour 4, the Flash larva will have matured. We should send a few with him as a support team.
>>
No. 529083 ID: ed8d8a
>>538180
The idea was for him not to leave until the TMBGs are ready, which is in "half an hour" at 4.5 timestamp. As I understand the time system, we are currently somewhere between the 3.5 and 4 timestamps, but the clock won't officially roll over till we lay some eggs.

Fat Bottoms resume leaf cutting above ground and work on Stealin' below ground, but do not attempt to pull flower down yet.

Did the expansions to Crescent ever get completed?
>>
No. 529084 ID: 91b882
What is the progress on Stealin'?
>>
No. 529085 ID: 6164e0
>>538177
(I suppose I should have been more clear. Until INTELLIGENCE is raised further, the ants are completely oblivious to any recreational activity other than trying to find tastier foods and wondering what some other bug tastes like. AND NOW I GOT MY OTHER EYE ON YOU, MR. ARTSY ANT GUY)

>>538179
>>538180
(I am too lazy to go looking through the whole thread to figure out what each ant was previously scheduled to do. A new set of orders would be nice. I should probably take notes on that from here on out)

Toxic is granted an audience with KILLER QUEEN. He is proud to be called so, and pays great attention to what she desires of him.

>'Currently, two representative of a group of races called The Collective are above with Scars of Yesterday. I wish you to go up and introduce yourself, and try to make them feel comfortable. We may potentially be joining the collective, so be civil. And be aware, one of them is fairly large and gruff, but does not seem to mean any harm.'

'Of course, my queen.'

The orders seem somewhat confusing, for he is a warrior, and diplomacy is a somewhat alien concept to him, but his queen knows best, so surely this is a good idea.

As Toxic emerges from the hive, he quickly spots both Scars of Yesterday and a similarly colored and sized creature beside a great boulder-OH. OH MY. His queen had told him that one of the envoys was large, but this.... the creature is so huge that Toxic has trouble fathoming it, already significantly dwarfed by both Scars of Yesterday and the golden spider. But after a moment's pause, he trundles forward, confident that KILLER QUEEN's orders cannot lead him astray.

.........................................

Scars of Yesterday...... feels good. He knows that his mind is not as clear as it could be, but his senses and body both seem to have improved enough that he does not feel impeded in any way. It is somewhat hard to form complex thoughts at the moment, though.

Metallica seems greatly amused at his attempts to clear his head.

'ZEHAHAHA, got a good bit of kick to it, doesn't it? Hell, at your size, that was a good bit of Bohemian Rhapsody. Eh, don't worry, the fussy head ain't permanent. Ah, 'nother bit o' advice: It may make heavy thinking a bit hard, but it won't interfere with fighting none, so you can eat as much as you want without worrying.'

'That.... is good to...hear.'

At this point, the ever prim Motörhead chimes in.

'I would like to inform you that a tolerance gets built up to the narcotic effects as you consume more and more Bohemian Rhapsody throughout your life.'

'That....is also....good.....to hear.'

'ZEHAHAHAHAHA!!'

>>538185
This is the current situation at Stealin'
>>537589
It currently has enough room to store a limited amount of Roots of Chaos.

>>538184
(Yeah.... oops. I messed up with the numbers.
!?!SUPER SECRET EVENT!?! Poster has found NUMERICAL INCONSISTANCY. He is rewarded by having this batch of They Might Be Giants magically become ready at hour 4 to resolve timeline inconsistencies!)


Actions?
>>
No. 529086 ID: ed8d8a
>>538189
>!?!SUPER SECRET EVENT!?!
woo!

Seems Crescent's latest construction job was preempted by all FBGs going to work on Stealin'
Divide FBGs into rough thirds, one group finishing Crescent, one group continuing expansion/harvesting in Stealin, one group ranging out to resume leaf harvesting. Merciless split between guarding Stealin and harvesters above ground. Other assorted combatants currently deployed at Crescent.

Am I right in concluding that nobody but Scars of Yesterday has sampled the Abomination Hornet remains yet?
>>
No. 529087 ID: 06fc25
File 125210152324.jpg - (10.22KB , 155x221 , campbell.jpg )
529087
Bob, what have you done? You've changed history. You've created a Time Paradox!

As for orders, >>538191 looks good to me.

When we have our scouts, I would also suggest sending them to scope out the area with no buzzing noise but mediocre flowers mentioned way back in >>536347

This is assuming Killer Queen remembers the area well enough to give them an idea where to look. Sure, the food quality may be crap but if nothing else has moved there since it would also be relatively safe.
>>
No. 529088 ID: 6164e0
>>538191
(That is correct.)

The 138 Fat Bottomed Girls split into three groups of 46.

One group continues harvesting Roots of Chaos in Stealin'

Another group returns to Crescent, and works to expand the colony.

The last group heads outside to once again start converting leaves into Concentrated nutrients and returning at 15 units of food.

All 20 Death on Six Legs and 25 The Merciless are on patrol inside Crescent.

24 The Merciless leave with the group of 46 Fat Bottomed Girls going to harvest leaves and convert them to Concentrated Nutrients.

!!NOTICE!! all 20 Lurkers at the Threshold still idle.

Remaining actions that need to be taken before time can advance:

Continue interactions between Scars of Yesterday, Toxic, Motörhead and Metallica

KILLER QUEEN lays eggs.


Actions?
>>
No. 529089 ID: 6164e0
>>538192
(I accelerated the rate at which an event would unfold in the future, I did not mess with the past! So I didn't make a paradox, unless there are time travelers from the future wandering around.)
>>
No. 529090 ID: 520fde
Send some of the lurkers out scouting. They can sustain themselves, right? that makes them invaluable as long distant scouts.
>>
No. 529091 ID: 6164e0
>>538199
(They can sustain themselves, since they gain sustenance via photosynthesis and heat absorption. They also are horrendously easy to kill above ground, and move very slowly. They are a specialty strain, after all, and perform best when put to their designed purpose.)
>>
No. 529092 ID: 91b882
Put 5 lurkers up on top of crescent and burrow them around the entrance. Take another 10 and stick them all around crescent, and put the remaining 5 somewhere inside the base, preferably near the entrance, although it might be a wiser idea to spread a couple more all evenly throughout the base, in case we have medium-intelligent invaders.
>>
No. 529093 ID: 06fc25
File 125210458266.jpg - (59.04KB , 613x871 , 12519286614.jpg )
529093
Proposal for Lurkers at the Threshold and future expansion:

Yellow dots are Lurkers. If they are too close together we can set some of them up further out as advance sentries.

In room 9, I was thinking we should tunnel down and see how deep the rock goes. If possible, tunnel beneath it and up the other side.
>>
No. 529094 ID: 6164e0
>>538205
(Lurkers can only be placed where they can receive sunlight)

Okay, I got the layout for Lurkers and Crescent expansion ironed out. I'll post what it looks like at the upcoming timestamp.

Anything else anyone wants to do before KILLER QUEEN Lays eggs?

And what load out of eggs should be used?
>>
No. 529095 ID: 91b882
Refresh my memory, can death on 6 legs be laid? If so, lay 40 of them, and put them to work defending the food in the colony.
>>
No. 529096 ID: 6164e0
>>538236
Death on Six Legs are currently only producible by feeding The Merciless Sand Monster Antlion food, which you currently have none of.

The breeds that can currently be made are:

Fat Bottomed Girls
The Merciless
Flash (takes five eggs of energy to produce one, 2 hour gestation)
They Might Be Giants (takes ten eggs of energy to produce one, 5 times as hungry, 1 hour gestation)
Lurkers at the Threshold.

Maximum eggs producible: 100 eggs worth

Egg load out desired?
>>
No. 529097 ID: 520fde
>>538245
How many of each type do we currently have/have coming?
>>
No. 529098 ID: 6164e0
>>538246
1 KILLER QUEEN
1 The Hero Scars of Yesterday
1 Toxic
20 Death on Six Legs
49 The Merciless
138 Fat Bottomed Girls
20 Flash (ready at hour 4)
8 They Might Be Giants (ready at hour 4 because some attentive poster caught a number mix up)
20 Lurkers at the Threshold (already 'planted')

It is currently still hour 3.5
>>
No. 529099 ID: 520fde
14 FBGs
16 Merciless
10 Flash
2 TMBG
>>
No. 529100 ID: 348cb4
Basic warrior units seem kinda low...60 Merciless and 40 FBGs, maybe?
>>
No. 529101 ID: 6164e0
>>538248
>>538249
First one to get someone to agree with their load out is the one chosen.
>>
No. 529102 ID: 6164e0
>>538248
...Actually, I'm going to pick this one, because by design or accident, this loadout would leave all totals divisible by five.

(If that was on purpose, thanks. The numbers can get a bit hectic.)

One sec, building timestamp.
>>
No. 529103 ID: 520fde
>>538257
As much as is possible with the current pointload, yes. Figured some nice easy numbers would be helpful.
>>
No. 529105 ID: 6164e0
File 125211596278.jpg - (59.69KB , 613x871 , Crescent Expanded 1.jpg )
529105
-All ants set to feed themselves whenever they have 30 minutes left before becoming Lethargic.
-Fat Bottomed Girls have continued harvesting Roots of chaos, but the thick exterior the needs to be cut through coupled with the need for the ants to carefully not ingest the food when harvesting slows the harvesting process.

CRESCENT COLONY AGE: 4.0 HOURS

TOTALS:
1 KILLER QUEEN
1 The Hero Scars of Yesterday
1 Toxic
8 They Might Be Giants (2 more at hour 5)
20 Death on Six Legs
65 The Merciless
152 Fat Bottomed Girls
20 Flash (10 more at hour 6)
20 Lurkers at the Threshold ('planted')

STATUS:
KILLER QUEEN: Sated (does not need food until hour 5), can produce more eggs in Chamber 4

The Hero Scars of Yesterday: Sated (needs 5 units of food in 1 hour or become Lethargic), Mildly Intoxicated, Entertaining Guests

Toxic: Sated (needs 2 units of food in 1 hour or will become Lethargic), Entertaining Guests.

They Might Be Giants:
-8 Sated (will need feeding in 1 hour or will become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 4

Death on Six Legs:
-20 Sated (will need feeding in 2 hours or will become Lethargic), Patrolling Crescent

The Merciless:
-25 Sated (will need feeding in 1 hour or will become Lethargic), Patrolling Crescent (2 mutated)
-24 Sated (will need feeding in 1 hour or will become Lethargic), Guarding Fat Bottomed Girls gathering Concentrated Nutrients
-16 Sated (will need feeding in 1 hour or will become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 4

Fat Bottomed Girls:
-46 Sated (will need feeding in 1 hour or become Lethargic), Harvesting Roots of Chaos(1 mutated)
-46 Sated ((will need feeding in 1 hour or become Lethargic), Expanding Crescent
-46 Sated (self-feeding), gathering Concentrated Nutrients
-14 Sated (will need feeding in 2 hours or will become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 4

Flash:
20 Sated (will need to feed in 1 hour or become Lethargic), Idle in Chamber 4

Lurkers at the Threshold:
-20 'planted' about Crescent's surface

FOOD:
5 units of Yellow Flower Leaf (Quality: 1/10)
0 units of Nest Robber Centipede (Quality: 3/10)
175 units of Black Dragonfly (Quality: 3/10)
1,141 units of Concentrated Nutrients (Quality: 4/10)
0 units of Yellow Flower Nectar/Blossoms (Quality: 2/10 Warriors, 4/10 Non-Warriors) Special: Masks Non-Warrior Scent
8 units of Flying Beast Bumblebee (Quality: 5/10) Special: Tastes Like Poison
22 units of Abomination Hornet (Quality: 7/10)
0 units of Bohemian Rhapsody (Quality: 9/10) Special: Instantly removes Lethargy, Strengthens Consumers
75 Units of Roots of Chaos (Quality: XOM/10)
60 units of Dead Ant (Quality Unknown)

Storage:
Chamber 1 current maximum capacity: 300 points (300/300 used)
Chamber 2 current maximum capacity: 500 points (0/550 used)
Chamber 3 current maximum capacity: 375 points (375/375 used)
Chamber 4 current maximum capacity: 600 points (200/650 used)
Chamber 5 current maximum capacity: 175 points (650/650 used)
Chamber 6 current maximum capacity: 600 points (161/325 used)
Chamber 7 current maximum capacity: 600 points (0/500 used)
Stealin' current maximum capacity: 200 points (75/200 used)
(KILLER QUEEN and They Might Be Giants are worth 10 points, The Hero Scars of Yesterday is worth 5 points, Death on Six Legs and Toxic are worth 2 points, Flash, The Merciless and Fat Bottomed Girls are worth 1 point. Food is 1 point per unit of food)

!!REMINDER!! KILLER QUEEN can now attempt to make up to two new strains at a checkpoint.
!!NOTICE!! KILLER QUEEN can now save upgrades for later checkpoints!
!!NOTICE!! KILLER QUEEN is getting better at making new ant strains!

ASSESSING UPGRADES EARNED.

Found rare new food Bohemian Rhapsody: 1 upgrade

You have earned: 1 total upgrade.

Please spend upgrade(s) on the following:

Improve Fat Bottomed Girls Strain Lv4. (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES)
Improve The Merciless Strain Lv2.
Improve Flash Strain
Improve They Might Be Giants Strain
Improve Lurkers at the Threshold Strain
Create New Ant Strain
Make Death on Six Legs a normal Strain (makes it upgradeable, lets KILLER QUEEN lay eggs) (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES, d20 rolled, must beat 14)
Create Specialty Strain: STONER SUNSHINE Ant (REQUIRES 2 UPGRADES, d30 rolled, must beat 23)
Upgrade Exoskeletons Lv2.
Upgrade Mandible Quality Lv2.
Upgrade Intelligence Lv2.
Specialize KILLER QUEEN (choose either attack, defense, harvesting, digging or mobility) (can specialize multiple times, and stack upgrades)
Gift KILLER QUEEN Poison Trait to The Hero Scars of Yesterday

First upgrade(s) to reach 3 votes will be chosen.
>>
No. 529106 ID: 6164e0
(Man, that took a while to make sure I got the numbers right)

Actions?
>>
No. 529107 ID: 1689ab
Upgrade intelligence. We'll need to be politically saavy in the hours ahead.
>>
No. 529108 ID: 6164e0
>>538302
(Pretend instead of saying actions I asked for people to choose what, if anything, to spend the 1 upgrade point on)

>>538308
Vote noted.
>>
No. 529109 ID: b6588c
>>538298
Gotta love them smarty ants.

Voting intelligence.
>>
No. 529110 ID: 6164e0
>>538323
(Your pun hurts my soul)

Vote noted. 1 more vote for Intelligence and it gets picked.
>>
No. 529111 ID: a3b36a
Knowing is half the battle. Intelligence ahoy!
>>
No. 529112 ID: 6164e0
(I just got a rather tricky virus, and I am not entirely sure I got rid of it. May or may not abruptly stop doing the quest as a result.)

>>538330
Intelligence Upgrade chosen.

-All normal ants (except those with the Mindless Drone Trait) now have MEDIOCRE INTELLIGENCE, and KILLER QUEEN and all hero units have DECENT INTELLIGENCE. This may provide insight in situations.
-Chances of gaining new hero units increased!


Orders can now be be issued.

!!REMINDER!! Scars of Yesterday is Scheduled to depart imminently.
>>
No. 529113 ID: d94138
>>538334
Well, line the ants up and see him off.
Have an antish cheer.
>>
No. 529114 ID: 6164e0
(Okay. Unless this is the most deceptive motherfucking virus in the world, I killed the shit out of it. Yeah, eat that boot in safe mode and running Avast from there, then completely excising all infected parts!)

>>538339
(I assume you mean all the ants currently in Crescent, as that would be a long wait otherwise.)

!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday is no longer Mildly Intoxicated!

As all the ants not occupied elsewhere pour out of the tunnels to pay their respects to the departing hero, the four figures of Motörhead, Metallica, Toxic and Scars of Yesterday can be seen.

'Aw, look at that, yer queen's givin' ya a proper send of. How cute, ZEHAHAHAHA!'

As Metallica fills the air once more with his now familiar rumbling laugh, Motörhead daintily makes his way to KILLER QUEEN.

'*Ahem*, if I may be so bold, you will be the first ants to ever be offered such membership in The Collective, and I am sure no one would object if you sent a small honor guard with Scars of Yesterday, no more than four additional individuals, if you please. Our transportation only can seat six besides Metallica.'

Action?

(My next post will have Scars of Yesterday departing, so if anyone wants some dialogue between him and KILLER QUEEN, now would be the time to write that up.)
>>
No. 529115 ID: 348cb4
>>538348
No dialogue suggestions here, but I'm gonna recommend sending 2 Flash, 2 D6Ls with Scars, the scouts can possibly bring back additional info on what happens while they're away, since Scars is gonna be otherwise occupied.
>>
No. 529116 ID: 01383e
can we still do upgrades? I think we should upgrade exoskeletons again at some point.

Also, if we want to be tricky with the four individuals limit, send four they might be giants. it'll be awesome.
>>
No. 529117 ID: 348cb4
>>538364
Thinkin' it might be better to keep that particular card hidden up our sleeve for the moment. Don't want to give any opportunists a chance to get our measure, dig?
>>
No. 529118 ID: 6faa8c
>>538348
One TMBG and two Merciless.
>>
No. 529119 ID: 1689ab
Begin the development of Ant Arts. I want to see macbeth within the forthour.
>>
No. 529120 ID: cc016f
Agreeing with 2 Flash, 2 D6Ls.

As far as creating the extreme breeds, does failing the die roll mean the points are lost or just not used this half hour?
>>
No. 529121 ID: 6164e0
>>538424
(If the roll is below the given value, the attempt is failed and the upgrade points are lost. If the value is met but not beaten, the attempt is failed, but you get half the points back.)

>>538364
(there are no upgrade points left, and upgrades can only be spent during any of the 30 minute checkpoints.)

(To anyone who was planning to write dialogue, I am far too impatient to wait more than overnight. Ant Quest is pretty much all words, so to compensate I like to keep it moving as fast as I reasonably can.)

KILLER QUEEN, upon hearing Motörhead's advice, quickly calls forth a small and varied honor guard for her departing champion, comprised of 1 Death on Six Legs, 1 Flash and 2 They Might Be Giants.

As the honor guard and Scars of Yesterday unite, Metallica lumbers to his feat, stretching his mandibles wide as he cranes his head from side to side.

'Aaahhh.... goin' back to The Collective now, are we? Finally.... I was gettin' a bit bored standin' around doing nothin' but talkin'.

Slowly, inexonerably, he opens his shell and unfurls a massive set of wings, the translucent material shining gold under the sun and dazzling all the ants nearby.

'Alright, just grab onta me legs, and mind ya don't let go. I ain't stoppin to pick up anyone who can't manage to hold on.'

While the ants of the hive continue to hiss and exude pheremones of celebration, KILLER QUEEN bids a farewell to Scars of Yesterday, her champion and most stalwart defender.

>'Promise me you'll come back. I can't afford to lose my strongest defender. I... will miss you.'

What happiness he feels! His queen, worried for him! Scars of yesterday bows his head solemnly, his antenna still.

'I will do everything in my power to return to you, my queen.'

>'Promise me.'

'....I promise.'

>'Then go with my blessing.'

Motörhead, Scars of Yesterday and his honor guard (The 2 They Might Be Giants given discreet orders by the two sentient members of the honor guard to mimic their actions) clamber on, each gripping a different leg of the massive beetle.

And without further fanfare, the shimmering golden wings are set aflutter, and in a tumultuous blast of wind, Metallica and his passengers are gone, rapidly receding into the distance.



Okay, so, I've been thinking about how exactly to handle this split, and this is what I decided on: The story will follow Scars of Yesterday for now, and will switch back to KILLER QUEEN when he returns. I will not post timestamps for Scars of Yesterday, and instead keep track of how much time he spends away from the hive myself, since from KILLER QUEEN's perspective, there is no way of being sure exactly when he will return.

That sound okay?
>>
No. 529122 ID: 6164e0
File 125216995126.jpg - (546.08KB , 2400x1595 , The Crucible of Valiance.jpg )
529122
Clinging to the legs of Metallica as the mighty warrior flies through the sky at blistering speeds, his wings creating powerful buffeting gusts that blast his riders, he and his passengers quickly leave the valley of flowers, heading south.

As the scenery changes, abruptly collections of obelisks are visible jutting from the ground, like spires questing to breach the sky.

Eager to learn anything to bring back to his queen, Scars attracts Motörhead's attention, and gestures earthward.

'What are those?'

'Ah... appropriate that you ask, as this area here is called The Crucible of Valiance. Many warriors go here hoping to temper their body and awaken a Valiance within themselves or further temper existing Valiance fighting the residents here. The inhabitants are largely mindless, and no matter how many are slain, their numbers do not thin. It is also very close to the collective, and we shall be arriving there shortly.'

As Scars of Yesterday looks at the numerous towers, a scent wafts up to him from below, awakening hereditary urges to kill whatever creatures live here. If it is close to The Collective's base, perhaps he could make a detour.
>>
No. 529123 ID: 6164e0
File 12521718709.jpg - (169.02KB , 1024x768 , Entrance to The Collective.jpg )
529123
Shortly, Metallica starts to descend, approaching strange flowers on the ground. As he does, he tucks his legs in, and just before reaching the flowers he folds his golden wings shut and closes his shell, dropping through the dense foliage in a rush of noise and movement.

His legs snap open and with a carapace-jarring impact he lands. Beneath the plants are a multitude of tunnels.

'And here we are, at the entrance to The Collective. Well, I'm afraid I have other obligations so I will need to depart shortly, but I can certainly show you the way to a stop or two before showing you to a set of guest chambers with assorted foods.'

Scars of Yesterday and his entourage dismount, and Metallica stretches his legs this way and that before trundling off towards a particularly large tunnel that has a cacophony of scents wafting out of it without another word.


You have control of:
1 The Hero Scars of Yesterday
1 Death on Six Legs
1 Flash
2 They Might Be Giants

Actions?
>>
No. 529124 ID: 520fde
Proceed down the tunnel, ever mindful of danger.
>>
No. 529125 ID: 6164e0
>>538496
(Sorry if I wasn't clear, there are several tunnels, the largest of which Metallic ventured down. Also Motörhead is going to show us to a few stops of your choice on the way to the guest chamber. As of yet, the only thing you know is inside is the guest chamber and The Fight Song, but you don't know where either are, since you have never been here before.)
>>
No. 529126 ID: 520fde
Well then, kindly ask for a tour of whatever our esteemed host feels is most interesting.
>>
No. 529127 ID: 6164e0
File 125218683230.jpg - (280.45KB , 1125x1500 , The Fight Song.jpg )
529127
>>538508
'Well, why not show us the stops that you think are the most intersting?'

Motörhead hops about a bit, scrubbing at his face while doing so.

'Certainly, I could accomodate such a request. If you will follow me....'

Motörhead heads down the giant tunnel that Metallica trundled down a few moments ago, and Scars and his retinue follow closely, unwilling to become lost in unknown territory.

The tunnel meanders about, and thanks to his DECENT INTELLIGENCE, Scars of Yesterday can recognize similar tunnel construction methods to those used to trap the tunnels between Crescent and Stealin' in the walls, but on a much grander scale.

A final bend in the tunnel, and the walls and ceiling vanish into the distance.

In the middle of the vast opening is a massive pillar, with hundreds of entrances. The roar of thousands hissing, buzzing and clicking can be heard from within.

'This is easily the biggest feature of The Collective: The Fight Song. It is both bank and arena, and anyone is welcome to compete. They hold all sorts of competitions in there. I personally care more for the banking aspect, as several members of the collective reside here and will securely store and special foods or young that one might worry over, with the assurance of The Collective that your goods and/or new offspring will be safe. They put bounties on any who attempt to steal from it, and with all those fighters there for the competitions.... well, it has been some time since someone attempted to steal goods from here. I believe Metallica gave you a description of how the arena aspect of The Fight Song works, an- oh, there he is now!'

Looking to where Motörhead gestured, Scars of Yesterday sees the mighty warrior vanishing into the interior of The Fight Song through one of it's many openings. From how wistfully he spoke of the place, it is likely Metallica is going inside for combat.

Scars of Yesterday would dearly like to see how the powerful fighter measures up to the others in The Fight Song.

'Well, over here, we have....'

It seems Motörhead is ready to continue onwards.



What should Scars of Yesterday do?
-Follow Metallica into The Fight Song
-Continue Motörhead's tour
-(Insert own ideas here)
>>
No. 529128 ID: 520fde
>>538523
Continue the tour. We'll have time for the fight song later.
>>
No. 529129 ID: 6164e0
File 125218858355.jpg - (80.45KB , 926x705 , Brown Eyed Girl.jpg )
529129
>>538528
(continue tour)

Scars of Yesterday may long to see Metallica fight, but he is here for duty first and foremost. He continues following Motörhead.

Motörhead leads them around the great chamber, thousands of times larger than the entirety of Crescent, and stops before a great mass of bustling activity.

This would be the bazaar. Nearly any sort of food can be found here, live, dead, fresh, rotting, whatever is desired. But of course you will need to have something the trader wants to get this food. Theft is punished rather harshly, as it is expected for all inhabitants and guest in the collective to adhere to certain standards when in public areas, such as no theft or unprovoked consumption of other residents. It's really the only reason The Collective even works, with all the different races here.'

Motörhead leads them onward, gesturing about as he goes.

'While inside The Collective it is forbidden to do certain things as I have said, that only applies to this main chamber and the guest chamber. All other chambers are fair game to do as you wish in, and the same applies to anyone you may meet. If you wish to ensure that someone does not attempt to eat you while you wander, I would recommend staying away from the other chambers. You have been warned.'

The tour continues down another vast tunnel, past assorted insects and arachnids traveling to and fro, before opening on another vast chamber.

A small spider of dark coloration leaps from a nearby ledge to land near them.

'Welcome, Motörhead. New visitors? Collectors, I presume?'

'Actually no, Brown Eyed Girl. They are warriors.'

The darker spider seems at an utter loss for a response for a moment, before regaining some measure of composure.

'I.....I see. Then they would be the ones that-'

'Indeed. The large gold one here, Scars of Yesterday, was the one that did it. He is here to assess The Collective and bring word back to his colony about the place.'

'Well, I must say I am surprised. Still, let me welcome you to the guest chambers. As Warriors, you have unlimited free access to the food provided here. It is all kept over by the back wall. It is not of the highest quality, but it will nourish you. You can stay wherever you like within the chamber. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go inform the guards of the larder that you have free access.'

Motörhead turns toward Scars of Yesterday as Brown Eyed girl leaps off toward the rear of the cave, where Scars of Yesterday can vaguely perceive some massive forms.

'Well, my apologies, but I must be going. Duty calls.'

Without any further fanfare, Motörhead blurs for a bare instant, and in a puff of wind and dust is gone.


Actions for Scars of Yesterday and his retinue?
>>
No. 529130 ID: 6faa8c
>>538548
Well, either we EAT, or we go and check out Fight Song.
>>
No. 529131 ID: 6164e0
File 125219134740.jpg - (83.73KB , 873x705 , The Hero Scars of Yesterday Feeding.jpg )
529131
>>538572
(WHY NOT DO BOTH)

Scars of Yesterday heads over to the far wall of the guest chamber, finding a few spiders and beetles of assorted sizes (all much bigger than him) guarding a pile of food. They look at him, but make no move to stop him as he moves forward. After the rather jarring flight here, he and his retinue could do with some food to refresh themselves.

OM NOM NOM COMMENCED.

after he and his four fellow ants from Crescent have finished eating their fill, they leave the guest chamber, heading back to the central area. Passing the bazaar, they approach The Fight Song. as they near its many entrances, the multitude of hissing, buzzing and clicking rises to a crescendo.

Actions?
-Continue into The Fight Song, looking about.
-Go back to guest chamber.
-Go to the bazaar.
-Go outside and journey to The Crucible of Valiance.
-Insert different choice here.
>>
No. 529132 ID: 6faa8c
>>538576
Fight Song.
Keep an eye out for Metallica.
>>
No. 529133 ID: 6164e0
File 125219216071.jpg - (61.05KB , 938x705 , Unknown Creature 4.jpg )
529133
>>538584

Scars of Yesterday and his comrades go inside The Fight Song through one of its many entrances. Inside, they see the path splits. Forward, it heads to the area where the noises seem to be coming from. To the left, the tunnel seems to curve upward, and to the right, there are several small insects standing on a worked piece of stone. Around the stone are a motley assortment of insects and arachnids, talking with the small insects.

Action?
-go forward to sounds
-go up the tunnel
-go to the small insects
-make own choice to assure self that Bob is not RAILROADAN
>>
No. 529134 ID: 1d375b
Check out the small insects.
>>
No. 529135 ID: 6164e0
>>538591
Scars of Yesterday leads his group up to the stone pedestal with small insects on it surrounded by assorted creatures. One of the small insects not already engaged hops over.

'Greetings? Would honored guest like to bet or fight?'

How should Scars respond?
>>
No. 529136 ID: 18696b
Well, considering Scars doesn't have anything TO bet...fighting would be the remaining option.
>>
No. 529137 ID: 6164e0
>>538601
This is what Scars of Yesterday longed for. A place where warriors gather, to test himself and engage in glorious battle.

'I am here to fight.'

'Excellent, honored Guest! Do you have Valiance?'

Hrm. Metallica had warned him to not show off his Valiance or he may risk attracting unwanted attention. Additionally, he has observed that few seem willing to believe an ant has Valiance. On the other hand, he isn't sure what would happen if he lied, and if someone with Valiance got too close to him, they could tell that he was hiding it.

What should he say?
>>
No. 529138 ID: 18696b
>>538608
Telling the truth would probably be best, considering the probability of being found out anyway. But that doesn't mean one has to advertise it to all.

"Yes, but I would prefer that it not become widely-known at the moment, if you don't mind."
>>
No. 529139 ID: 1d375b
Well if we plan to fight then its going to come out eventually. So probably best to go with the truth. Doesnt mean we have to go into detail about it though.
>>
No. 529140 ID: d94138
>>538608
"Would I be here if I didn't?"
>>
No. 529141 ID: 6164e0
>>538628
>>538632
>>538638

DECENT INTELLIGENCE BONUS

Lying about this is too risky. But at the same time, we don't need to actually say what our Valiance is, and parts of the truth can be misleading.

'I do have Valiance, but I only recently acquired it, some few hours ago. It is still new to me.'

All the truth, but not entirely accurate. Scars of Yesterday is not sure he likes such subterfuge, but if it would help keep him safe so he can return to his beloved queen, it matters not what kind of taste it leaves in his mouth.

'Acknowledged, honored guest. This one is sorry, but honored guest cannot participate in special events until honored guest has fought enough to be measured. This one knows of several unoccupied fighters you could challenge right now. They are:

Spanish Rose (Prize: 1 unit Bohemian Rhapsody)
Yesterday (Prize: 1 unit Bohemian Rhapsody)
Purple Haze (Prize: 2 units Bohemian Rhapsody)
Xephyr (Prize: 4 units Bohemian Rhapsody)
Hammertime (Prize: 9 units bohemian Rhapsody)
The Metal (Prize: 16 units Bohemian Rhapsody)

(Prizes only allocated when fights are entered with permission for the winner to kill and eat his/her/its foe, otherwise fights are until someone surrenders or dies.)


Who should Scars of Yesterday challenge?
>>
No. 529142 ID: 1689ab
We must stop hammertime. unless our intellegence thinks that Xephyr would be better

Lets avoid The Metal for now. Chances are we can't kill The Metal.
>>
No. 529144 ID: 1d375b
Might want to start off mid level range to get a feel for things here. I would aim for Xephyr
>>
No. 529145 ID: 6faa8c
I'm thinking Purple Haze or Xephyr
>>
No. 529146 ID: 6164e0
>>538718
>>538729
>>538739
(All choose Xephyr as first or alternate)

Scars of Yesterday remembers how powerful the Mandarinian Warrior was, and how difficult it was to best. He may be stronger now, but since Metallica advised him to hide his Valiance's ability......

'I wish to challenge Xephyr.'

'Certainly, honored guest. This one would like to know if it would be for fun or for profit?'

(Fun = you can surrender, so can your foe. Profit means someone is going to die guaranteed, and probably be eaten, and winning earns the listed prize for the fighter challenged. Note that challenging someone for Profit can be rejected by paying half the prize offered to the challenger, but Fun must always be accepted.)


What should Scars of Yesterday choose?
>>
No. 529147 ID: 9891a9
Fun, because like >>538729 said, we're here to size up the competition. Winning the big prizes can come later, when we're sure that we can hold our own.
>>
No. 529148 ID: 6164e0
>>538773
(Psst. Prize amounts are also sorta power levels, with one Mandarinian Warrior being the equivalent of a fighter with a prize of 5 units of Bohemian Rhapsody. Hence why you got a reward of 5 units of Bohemian Rhapsody before.)
>>
No. 529149 ID: 6faa8c
>>538746
Yeah, fun. We can do profit later.
>>
No. 529150 ID: 6164e0
File 125220615446.jpg - (213.70KB , 1024x770 , Xephyr.jpg )
529150
>>538773
>>538784

'For Fun.'

'Certainly, honored guest! This way, please. Oh, and the other honored guests with you can't come into the arena with you, of course. Other honored guests can follow that one,'

The small creature gestures at a perfectly identical creature beside it, which jumps down from the pedestal and trundles off down the tunnel where all the noise is coming from.

The creature speaking to Scars of Yesterday then promptly hops down, and starts leading him down one of many small paths behind the pedestal.

As the creature leads him, he hears the sound of cheering grow louder, until he emerges into a mid sized chamber, with a lone creature standing idly by in the center. Perhaps this is Xephyr, the one he shall fight. The creature may be the same size as Scars of Yesterday, but he looks much more flimsy. Why, parts of his body don't even have a shell!

As he continues following the small creature before him, he notices an exposed tunnel circles the chamber, and several bugs of assorted shapes and sizes perch there, becoming more attentive as he nears the center of the chamber with his small guide.

'Honored guest, this one has brought a new combatant who wishes to fight you for Fun.'

The flimsy looking creature, apparently Xephyr, waves his antenna about.

'A new fighter, and an ant at that? ....and what's this, he has a Valiance? What a novelty! Well, this shouldn't take too long.'

As Xephyr speaks, Scars of Yesterday can feel some sort of sensation from the other warrior, similar to that he felt from Motörhead and Metallica. Perhaps this foe will not be so easy as he appears.

As the two face each other in the middle of the chamber, the small creature that led him here speaks up once more.

'This one would like to remind all present of the rules. This is a match for fun, so either honored guest may surrender to end the match at any time. This one would also lie to remind all present that in the event a combatant dies before they can surrendy, the winner gets to keep their corpse. This one must exit the area, and hopes the two honored guests may enjoy themselves!'

And without any further ceremony, the small creature leaps prodigiously, landing by the tunnel they took to get here.

Scars of Yesterday is ready to fight, all his attention focused on his confident foe who is only a few inches away.



Action?
>>
No. 529151 ID: 33bb8b
begin with a series of feints and circling, to size eachother up. Lets try to see what this bug can do. And what we can do for that matter, now that we have eaten the magic food.
>>
No. 529152 ID: 6164e0
>>538802

Scars of Yesterday will not take his foe lightly. He begins by-

Xephyr's sharp proboscis skitters off his forehead.

How-no, he must focus. Scars of Yesterday lunges forward, his four mandibles open and ready to crush his foe, but again, he is no longer there.

But this was just a feint, and Scars of Yesterday was watching. Some strange type of spiracles on Xephyr's body opened before he vanished from in front of him, only to reappear several inches away and to his left, his feet skidding on the ground.


Action?
>>
No. 529153 ID: 6faa8c
>>538805
Hm. He's speedy!
Maybe if we can catch him in a level one shot of Sunshine, then hold him down while he's stunned and hit him with another?
>>
No. 529155 ID: 6164e0
>>538808

Scars of Yesterday is sure a blast of STONER SUNSHINE would best the foe, for his speed seems to be his only asset. ....Metallica did advise him to not use it in the collective unless he was willing to attract a great deal of attention. It is a rather flashy ability, and hard to miss.

Of course, with its limited range, he would still need to be close to discharge it with any hope of causing injury.

Scars of Yesterday notices the strange spiracles on Xephyr's body starting to open.



Action?
>>
No. 529156 ID: 33bb8b
>>538808
A single mandible blast at some range might be enough to stun this guy, and its full power would not be obvious to all the audience. That would probably be enough to not get people interested in immediately eating us.
>>
No. 529157 ID: 33bb8b
I mean, unless it IS obvious. I don't know what sort of visual cues the power gives off, or if others can detect such things without actually being hit by them. Otherwise, um.. watch his eyes/sensory organs! see where he is looking, that's where he is going.
>>
No. 529158 ID: 6faa8c
>>538810
Prepare a level one blast when those spiracles open up. It's far enough away that it's only gonna get closer.
>>
No. 529159 ID: 1d375b
I am guessing he can shoot jets of air out of his sides allowing him quick movement back and forth. Might be best to try to lure him into a position where his speed wont help him.
>>
No. 529160 ID: 6164e0
>>538811
(roll a d10 if you want to use STONER SUNSHINE Lv[1]. DECENT INTELLIGENCE BONUS: Scars of Yesterday could swing the mandible only halfway open to further lessen the power of his Valiance and greatly reduce how loud and bright the sonoluminescent cavitation bubble that is the source of STONER SUNSHINE's wave of force is. If you wish this, say so. A weakened STONER SUNSHINE Lv[1] only needs to beat 2 to avoid Lethargy.)
>>
No. 529161 ID: 6faa8c
rolled 7 = 7

Weakened. As soon as we can't see him, shoot it off.
>>
No. 529162 ID: 6164e0
>>538826
Scars of Yesterday thinks he has the gist of how Xephyr's Valiance works. Perhaps he can use that to his advantage.

>>538831
A mandible swings open.

Xephyr's spiracles finish opening.

Xephyr vanishes.

A proboscis speeds at one of Scar's eyes.

A mandible swings shut.

There is a flicker of light and a loud sound.

STONER SUNSHINE LV[0.5]

The blast may have been weak, but Scars of Yesterday timed his blow well. Xephyr is on the ground before him, twitching and disoriented.




Action?
>>
No. 529163 ID: 33bb8b
Put mandibles around the base of his head and lightly touch him. Ask him to yield.
>>
No. 529164 ID: 6faa8c
>>538841
Stand atop him, mandibles around base of head, ask for surrender.
>>
No. 529165 ID: 6164e0
>>538842
>>538845

Thanks to having four total mandibles, it is easy to secure Xephyr's head securely in his deadly grasp.

'Yield,' Scar proclaims to the dazed and disoriented warrior. It is a shame the fight should end so soon, but this is what happens to when a warrior that focuses on speed ever falls a step behind his opponent.

Xephyr does not seem to fully have recovered he looks confused. He starts opening his spiracles.



Action?
>>
No. 529166 ID: 6faa8c
>>538846
Wrap yourself around him, all six legs, and tighten your hold. We may be going for a ride...
>>
No. 529167 ID: 6164e0
>>538847

The warrior is too confused to know he has been bested.

Scars of Yesterday wraps his legs around Xephyr, prepared to follow him wherever he may try to move.

The spiracles finish opening.

WOOSH.

It is.... jarring, trying to cling to Xephyr as he moves so. Jets of air billow out of Xehpyr's sides, and he is propelled.... up?

The ceiling is rushing at them both, and Scars of Yesterday is between Xephyr and the ceiling. Perhaps he was not as dazed as he appeared.


Action?
>>
No. 529168 ID: 1689ab
TAKE NO SHIT! HOLD HIM BACK!
>>
No. 529169 ID: 6164e0
>>538854
(I'm not even sure what you are suggesting. STOP MAKING BOB FEEL CONFUSED.)
>>
No. 529170 ID: 1d375b
Attempt to roll to one side quickly so you don't take the full force of the impact. If you are fast enough you might be able to get him to smash into the ceiling.
>>
No. 529171 ID: 6164e0
>>538857
Scars of Yesterday heaves himself to one side, succeeding in rolling their entertwined forms somewhat sideways.

They hit the ceiling.

Thanks to the change in positioning, Scars of Yesterday only hits the ceiling with some of his shoulders, and.....

Crap. Some of the spikes running along his back have gotten embedded in the ceiling. He is somewhat surprised they did not shatter. Perhaps this is thanks to the Bohemian Rhapsody he ate earlier, or thanks to KILLER QUEEN gifting her children with stronger frames.

But he is stuck to the ceiling, and since he still grips his foe, so is Xephyr.

....he can see his foe opening his strange spiracles again.


Action?
>>
No. 529172 ID: 1d375b
Go on the offensive. Start clamping down on him. Trying to go easy on someone in battle is only going to get us hurt.
>>
No. 529173 ID: 6faa8c
>>538859
If only we could plug those damn spiracles!
>>
No. 529174 ID: 1d375b
Good point. Might be better form to try and disable him before just biting his head off.
>>
No. 529175 ID: 6faa8c
rolled 7 = 7

Weakened Sunshine. Fuck this noise, just knock him out already.
>>
No. 529177 ID: 6164e0
>>538859
No. It was difficult enough to get a solid hold of such an evasive foe, Scars of Yesterday will not let go of him.

Xephyr clearly does not intend to yield. This is not the time for mercy.

>>538860
....Scars of Yesterday has an idea. He lets go with two of his legs, and with a sharp flurry of motion stabs them into two of the opening spiracles on Xephyr's body.

The soft flesh of his quick foe gives way under his mighty limbs, encased in a sturdy carapace. fluids well up and ooze around the spiracles his legs penetrated, and Xephyr shudders.

It seems he is trying to send out a pheromone signal that he wishes to surrender now, but because of the damage you have inflicted on him, it is too weak for anyone but you to know he tried.

You showed him mercy before, and he betrayed your trust. This is no honorable warrior.



Action?
>>
No. 529178 ID: cdcebc
>>538864
Finish him and eat his corpse!

Gain his valiance!
>>
No. 529179 ID: 33bb8b
>>538864
Just because he is not honorable does not mean we have leave to do the same. We represent our entire hive here.
>>
No. 529180 ID: cdcebc
>>538867
As the queen's champion, it is our job to grow strong whatever the cost so we may better defend her and the colony. That includes sacrificing personal honor to better ourself.

We need his valiance. We need speed. Offense alone won't help us.
>>
No. 529181 ID: 6faa8c
>>538864
Honor.

We must have honor, or what else is there?
>>
No. 529182 ID: 1d375b
He did have the chance to surrender earlier. If the roles were reversed would he show us mercy?
>>
No. 529183 ID: 6164e0
>>538866
>>538867
(First come first serve. Durandal beat you to it)

(I'm going to switch to first person for Scars of Yesterday now, see how that works)

I will admit that this Xephyr is fast, but his is a heart of cowardice and deceit. There is no place for one such as this to claim the title 'warrior.'

I gleefully rip his head apart with my mandibles, delighting in seeing this trickster's eyes pop and leak on my mandibles.

Perhaps I would have spared him if he had been honerable. After all, I only wished to test my strength with this fight.

But... I offered him relief. I offered him a chance to surrender, to admit I had beaten him. He did not accept, and spat in my face.

He will be punished in the only proper way: He will completely cease to exist.

I rock back and forth, and manage to free my spines from the ceiling. I fall, carrying with me the now broken form of Xephyr. As I land, I start to feast.

None seem to object. Perhaps this Xephyr was an oddity, and brutal honor is the norm here. If so, then all is well, for I have found others like me to battle.

As I feed, I feel the spiracles on my body changing, becoming more complex, more precise, more powerful. So I am to have his trick, then. So be it, I take it as my rightful spoils of war.


!!NEW VALIANCE ACQUIRED!! Scars of Yesterday has now acquired the Valiance: Aerosmith. He can expel jets of air from his spiracles to rapidly move short to mid distances in a strait line! However, it is advised to not use it in rapid succession, as time is needed for the spiracles to reset, or else you will start to asphyxiate.



Action?
>>
No. 529185 ID: 6164e0
>>538869
(Having honor does not mean being nice.)
>>
No. 529186 ID: cdcebc
>>538873
Time to achieve prizefighter status and do a victory pose for the crowd. Every gladiator needs to have the affections of the audience on his side.
>>
No. 529187 ID: 6faa8c
>>538873
We won. We get BR, then, right?
>>
No. 529188 ID: 9891a9
>>538878
We chose for fun so no. In retrospect, I shouldn't have underestimated Scars so much.
>>
No. 529189 ID: 1d375b
We only did this match for fun not to the death. So our prize is the valiance this time.
>>
No. 529190 ID: 6faa8c
Another fight, then, unless there's some limit.
>>
No. 529191 ID: cdcebc
>>538881
Yeah, another fight, this time against a level 1, for profit. We can earn some BR and another valiance, while testing ours against a relatively easy and safe opponent.
>>
No. 529192 ID: 6164e0
(How is the first person thing working so far? Yes/No to continuing like this?)

>>538878
(Nope. You only get the prize if you choose to fight for profit.)

>>538877
My head and mandibles still covered in gore, I raise my face from scraping the last bits of flesh from the trickster's flimsy body, and spread my mandibles wide, hissing to proclaim my victory. As members of the audience buzz, click and hiss back in approval of my first triumph, I rub my upper and lower sets of mandibles against each other, producing a loud and rhythmic chirping noise. The cheering grows louder, and I bask in the accolades, even if my audience is only a few dozen. I see my Honor Guard in the audience, The Death on Six Legs hissing as loud as he can and the Flash urging the mindless They Might Be Giants to do the same.

I have represented my beloved queen well in this fight, and look forward to winning further accolades in her name.



Action?
>>
No. 529193 ID: 33bb8b
We have seen the arena, for now it is time to see what else we may learn here. There will be time to fight more later.
>>
No. 529194 ID: cdcebc
>>538883
First person is better for demonstrating the thoughts/opinions of the character. This evolution from third to first actually works well because of Scar's increased intelligence. Nevertheless, we do lose awareness of some things that Scars might not notice but we, the players, would due to our connection with the other ants. When writing in first person, make sure to include the almost telepathic link with the other ants. Otherwise I think it's cool.

As for action, I repeat my suggestion:
>>538882

I think we all want to see that new valiance in action!
>>
No. 529195 ID: 33bb8b
not against a "level 1." sheesh, what kind of honorable warrior ARE you, picking on those you KNOW to be inferior to you.
>>
No. 529196 ID: 6164e0
>>538881
>>538882

I head back up the tunnel the small creature led me down, and arrive at the pedastal once more. Some others now look upon me with some small measure of respect, where before they dismissed me as 'nothing more than an ant.' I could see it in their eyes, their stance, and smell it in their pheremones.

They will learn that ants can be mighty warriors.

They will learn

One of the small creatures hops closer to me. I still cannot tell them apart.

'Honored guest, congratulations on your victory! This one would like to know what title you go by, so that other Honored guests may challenge you if they desire!'

Challengers? Delightful. Warriors seeking me out to pit themselves against. I feel proud to have earned the right to be so challenged.

'I am Scars of Yesterday, Warrior in service of KILLER QUEEN, ruler of Crescent.'

'Very good, honored guest! Would you like to fight again?'

'I would.'

'Excellent, honored guest! These are the fighters available right now!'

Yesterday (Prize: 1 unit Bohemian Rhapsody)
T.B. Sheets (Prize: 3 units Bohemian Rhapsody)
Purple Haze (Prize: 2 units Bohemian Rhapsody)
Master Exploder (Prize: 10 units Bohemian Rhapsody)
Detharmonic (Prize: 11 units Bohemian Rhapsody)
The Metal (Prize: 16 units Bohemian Rhapsody)
Metallica (Prize: 40 units Bohemian Rhapsody)




Who do I wish to fight? Or should I do something else?

(If people could post a bunch of song/album/band titles that could work as names in the discussion thread, that would be great.)
>>
No. 529197 ID: 6faa8c
>>538890

>Metallica (Prize: 40 units Bohemian Rhapsody)

SWEET MOTHER OF GOD

Let's face Yesaterday. For profit. We need to clean out the refuse.
>>
No. 529198 ID: 9891a9
Let's fight T.B. Sheets since everyone higher is a rather large jump upwards, and if questioned for fighting a weaker opponent than last time say that the first fight tired us out, so we'll be a fair match for him/her/it.
>>
No. 529199 ID: 6faa8c
>>538892
Or we could fight Metallica for fun.
Show him how we've improved.
>>
No. 529200 ID: 33bb8b
>>538891
>>538892
Man, its like you people forgot how much Scars of Yesterday loves to fight menacing opponents he is not sure he can beat.

I still stand by my earlier desire to wander around here more, but hey, if you guys wanna fight and show off our Valiance more, Master Exploder would be the way to go.
>>
No. 529201 ID: cdcebc
>>538892
Your logic is impeccable. Anyone higher is a large jump beyond us.

Challenge T.B. Sheets for profit.
>>
No. 529202 ID: 33bb8b
>>538898
ww.. ggg.. fff... Scars beat a creature rated at 5 BR and *then* grew in power three more times. Attacking poor little T.B. Sheets is just dick.
>>
No. 529203 ID: 6164e0
>>538885
(There is no telepathic link between the ants. Not sure where you got that. The ants can leave pheromone messages, but otherwise need to communicate face to face. That's why control would switch to groups of ants when they encountered stuff away from their peers, because there was no way for the other ants to know what was happening.)

>>538892
(since this seems to be the middle ground between fighting a pansy and fighting OHGODIMGONNADIA)

'I wish to challenge T.B. Sheets.'

'Very good, honored guest! And will this be for fun or profit?'

I do not wish to risk running into another deceiver, so I eliminate the possibility of surrender.

Besides, the Bohemian Rhapsody stuff was delicious. I want more.

'For Profit.'

'Very good, honored guest! Would honored guest please return to the chamber that honored guest was in previously? This one will bring T.B. Sheets shortly!'


Hrm. My Honor Guard will not need to be relocated. This spares me the trouble of moving them.

'Very well.'

I stride back down the tunnel once more, eager to face this new warrior.


I have once again entered the mid sized chamber that I bested Xephyr in. I do not know how long the wait will be before the small creature brings my new opponent.



What should I do in the meantime?
>>
No. 529204 ID: 6faa8c
>>538899
And?

VALIANCE
MUST HAVE MORE VALIANCE
>>
No. 529205 ID: 6faa8c
>>538902
Try out your new Valiance, just once. Try... to the left.
>>
No. 529206 ID: cdcebc
>>538902
Compared to normal human senses, the pheromones would seem telepathic in nature. I didn't mean to imply that ants have psychic abilities. I know that they do not, good sir. =P


I'd say give your Aerosmith ability a trial run. Just a small boost to get the feel of it and learn how to balance/deal with the forces.
>>
No. 529207 ID: 33bb8b
>>538903
AND that's not even counting the nest wide Mandible strength and Intelligence upgrades he has gained since then. You voices disgust me. You have let your greed for easy gains tarnish the proud warrior. What sort of inspiration can you hope to be to our brood?
>>
No. 529208 ID: 6faa8c
>>538907
Hush, you. With this power, we can better protect the Queen. After all, most of these foes aren't even ants!
>>
No. 529209 ID: cdcebc
>>538907
One that will make it SURVIVE.

Do you know nothing about ants? They are the ultimate pragmatists. They win battles by throwing waves of their own troops at the problem. There is no room for honor amongst the tiny.

Your weakness and inability to do what is required disgusts me.
>>
No. 529210 ID: 33bb8b
The only way I would stand for this travesty is if we were to swear to all present not to use our original Valiance at all in this next encounter, only the completely untested new ability we posses. That would also be in keeping with what Metallica advised us to do while here in the Fight Song. Further, if I were T.B. Sheets, it is the only thing that might have a chance at convincing me to go along with this fight.
>>
No. 529211 ID: 6164e0
>>538905
>>538906
It would be foolhardy to not try and understand my new Valiance better. I try using Aerosmith to move to the left. Not to much fOOORCE!!

I was unaware how disorienting Aerosmith was. I trip and roll as I jet to the side, scrambling to my feet. This will take some practice......

After several more tentative tests, I become capable of at least not falling over myself when I employ it if I don't use Aerosmith at full speed. I can't move nearly as fast or precisely as Xephyr did yet, but then he likely had a great deal more time to master his valiance, and I have had it for barely a few minutes. At least I can use it to some limited degree, even if it is only a sliver of what Xephyr could do.

But it seems my practice is over, for I see the small creature returning.

Behind it.....

This must be T.B. Sheets. The creature looks somewhat like the workers of the Mandarinian Empire, but his wings have been torn off, and both his body and his limbs are thicker, and his shaggy pelt is even more profuse than theirs.

The little creature says his words.

'This one would like to remind all present that this is a fight for profit, and will not end until only one of the honored guests is dead. The winner gets to keep their corpse, and gets the prize for their opponent's defeat. This one must exit the area, and hopes the two honored guests may enjoy themselves!'


The words barely register to Scars of Yesterday.

He knows a fellow warrior when he sees it.

T.B. Sheets says not a word, but his legs dig into the ground, evidence of his desire to fight even a moment sooner.

Perhaps this one will give a more worthy battle, one full of glory and strength.

The small creature departs, and without hesitation T.B. Sheets charges him, eating up the space between them.


Now, how should I fight this one?
>>
No. 529212 ID: 33bb8b
>>538909
...I thought you said you read through the archives Durandal. Apparently you missed something.
>>
No. 529213 ID: 6164e0
File 125221697386.jpg - (96.22KB , 500x382 , T_B_ Sheets.jpg )
529213
>>538911
(Forgot my pic, such as it is.)
>>
No. 529214 ID: cdcebc
>>538912
More than likely. Doesn't change a thing though. Just look at all the ants that died fighting a single Abomination. Whatever it takes. Get the job done.

And besides, this is no physical weakling like T.G. Sheets was. So how about we get to the fighting, hmm?


>>538911
He sounds like he has a lot of mass, so wait for him to build up momentum and then move at a 90 degree angle to his trajectory. He probably won't be able to turn fast, and with Aerosmith you should be plenty able to dodge him. Then see if you can attack his legs as he passes by.
>>
No. 529216 ID: cdcebc
>>538914
er, I meant Xephyr.
>>
No. 529217 ID: 6faa8c
>>538913

This...
>>538914
But RAM him with Aerosmith and your spike instead of biting him!
>>
No. 529218 ID: 6164e0
>>538914
(I do believe someone mixed up names. Scars fought Xephyr, and is now fighting T.B. Sheets. Silly Durandal.)

I stand my ground, waiting. I will employ the same tactic I tried against Metallica. It may have failed against him, but T.B. Sheets cannot be anywhere near as capable as that one. A true pillar of strength...I digress, my focus must be here.

T.B. Sheets charges without fear, without doubt. He sees me, and knows that he must kill me to survive. That is good. He does not fear me. He will give me a worthy contest.

Just as he is about to crash into me, I use Aerosmith as lightly as I can.

GEH...I kept my footing, and am now out of his path. I see his legs, vulnerable before my jaws. I tear into them.

...!? Between his shaggy pelt and his thickened legs, I do little more than put a small rent in one of his legs as he charges past.

He does not care, nor does he slow. He continues, accelerating towards the wall.

T.B. Sheets begins running up the walls of the chamber.


What should I do now?
>>
No. 529221 ID: cdcebc
>>538918
((As I've said elsewhere, names are my nemesis. o.O ))

Holy shit, he's gonna pull a Morton Koopa on you! Stay away from being underneath him or anywhere he can drop down you!
>>
No. 529222 ID: 6164e0
>>538921
>>538919
My opponents intent is clear. He means to use his greater mass and size to crush me.

It is not my intent to allow him to do so.

I watch his position as he reaches the ceiling, and keep far enough to his sides that he cannot have any hope of leaping down onto me.

But this is a stalemate, and boring. There is no violence, no conflict here, just two individuals circling eachother. It reeks of cowardice. I must think of some way to either get him down or engage him on the ceiling, as already the audience, which had grown since my last fight somewhat, is starting to lose interest.

I do not fight slowly and induce boredom in watchers. I fight my foe until one of us is dead, filling the air with gore as I do so.



How shall I re-engage my foe?
>>
No. 529223 ID: cdcebc
>>538920
Dammit, I screwed up the order. I realized I was mistaken about which Koopa I was thinking about. It's late, I'm just gonna go to bed.

But first, do you think you have enough control over Aerosmith yet to boost up to the ceiling to take him on? That would surely gain you some of the crowd's support, and it would be the quickest way to break this pointless stalemate.
>>
No. 529224 ID: 6faa8c
rolled 4 = 4

>>538921
We.... We have spikes. Pointy things. If he has a carapace, then we will ram into him.

Wait until he's halfway down, then Aerosmit into him, spikes first! If that doesn't kill him, then three-mandible Sunchine!
>>
No. 529227 ID: dfc470
>>538920
Get underneath him, wait for him to drop, and as he falls, use Aerosmith to leap upwards and impale him on your spikes.
>>
No. 529228 ID: 33bb8b
>>538925
We are supposed to be not showing that off, you fool! three mandibles is even more than we used on Metallica, and after TWO he advised us that using it would attract unwanted attention.

Two liquefied an Abomination's innards. Three will likely make this guy's innards difficult to LOCATE, and THEN where would your greedy Valiance hunting be?
>>
No. 529229 ID: 6164e0
>>538917
>>538924

Direct. Brutal. Efficient.

I do not need to worry about landing if my intent is to ram my foe, and spikes cover fully half of my carapace, so it will be difficult to miss.

I stop evading, and stand still, assessing T.B. Sheets position.

At the same time I feel confident I can hit him and open my spiracles, my foe seems to find the right angle to launch himself off the ceiling at me in a mad plummet.

So be it. This will only help me. If I could survive being struck by Metallica, I coudl certainly survive this a time or two.

I decide to employ Aerosmith as strongly as I can, for I have no need of finesse here, only power.

AEROSMITH

There is an impact. There is a horrendous impact. A crack rips through the air, devouring all other sounds for a moment.

But I am unbroken. And while I may not recall the journey, I have reached my destination.

I have rammed T.B. Sheets as he leapt downward towards me with such force and speed that he has been thrown back towards the ceiling, reeling from the impact.

But I am smaller and lighter than him, and I plummet even faster towards the ground.

This will be painful.




What should I do?
>>
No. 529230 ID: 33bb8b
>>538931

Um, Aerosmith again, lighter this time. The upward thrust will help control your descent.
>>
No. 529231 ID: 6faa8c
>>538934
No!
To the side! Turn him! Turn him so we aren't crushed!
>>
No. 529232 ID: 6164e0
>>538934
Ever useful, I once more employ my new Valiance to slow my descent.

....I am starting to become accustomed to the strange sensations of throwing oneself by means of air jets.

I land, not gracefully, but I land unbroken.

Glancing upwards lets me watch T.B. Sheets rebound off the ceiling, then ricochet off a wall before crashing to the ground.

He is prone, for the moment, but I cannot move with as much deftness as I would like at the moment. The impact shook me as well.



How should I continue this fight?

(I'm going to have to stop there, I have to do some wood splitting for my aged grandmother tomorrow, starting bright and EARLY. Then I have a birthday party to go to. At the latest, the quest will resume Monday. Good night.)
>>
No. 529233 ID: 33bb8b
>>538909
>>538914
Now that there is a break in the action, I shall vent my rage in a more eloquent manner.

Standard ant attrition tactics do not apply to a Proud Warrior like Scars. His response to seeing his brethren dying by the score to the abomination was to rush in and deal with the threat himself, while the majority of the nest got to safety. He has demonstrated concern for weaker ants of his brood, sending them away from danger, on more than one occasion. His response to seeing a powerful opponent has consistently been an urge to test himself against it. Indeed, the strain from which he originates was reluctant to fight an enemy because they knew how easily it would go down. That reluctance is in fact, what CREATED Scars.

I submit:
>>536711
>>536775
The events which made scars what he is were glorious one-on-one fights against overwhelming odds, not safe battles to grab the easy resources. That is the method of the nameless swarms of his nest, but he is no nameless drone. He is The Hero, Scars of Yesterday.
(His are the mandibles that shall pierce the heavens.) His desire for coming to the Fight Song was based on the prospect of pitting himself against strong opponents.

I have mellowed somewhat with regard to challenging T.B. Sheets, if only because the desire not to show off Stoner Sunshine requires that Scars fight at less his true potential, but I'll fight tooth and nail to protect his warrior spirit from a policy of greedy grabs for power.
>>
No. 529234 ID: 4bc6c2
>>538940
My response is in the quest discussion thread. But you ought to calm down... there really shouldn't be any rage TO vent...


>>538936
Watch out, this could be a trick. If you're up to it, run over to him and use Aerosmith to jump onto its back. Then go for the neck, either a regular attack or a Stoner Sunshine [.5] if necessary.

If you don't think you can manage that, take a bit to stretch and get your agility back.
>>
No. 529235 ID: 6164e0
(FFFFFFF WHEN YOU ASK SOMEONE TO CHOP 'SOME' WOOD MENTION THAT IT IS TWO FUCKING CORDS OF WOOD BEFOREHAND. GODDAMN. Still, I got about 3 and a half hours till the party. SO MORE ANT QUEST.)

>>538960
Pain, fatigue, it is all the same. They are simply the wall that only true warriors can breach. And I am a Proud Warrior, and I WILL win glory for my queen.

Despite my dazed state, I attempt to use Aerosmith to throw myself onto my foe's back before he can rise.

....I am met with limited success.

With another mighty crack, I ram my body into T.B. Sheets' rising form, and knock him into the wall. Compared to the prior impact, this was not nearly so jarring.

....I seem to be recovering my full range of motion, and this attack has kept my foe off balance enough that they seem to have not recovered yet. I am less than an inch away from them, but rebounding from the wall has turned my foe about, and he is once again facing me.



How should I continue this fight?
>>
No. 529236 ID: 33bb8b
>>539029
Skitter around to his flank and climb onto him while he is still dazed. Give Aerosmith a break for a moment.
>>
No. 529237 ID: 6164e0
>>539032
I have rammed T.B. Sheets twice with my spikes, and other than a few gashes and small punctures in his carapace he seems unharmed. That shaggy pelt of his is rather ablative, it seems.

But he has no fur on his joints. If I can get onto his back, and gain access to his neck, then I should be able to kill him without much difficulty.

As I begin circling my foe, he charges once more, without warning transitioning from dazed to focused only on me. It seems he can push through pain and fatigue as well. My respect for my foe grows, but that does not change my intent to kill him.

I do not have time to dodge or use open my spiracles to use aerosmith, and with a furious buzzing T.B. Sheets rams into me.

No, I will not be sent flying by one such as he. Compared to Metallica, his strength is nothing. I dig my legs in, and catch his mandibles in mine. He slows, and stops as I continue to resist him.

We have come to a standstill, both of us pushing against each other with all our might, he trying to consume my head, I gripping his mandibles tightly to prevent him.

....I did not know I was this strong. T.B. Sheets is thrice my weight, and for the moment I seem to be matching him. But it takes all of my power to keep my legs dug in to halt his charge, and I cannot use my mandibles without releasing his jaws.



What should I do?
>>
No. 529238 ID: 33bb8b
>>539034
Now comes the delicate part, where your practice pays off. One more use of Aerosmith may be enough to end this fight, if you can pull it off perfectly. A sudden burst of carefully applied force, upward and forward, should be enough to flip him onto his back and land you atop him, temporarily taking his mobility and at the same time granting you access to his joints.
>>
No. 529239 ID: 6164e0
>>539040
.....So long as I grip his jaws tightly, wherever he goes, I go, and where I go....

I open my spiracles, getting ready to jump upwards and forward, to flip my foe and land myself atop him. If I act quickly, I shall be able to rend his neck joint asunder before he can respond.

A blast of air jets out of my spiracles, and I am afforded a chance to carefully observe the effects, thanks to my movement being slowed by my grip on T.B. Sheets effectively quadrupling the mass that must be moved by Aerosmith.

I let my legs go lax as the gust of air starts pulling me from the ground, to use them to guide my trajectory. My greatly slowed speed finally lets me have some measure of precise control over my hurtling form.

But my foe has other plans. He seems to understand how it works and how much I can control it, perhaps from observing me use it several times in this fight, or perhaps during the time this Valiance belonged to Xephyr, he had learned its measure. For the moment I release the ground, he continues his brutal charge forward, and my control of my path vanishes as my head follows T.B. Sheets more than it follows my body.

There is considerable pain, and this move caught me somewhat by surprise. But I push through the pain and redouble my efforts and my grip. T.B. Sheets starts to be pulled back and into the sky by my grip on his jaws, and his feet futily scrabble against the air. He is now airborn, and our bodies begin to orbit eachother.

But his bullrush caught me unprepared, and the instant it took me to compensate was enough. My mandibles are not positioned as securely as they had been, and as another instant passes us by, my grip slips, and our forms are set loose.

I am propelled into the ground at a (thankfully) gentle angle, and manage to gain my footing quickly.

I dart to look behind me, but T.B. Sheets is nowhere to be seen! But how? He could not have simply dissapeared, he must-

I wrench my gaze skyward, and there he is, his ascent coming to an end as he is for one brief moment free of momentum, still in the air a scant centimeter below the roof of the chamber. His belly is to me, and his legs flail as he attempts to control his positioning.



What should I do?
>>
No. 529240 ID: 1d375b
Ram him in the air and attempt to land on top of him.
>>
No. 529242 ID: 6164e0
>>539047
>RAMMING SPEED

My foe is helpless for a brief moment, and his neck joint is very exposed with this combination of positioning.

I close all of my mandibles tightly, their tips calmped together before me.

Then I sling myself low to the ground, angling my body in an arc as I brace to release Aerosmith at full power to throw myself skyward.

I shall be a spear, unwavering, unhesitatingly, plunging through air and foe without pause or discrimination.

AEROSMITH

I vaguely perceive a great ring of smoke expanding on the ground where I had been standing as I hurtle through the air, a missile with a single target.

There is a jolting clash as my tightly closed mandibles pierce through T.B. sheets neck, carving a deep and bloody path betwixt head and thorax.

Our forms are turned by the impact, and as we descend towards the ground, I perceive the only words that T.B. sheets has uttered in my presence.

'Finish....it.'

I comply with the bold warrior.

I wrench my mandibles open, and fall to the ground amidst a shower of ooze and gore, my foes head spinning through the air as his body plummets beside me.

I land in a shower of guts and body parts, and I lift my mandibles high, rubbing them together fiercely to create piercing chirps as I hiss in triumph. The observing creatures resound with a rowdy plethora of cheering. My fight has pleased them, and my Honor Guard is hard pressed to try to match their exuberance.

I have faced a noble warrior, and I honor the challenge he gave me.



What should I do now?
>>
No. 529243 ID: 1d375b
Well if he has any valiance we should probably get that first. Then talk to the little guys about our reward.
>>
No. 529244 ID: 33bb8b
He has to have some in order to fight here at all. I suspect it is some part of the koopa attack, though it could be his hide I suppose.
>>
No. 529245 ID: 6164e0
>>539058
>>539060

I had not realized it before, but there was a reason he did not feel similar to Motörhead, Metallica or Xephyr: I feel no Valiance from him.

Now that I have the time to inspect his corpse closely, I his carapace is covered in scratches and dings beneath his dense fur.

....He was just a warrior, tempering his own body to be strong. Perhaps he had hopes to gain a Valiance of his own in the arena.

I know not, but I respect my fallen foe for the challenge he gave me, and for accepting his defeat without pause or regret when his time came. I do not mourn him, I rejoice in having given him a death in glorious battle.



What should I do?
>>
No. 529246 ID: 33bb8b
Toddle on back to the registration area, find one of the small bugs that knows what is going on.
>>
No. 529247 ID: 6164e0
(Gotta go to the birthday party now. Depending on how drunk I am when I return, I may continue the quest tonight. If not, expect it tomorrow morning.

Keep posting any new ideas into the thread if you have them, I will read them all before making a response.)
>>
No. 529248 ID: df8311
>>539066
That fight was for profit, so now it's time to collect your winnings!
>>
No. 529249 ID: 6164e0
File 125229483066.jpg - (71.42KB , 800x600 , THE METAL.jpg )
529249
>>539073
(Not that drunk. Quest continuing. Also, fights are now titled 'Fun' or 'Food.' It's more accurate, thematically appropriate, and the alliteration is aesthetic.
>>539082

I walk back to out the chamber, still coated in chunks of innards and gore. I wear my badges of combat proudly.

I apporach the pedastal, to be hailed by one of the identical small creatures. I also see a motley collectiong of creatures with missing limbs and broken frames. A crippled lot.

'Congratulations, honored guest! This one is to inform honored guest that his prize, and soon the body of honored gues's opponent, are being held in the bank above, and honored guest can go claim them whenever honored guest wishes to. This one is to congratulate you, as notice has been given to The Fight Song that honored guest has fought a Mandarinian Warrior and won, and that honored guest is allowed to enter certain special events! This one is also to inform you that you have been challenged for Fun by The Metal. This one will bring you to The Metal.'

Without further comment or action, the small creature hops down, and begins walking towards another tunnel. As I go to follow, the crippled insects approach me. I identify from their smells that they broadcast their names at all times, and are called Punk Rock, New Wave, Grunge and Techno.

They all start communicating at me in a rush, overlapping eachother.
'No one can destroy The Metal.'
'The Metal will strike you down with a vicious blow.'

'And who are you to tell me such!'
I retort, wishing to be away from these invalids.

'We are the vanquished foes of The Metal.'
'We tried to win for why we do not know.'
'He does this to all the new fighters that have killed warriors of the Mandarinian Empire.'
'Just surrender the moment it starts or you'll be crippled like us. He fights to maim.'

Hmm. If what the invalids say is true, I should be wary. If all of them have been broken so and have killed Abominations before, this could be troubling. I continue past the invalids as they continue to cry warning to me. I follow the small creature up a tunnel, to a much larger chamber.

I look to my foe to see The Metal, and-!?

An Abomination!

I stiffen, but no one seems alarmed. At closer inspection, I see that while certainly of the same race as the Mandarinian Warrior that I fought inside Crescent, The Metal has a bright sheen to his body and opaque wings, and his coleration is different. I don't know what is going on for certain, but my DECENT INTELLIGENCE suggests that while there may be a reward given to slayers of the Empire's warriors, no mention was made of open conflict.

The small creature stops betwixt myself and The Metal, and says his word about the choice to surrender. I hear none of it, still following the implications of what I have theorized.

The small creature hops away, and the fight has begun.



What should I do?
>>
No. 529250 ID: 482c0e
>>539148
Backpedal a bit, open some space up. Let him make the first move and react from there, keeping evasion in mind until you've got a measure of his prowess.
>>
No. 529251 ID: 6faa8c
>>539148
What is more important to you?

Pride?

Or your service to your queen?
>>
No. 529252 ID: 6164e0
>>539155
I backpedal, but as I do The Metal spreads his opaque wings and takes to the air with a furious burst of noise.

'HIVE QUEEN ORDER ME TO INVESTIGATE THE COLLECTIVE. LACK OF RESPECT FOR THE MANDARINIAN EMPIRE DISTURBING. WILL TEACH RESPECT TO THOSE THAT STOOD AGAINST IT. WILL TAKE YOUR ABILITY TO FIGHT FROM YOU FOR THE SOLDIER SLAIN.'


...So he is part of the Mandarinian Empire. I don't know why he is allowed in, but that is largely irrelevant now. He has made his intents clear, and if I were crippled, how could I serve my beloved queen?

I know what I must do. I should.....


What should I do?
>>
No. 529253 ID: 6faa8c
>>539162
Surrender.

He aims to not fight honourably, and is immensely stronger than you. You did not take down the first of his kind single-handedly, you had help. And this guy could be far away more potent!

So surrender. You promised your Queen you'd come back to do your job!
>>
No. 529254 ID: 9891a9
>>539163
Indeed, surrender since Metal is worth 16, far more than what we thought we could handle before (10).
>>
No. 529255 ID: 6faa8c
>>539166
It's not his power alone that's worrying. I was all for challenging Metallica for kicks.


It's the fact that he wants to cripple us.
>>
No. 529256 ID: d94138
>>539162
I'm guessing that his Valiance is protective in nature.
I'd say test him with a stoner sunshine, except for a few factors: If we close to melee, he'll probably cripple us, meaning that we'll NEVER be able to serve Killer Queen as anything but a jumping turret. If we get anywhere near this unknown quantity, we're possibly dead or crippled. Your choices are to surrender or full-power Stoner Sunshine and surrender.
>>
No. 529257 ID: 33bb8b
Damn, it would have been better to eat the prize from the last fight before immediately coming to this one.
Since he is an enemy of the Queen, we must ultimately destroy The Metal, but since he must die, I would prefer to do it in a fight for food.
>>
No. 529258 ID: 6faa8c
>>539170
This: Surrender, eat, then challenge for profit.
>>
No. 529260 ID: 6164e0
>>539163
>>539166
(Surrender)

My duty to my queen is clear. Though it would likely be glorious battle of the highest caliber, it is too risky. I am certain I can feel a Valiance in The Metal, and I could only injure the warrior I fought before with something Metallica advised me to keep hidden. And that was a fight that was won with the help of the hive.

'I surrender.'

I see only a few of the crowd become dissapointed: It seems they know what fate awaited me.

'SO BE IT. INTELLIGENCE MAKES YOU MORE THREAT TO EMPIRE. WILL CHALLENGE FOR FOOD EVERY TIME YOU FIGHT AT THE FIGHT SONG. WILL NEVER GET MORE BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY OR VALIANCE HERE.'

WHAT!?
.......
.......
.......

No. I will not become agitated. I leave the chamber, and head back to the entryway of The Fight Song.

If I ever wish to fight here again, I will need to beat The Metal, it seems.


One of the small creatures, I know not which for they are all alike to me, leads my Honor Guard to me. They say nothing, for we all know I did what is in the best interests of Crescent and KILLER QUEEN.

But.... this is a bitter blow to be dealt, so shortly after finding such a place of glorious combat.


I shall go:
-To the bank
-To the bazaar
-To the guest chamber
-To The Crucible of Valiance
-Back to Pedastal
>>
No. 529261 ID: 6faa8c
>>539174
To the bank.

We will not suffer such insult! Eat our BR and then face him. He wants to face the greatest warrior the Killer Queen commands, then so be it!
>>
No. 529262 ID: d94138
>>539174
There's no mechanism in place for avoiding fights other than the good form of the more powerful?
That is bollocks.
>>
No. 529263 ID: 482c0e
I'd recommend hitting the Crucible for a while, strengthen up through conventional fighting for a bit as an endurance trial. Collect the BR on returning. And have the Flash keep an eye out down in Fight Song, wait until The Metal has done a round or two and then make the challenge when he's already been (hopefully) tired slightly from prior engagements. Plan ahead!
>>
No. 529264 ID: 6164e0
>>539179
(This is a world where the strong rein supreme. It is harsh and unforgiving. After all, you challenged and killed T.B. Sheets in the exact same way The Metal intends to challenge you next time you try to fight at The Fight Song.)
>>
No. 529265 ID: 6164e0
>>539180
'Flash.'

'Yes, Scars of Yesterday?'

'Stay in The Fight Song. Watch The Metal. If I need to fight him to use this arena again, I will do it when he is weary.'

'Of course, Scars of Yesterday.'

And with that Flash is gone, already racing off to keep a watchful eye on The Metal.

'I don't believe you can beat him,' Death on Six Legs comments. This is one of the ones who was a Merciless alongside me when we first encountered the sand monsters. I trust his opinion.

>>539180
But that does not mean I will never be able to best him.
'Perhaps I am likely to lose now. But I think we shall take a trip to this place, The Crucible of Valiance that we observed as we came here.'

'That place? I did not lie the smell of it, it reeked of something foul I wish dead. And it was a vast area that we have never been in before. We know not what to expect.'

'If we face a challenge too deadly, we can always withdraw. But I will not let a member of The Mandarinian Empire dictate what I can do. I will kill him if I can, and The Crucible of Valiance might give me that chance.'

'Hah, well, I admit after watching you fight I am anxious to kill something as well, and I do want to see what our mindless 'little' brothers can do in a fight,' Death on Six Legs says while gesturing at the two motionless They Might Be Giants.

'But I still say this is a mistake, and advise you against it.'

Well, it is clear that Death on Six legs would rather see me safe then risk myself for the sake of a fight I do not need to make. But I do want to kill The Metal.


What should I do?
>>
No. 529266 ID: 6faa8c
>>539184
Eat BR, head to the Crucuble with a Valiance in mind.
>>
No. 529267 ID: 482c0e
>>539192
Saving the BR until the fight against The Metal might be a better idea. Gonna need every advantage one can get against him, and BR's proven itself to have instant rejuvenating effects, which'll be needed if Scars comes back from the Crucible tired and in need of rest, but The Metal's in a prime state to be challenged.
>>
No. 529268 ID: 6164e0
File 125230116246.jpg - (80.37KB , 885x705 , Unknown Creature 2.jpg )
529268
>>539193
(save Bohemian Rhapsody like a crafty motherfucker)

I leave The Fight Song, Death on Six Legs and the 2 They Might Be Giants in tow. I orient myself in the vast central chamber, and head towards the massive tunnel that leads to the surface. It seems another group is heading towards the surface, comprised of perhaps a dozen whitish creatures, hopping to locomote.

We wordlessly travel to the surface beside each other, not communicating with our fellow travelers.

We are outside of The Collective, beneath the canopy of dense foliage that obscures the entrance. I recall The Crucible of Valiance as being to the north.

...on the other hand, I am outside The Collective, and Motörhead did comment that The Collective only expects civil behavior inside the central chamber and guest chamber.

There are the dozen or so whitish creatures beside me.....


What should I do?
>>
No. 529269 ID: 482c0e
>>539194
Leave 'em be for now and head onward unless they bother you first. No sense making extra enemies needlessly, especially when it's unknown if they have powerful backers or not.
>>
No. 529270 ID: 6164e0
File 125230255285.jpg - (546.03KB , 2400x1595 , The Crucible of Valiance.jpg )
529270
>>539195
I continue onward towards The Crucible of Valiance, paying no heed to the whitish creatures.

It takes several minutes, but I arrive at the edge of the forest, the open fields full of the spires that make up The Crucible of Valiance.

Hrm. Now that I am here, I am not sure exactly what it is I should do.


What should I do?
>>
No. 529271 ID: 482c0e
>>539198
Move up to a spire and examine it closely, given that nothing else is currently in sight. Have the other three keep an eye out for hostiles.
>>
No. 529272 ID: 6164e0
File 125230318982.jpg - (124.39KB , 980x705 , New Insects.jpg )
529272
>>539199
I move closer to the nearest spire, and can perceive the foul smell I and the Death on Six Legs detest much more strongly as we get nearer.

Apparently, we have been noticed, for shortly after getting close enough the spire to see the hundreds of small entrances that cover its base some creatures pour out, heading towards us.

These creatures..... I have never seen them before, but something in me scream to kill them, that they are unholy and must be cleansed from the land.


(Orders can now be given to: Scars of Yesterday and Death on Six Legs. The 2 They Might be Giants must be ordered by one of the two ants to take actions.)
What should I do?
>>
No. 529273 ID: 6faa8c
TERMITES.

FOUL ENEMY, WE MEET AGAIN.
>>
No. 529274 ID: 482c0e
>>539200
Scars and D6L: Order the TMBGs to charge forward and trample through into the center of the crowd and engage, then follow up in the big guys' wake while the enemies are disoriented from being bullrushed and PURGE THE UNCLEAN!
>>
No. 529275 ID: 6faa8c
>>539204
This. Delicious termites, you must purge them.
>>
No. 529277 ID: 6164e0
File 125230607853.jpg - (21.88KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance 1.jpg )
529277
(This is my last post tonight, I will continue tomorrow morning. Please post your proposed responses, so I can review them tomorrow.)
>>539204
I issue orders to the 2 They Might Be Giants to charge forward in a rush, while Death on Six Legs and I follow in the opening they make.

One of the vile creatures is trampled as the two weighty ants charge forward, crushing all in their path. It is pleasing to see that my beloved queen produced such strong warriors, even if they are mindless drones.



We seem to have surprised our foes. How should we capitalize on this surprise? (Yellow dot is Scars, small red dot is Death on Six Legs, two large red dots are They Might Be Giants, brown dots are live termites and beige dots are dead termites.)
>>
No. 529278 ID: 482c0e
>>539211
Mount up! Scars and D6L, hop up onto the TMBGs' backs and engage anything trying to attack from the rear, letting the big ants deal with whatever comes at them head-on unless they start having trouble.
>>
No. 529279 ID: a3b36a
>>539218
Cavalry ants! Fuck year! Just need a breed that can attack easily from atop the TMBGs.
>>
No. 529280 ID: 6164e0
File 125233826359.jpg - (22.93KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance 2.jpg )
529280
>>539218
>>539227
(Scars of Yesterday is too large to stand atop a They Might Be Giants in such a fashion. The Death on Six Legs, however, is under no such restriction.)

I see Death on Six Legs leap atop the back of one of the They Might By Giants, paying special attention to any of the vile creatures that may try to attack from the rear while he starts directing the path of his mount. One of the vile creatures gets to close, and Death on Six Legs directs his mount to pin it to the ground with a leg while he hops down onto the creature's head and quickly gouges several holes deep into its face. The vile creature twitches on the ground, but is clearly in its death throes, slowing as death embraces it even as Death on Six Legs leaps back onto his mount. The other They Might be Giants is still charging forward, but the vile creatures are now moving to keep clear of its path. In the process, several have bunched up together to my left, still watching the charging They Might Be Giants.

...Oh? It seems more have poured out of the spire, and have clustered in a tight formation to stop the charging They Might Be Giants. I am unsure if they can stop it, but they seem prepared to try. To both my right and left, I can see several more of the vile beasts have come out of other openings in the base of this spire, and are orienting themselves on our position.


(Yellow dot: Scars of Yesterday, Red Dot: They Might Be Giants Dark Red Dot: Mounted Death on Six Legs)
What Should I do?
>>
No. 529281 ID: 482c0e
>>539258
Right, everyone fall back away from the spire a bit. If the creatures persue, they'll likely end up forming into a loose wedge formation, with a denser concentration of enemies at the point/middle as they anticipate a rout. If they end up that way, use it against them. Scars, that'll call for you to have your TMBG charge through their ranks again, preferably through the tightest grouping, only this time, you'll be behind him and using Aerosmith to add further speed. Turn the big guy into a living wrecking ball. D6L, you stay mounted and follow up behind the other two at a slower pace. If this plays out correctly, whatever that survives Scars' center-charge will be knocked to either side, which should let you all either pincer one group individually or send the big guys to trample through both simultaneously.
>>
No. 529282 ID: 6164e0
File 125234409640.jpg - (24.95KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance 3.jpg )
529282
>>539268
(Tactical withdrawal, wait for enemies to cluster together, then strike.)

I call to Death on Six legs and the two They Might Be Giants to withdraw, in an attempt to pull the swarm of vile creatures further from their home and hopefully group them together in a wedge as they pursue us with hopes of a route.

...The strategy works to an extent. They do follow after us, clustering together as they do, but more of the vile creatures continue to pour out of the spire.



Should we strike now, or try to pull them further from the colony? And if we strike now, how should we exploit their formation?
>>
No. 529283 ID: 482c0e
>>539272
Continue the measured withdrawal, staying in close order to encourage the creatures into a tighter group as they persue. If their numbers keep growing, you may have to retreat from the spire entirely, although if you do, keep an eye on the distance between you and the spire before the creatures break off, they may only be hostile to those within a certain proximity of the spire.
>>
No. 529284 ID: 6164e0
File 125234586110.jpg - (26.00KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance 4.jpg )
529284
>>539276
(Continue withdrawing)

My honor guard (sans Flash) and I continue pulling back. The vile creatures continue swarming out of the hive, but new creatures are coming more slowly than before.

....I don't think they will get any more concentrated than this.


What should we do?
>>
No. 529285 ID: 33bb8b
>>539282
Aerosmith + TMBG = rocketbulldozer. brilliant!
>>
No. 529286 ID: 482c0e
>>539282
Scars and TMBG #1, Aerosmith-assisted charge, straight down the center and swing back again through their left flank. D6L, mounted follow-up charge through their right flank as Scars reaches the center of their formation, trampling your way back straight down the middle until all four of you are back where you started.
>>
No. 529287 ID: 6164e0
File 125234938694.jpg - (25.69KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance 5.jpg )
529287
>>539285
(ROCKET BULLDOZER)

Our queen made these new drones, these giants to be durable above all else. Let us test exactly how durable they are.

The time to strike is now. I get behind the They Might Be Giants that Death on Six Legs is not riding, ordering the mindless drone to tuck in its legs and brace itself. I have a plan.

I my spiracles open wide, and I grasp the They Might Be Giants now protectively curled before my. I activate Aerosmith at full power, knowing I need it to move both of our forms fast enough for what I intend.

AEROSMITH

...The ride is... bumpy. Impacts send vibrations shivering through the They Might Be Giants and into me, but I have used Aerosmith enough times to be used to such events.

DECENT INTELLIGENCE BONUS

As we ram headlong through the vile creature's formation, I perceive us rapidly approaching the walls of the spire these creatures call home. Once more I employ Aerosmith, abruptly decelerating us enough to avoid splattering across the spire.

....It is getting somewhat hard to breath.

??There is a familiar smell emanating from the spires, but I can't place it. I would likely need to get closer to discern what the scent is.


The mounted Death On Six Legs is charging forward to assault the vile creatures from the front, and my maneuver was either unexpected enough or rapid enough that as of yet the vile creatures have not turned to face me in their midst.


What should I do?
>>
No. 529288 ID: 482c0e
>>539290
Charge back down along the left at normal speed, with the mounted D6L echoing the maneuver up through the right and back down the center. Successive strafing!
>>
No. 529289 ID: 1d375b
A familiar smell you say. Might be worth it to get close enough to investigate.
>>
No. 529290 ID: 482c0e
>>539296
Time enough for that later, if we can get these buggers cleared out first. Being swarmed while invesitgating a vague familiarity wouldn't be a good thing.
>>
No. 529291 ID: 6164e0
File 125235179844.jpg - (25.85KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance 6.jpg )
529291
>>539292

I lead the They Might Be Giants on a brutal charge, tearing a carnage soaked path through the still reforming masses of vile creatures. I attack the smaller portion of them first, eager to capitalize on their lesser numbers to slaughter them.

These vile creatures are not so tough. Their bodies are fleshy and easily cut, only their head and jaws having any durability, and their stocky bodies make them less agile than superior ant design.

...But the They Might Be Giants with me is not as agile as I, and is having difficulty tracking these foes. It slays only one in the time it takes me to slay nine. Hm, it seems these horrid beasts are not entirely mindless, and have realized the limitations that They Might Be Giants operate under.

It seems Death On Six Legs has realized this as well, for while he has slain a few more of the creatures, they now move to encircle him, capitalizing on the lessened agility and speed of They Might Be Giants. Still, the mindless drones are durable, and he stays safely mounted.


What should we do?
>>
No. 529292 ID: 482c0e
>>539308
Thrash your way back into close order with the other two so you four are grouped up again. Let the two big ants fight side by side while moving forward towards the spire, keeping one avenue of attack against each of them closed. The Death on Six Legs can jump back and forth between the two as needed to fend off enemies trying to outflank them, while you, Scars, can act as an outrider of sorts, sweeping along either side to pick off the creatures as they close in.
>>
No. 529293 ID: 6164e0
>>539308
(Forgot to mention, Scars of Yesterday is no longer finding it hard to breath.)
>>
No. 529294 ID: 6164e0
File 12523540053.jpg - (25.96KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance 7.jpg )
529294
>>539324

I charge to meet the mounted Death On Six Legs, tearing great rents in any of the vile creatures that stand before me as I race towards him. They Might Be Giants is lagging behind, its slower rate of movement a great detriment at the moment.

I am thankful that my breaths come easily once more.

The Mounted Death On Six Legs is fighting valiantly, but the disgusting monsters continue to throw themselves at him, and the numbers are beginning to pile up. I do not know if I can reach him before he is pulled from his mount.


What should I do?
>>
No. 529295 ID: 558cb0
>>539351
Use the boost to get through!
>>
No. 529296 ID: 482c0e
>>539353
Exactly. As the song goes, break on through to the other side! Fend off the surrounding enemies on arrival while waiting for the big guy to join you, then form up as I suggested earlier in here. >>539324
>>
No. 529297 ID: 6164e0
File 125235562256.jpg - (26.16KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance 8.jpg )
529297
>>539353
>>539361
(Aerosmith to boost through enemies!)

I refuse to let these creatures so treat Death On Six Legs.

I remember my fight with T.B. Sheets, and how I could use Aerosmith to make my body a weapon. I clamp my mandibles together tightly to form a deadly spear, and open my spiracles. I will be the spear of KILLER QUEEN, and this is where I shall temper myself into a brilliant weapon for her!

AEROSMITH

I pierce through the appalling beasts, my momentum and sharp mandibles carving a bloody road through my foes. organs and fluids spray about, but it was a success, I have given Death On Six Legs breathing room. He dispatches the one creature still near him after my maneuver.

As I turn to face the spire once more, I see that only a handful more of the vile creatures have come out to defend the spire. Perhaps this is all of their number?

Wait, what is that rumbling?

(cont)
>>
No. 529298 ID: 6164e0
File 125235585670.jpg - (31.94KB , 800x759 , Bigger Vile Creatures.jpg )
529298
(Pic for size comparison)

Several tunnels open in the ground around us, and perhaps a dozen creatures pour out, their scent even more abhorrent. These new aggressors are larger and thicker, even larger than They Might Be Giants by a fair margin! Their bodies are darker, and they look better armored.

Ah, I wish to kill them all, their form and scent are anathema to us! They need to die!

But I did promise KILLER QUEEN I would return safely, and these new creatures do look significantly stronger.


What should I do?
>>
No. 529299 ID: 482c0e
>>539385
Ordered withdrawal, fall back into standoff range until you can size the newcomers up.
>>
No. 529300 ID: 6164e0
File 125235637236.jpg - (27.81KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance 9.jpg )
529300
>>539389
(Tunnels are black, new termites are purple)

And how are we to withdraw?



What should we do?
>>
No. 529302 ID: 482c0e
>>539397
The lone TMGB can make through the gap to the left easily enough, I'd think. Aerosmith-assist the other TMGB (while giving D6L time to grab on tight) in the same direction and group up again as you fall back to the left and away from the swarm.
>>
No. 529303 ID: 06fc25
>>539406

Afterward, have the TMBGs cover your flanks, with the D6L watching the rear. Roar a challenge at the newcomers.
>>
No. 529304 ID: 6164e0
File 125235763630.jpg - (28.01KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance 10.jpg )
529304
>>539406
I order Death On Six Legs to grip his mount as tightly as possible, and he quickly complies. I grab the They Might Be Giants while ordering it to curl itself protectively as I had the other, and open my spiracles wide.

AERO-

It seems one of the new vile creatures has attempted to block our escape to the left! No matter, I will bull our way through! I force even more air to jet out of my spiracles, rapidly applying a second Aerosmith to the first, and shatter the creature as we explode out of the encircling creatures. They may be bigger and better armored, but they still cannot match the durability of They Might Be Giants, it seems.

We...have regrouped.
... hard to....breathe.



What should we do?
>>
No. 529305 ID: 482c0e
>>539418
Fall back a bit and take some time to breathe. Keep the TMBGs facing the enemy as they withdraw, with D6L directing their course. If the big ones persue, keep backpedaling to draw them away from the support of the little buggers.
>>
No. 529307 ID: 6164e0
File 125235864380.jpg - (27.50KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance 11.jpg )
529307
>>539426

.....I....direct Death On...Six Legs to keep the two They.. Might Be Giants together, covering our withdrawal.

Aaah, I can breath without difficulty again.

The newer, larger vile creatures and continue to chase after us, demonstrating surprising speed. They seem built to run in a straight line.

Other than the few of the smaller creatures accompanying the larger ones in their pursuit of us, the rest of the smaller vile creatures are clustering around the spire more tightly. Perhaps they are intending to deter us from attempting to enter.

There was that strangely familiar scent emanating from within the spire...


What should we do?
>>
No. 529308 ID: 482c0e
>>539435
Right then, let the big ants keep withdrawing slowly for the time being to bait the enemy further out. Meanwhile, Scars, try zipping in for a quick attack against the closest of the large ones to test how well you can chomp through its hide. If you can take it down without much trouble, follow up with the second one and then the little guy with them. If it proves difficult, just Aerosmith your way out before you get boxed in.
>>
No. 529309 ID: 6164e0
>>539437
(clarification: when you say zip, do you mean using Aerosmith with closed mandibles to try and puncture the termites, or to conventionally approach and attack, or some combination thereof?)
>>
No. 529310 ID: 482c0e
>>539439
Conventional forward dash and attack, so as not to leave him winded if he needs to Aerosmith later. Sorry about that, shoulda been a little more specific.
>>
No. 529311 ID: 6164e0
File 125236031260.jpg - (27.29KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance 12.jpg )
529311
>>539437
>>539445
(FYI, all the little dots are corpses. The new termites produce different color corpses, hence the new little dot from when you smashed through one.)


I order Death On Six Legs to keep the two They Might Be Giants slowly withdrawing, in the hopes of pulling these new defenders of the spire further from their comrades.

I rush to engage the two that have seperated from the rest of their number, my mandibles aching to rend them asunder. They dwarf me, but their stocky form are not made for precision, and I manage to keep the two from getting solid purchase on my slick carapace.

However, the two are not nearly as weak as their smaller counterparts, and the armor on their heads is particularly durable. I manage to score several shallow gashes on their heads, but it does little to slow them.

...? What's this? The pursuing creatures seem to be slowed trying to crawl through the field of bodies. Hah, it seems that these horrid abominations have a value in death.


What should I do?
>>
No. 529312 ID: 482c0e
>>539451
Attack to disable. See if you can bite through the joints of the one's legs and immobilize it.
>>
No. 529313 ID: 33bb8b
if these creatures are meant to be fast in a straight line, perhaps they have poor agility. attempt to outflank and disable its legs.
>>
No. 529314 ID: 6164e0
>>539457

Hrm, their overly stocky bodies prove useful now, as I cannot easily reach their legs. If I try to attack one from the side, the other goes to cover it. This is frustrating.


What should I do? (only a second or so has passed, so the most recent pic is still accurate of positioning of combatants.)
>>
No. 529315 ID: 482c0e
>>539460
If you maneuver so you've got the two lined up in front of you, you might be able to use a short Aerosmith burst to spear your way through both at once without taking your air supply too heavily.
>>
No. 529316 ID: 482c0e
>>539463
Er, arranging your position so as to let you spearhead towards the left, as opposed the right side which would just leave you closer to the mass of unpleasant things that want to kill you. Forgot to mention that little bit there.
>>
No. 529317 ID: 33bb8b
rolled 9 = 9

single mandible Stoner Sunshine to the face
>>
No. 529318 ID: 6faa8c
>>539467
>>539466
Time for the STONER SMITH
>>
No. 529319 ID: 33bb8b
I would not buy anything from a stoner smith. His products would be of the lowest quality and smell faintly of mushrooms. I would buy from a stone-smith though.

A sunshine smith is probably the sort who farts unicorns and rainbows.
>>
No. 529320 ID: 6faa8c
>>539471
Aeroshine?
>>
No. 529321 ID: 6164e0
File 125236282533.jpg - (27.19KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance 13.jpg )
529321
>>539470
>>539463
>>539467
(COMBINED MANUEVER, ROLL SUCCESS)

I clamp my mandibles shut to once more form myself into a spear, and open my spiracles wide. I use Aerosmith.

The two vile large creatures near me have whatever part of their body are in my path blown off as I carve a bloody path through them, my will and body a singular force destroying all in its path.

I slam through them, and continue onward with my still sizeable momentum, and slam into a third of the beasts. I am brought to a halt, my mandibles plunged deep into its head, the creature already dying.

But I had another Valiance before Aerosmith. I manage to wrench one of my mandibles free, swinging it wide.

It swings shut as the two nearby weighty monsters rush towards me.

STONER SUNSHINE LV[1]

The creature that I impaled explodes, his body ripping to shreds and scattering in the air. Itss to compatriots crash to the ground, writhing as their bodies burst, fluids leaking everywhere. I laid waste to these foes, and while many remain, I hiss of my glory to the world.

Glory.....

!?The outer parts of my mandibles are far sharper than I recall (though I have not cleaned myself since before coming to The Collective.

!!NOTICE!! NEW ABILITY DEVELOPED: Path of Glory. Scars of Yesterday can clamp his jaws tightly together to form a spear, and then propell himself forward with Aerosmith to impale or outright pierce through enemies! This attack has some armor piercing abilities!



What should we do?
>>
No. 529322 ID: 482c0e
>>539474
Backpedal down and to the left. If you've got their attention, they'll end up drifing into a vague line which you can spear your way through again. If they're still focused on your companions, that gives you a perfect opportunity to attack them conventionally from the rear.
>>
No. 529323 ID: 6164e0
File 125236410878.jpg - (27.95KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance 14.jpg )
529323
>>539480
I withdraw, trying to pull the remaining larger creatures into a more concentrated cluster so that I can employ Path of Glory on them.

...They follow, but seem to be staying somewhat loosely spread. I would be hard pressed to hit more than one with Path of Glory. They seem to be adapting to attacks I display often enough.

The smaller creatures by the spire do not seem to be doing anything but further huddling to defend the spire from our approach.

WHAT!? Three more tunnels have opened up in the ground, but not near me: these new tunnels are around Death On Six Legs and the two They Might Be Giants!


What should we do?
>>
No. 529324 ID: 482c0e
>>539487
Hmm. Time to withdraw completely from the field, I think. The numbers are rather stacked against you at the moment, and most of their combatants are fresh and ready, whilst you four have been scrapping it up for a bit now. Better to return for some food and rest than risk being overtaxed and overrun. And hey, you can always remember this particular spire and come back to investigate it later when you've recovered, since The Metal obviously isn't going anywhere and can't challenge you until you visit the arena again.
>>
No. 529325 ID: 6164e0
>>539492
(If Scars of Yesterday and his Honor Guard are to withdraw, I'll need to see that is the general consensus of the posters, since once you leave all those carcasses will no longer be here, yours to claim.)
>>
No. 529326 ID: 482c0e
>>539500
Fair enough, Bob. For the benefit of the rest of you lot following this, the way I see it, the initial purpose of coming out to the Crucible in the first place was accomplished, being getting stronger and/or learning some new tricks. Corpses are incidental, and more can always be made with the next visit, but lingering to the point of getting killed is rather counterproductive to the whole effort. Whereas currently, we've got a new technique out of the deal, and a handy one at that, so to me it seems a fair tradeoff to leave the spoils of war behind in exchange for a clean getaway. Elements of the honor guard can't be replaced here, after all, so even if Scars did hold out and manage to escape after further conflict, he'd only be returning with a diminished supporting force, which would make things that much more difficult on subsequent visits.
>>
No. 529327 ID: 49667a
>>539500
Your primary goal is to return to the Queen alive. Even if these are the Queen's enemies and fighting them will make you stronger and provide a new food source, you cannot stay without increasing the danger to unacceptable levels.

You must fulfill your primary goal.
>>
No. 529328 ID: 9891a9
>>539500
I'll also motion that we withdraw.
>>
No. 529329 ID: 6164e0
>>539492
>>539512
>>539519
This is getting us nowhere, and the risk level is rising. I have gained a new ability, a new way to use one of my two valiances, and for now, that must suffice.

I am still curious about what that familiar smell is, but for now, we must withdraw. We pull back, and shortly after leaving the open field, the vile creatures cease trying to follow us and return to the spire, setting to refilling the tunnels they opened and bringing their dead inside.

Should I do anything more here, or should I venture back to The Collective? If back to the collective, where specifically should we go?
>>
No. 529330 ID: 482c0e
>>539521
Back to The Collective and your room, get everyone some chow and recovery time.
>>
No. 529331 ID: 6164e0
>>539524
I lead my group back to The Collective, the short trip uneventful. Once I enter the main chamber, I see nearly all the inhabitants heading towards The Fight Song. Hundreds of the identical small creatures that seem to run the bank and arena are hopping about. One lands near us, and releases a pheromone message before hopping away.

'Come one, come all, a Special Event is about to start! Metallica has challenged The Big O in a fight for the title of Heavyweight Champion! Come one, come all, enjoy the fight as honored guests!'

Metallica has challenged someone?


I and my party are battered, hungry and weary, but this... this will likely be a glorious battle to witness.


What should I do?
>>
No. 529332 ID: 482c0e
>>539530
Tempting as it would be to watch, you don't want to risk The Metal challenging you right now while you're weakened. You can at least get a play-by-play from the Flash afterward, so for now, onward to food and rest.
>>
No. 529333 ID: 6164e0
>>539533
(Flash has orders to watch The Metal fight. If you do not go to see the fight now, you will not get to find out anything more than the outcome.)
>>
No. 529334 ID: 1d375b
You cant miss this. Metal will probably be watching as well so probably will not have to worry about him for the moment.
>>
No. 529335 ID: 6faa8c
Let us cheer on our battle brother! Who knows, maybe he got fed up with Metal's shit.

lol is metallica kills The Metal.
>>
No. 529337 ID: 120ca8
>>539543
The proud warrior does not let intimidation and bullying force him into inaction.

Go watch your brother in arms, show your support.
>>
No. 529338 ID: 9891a9
>>539543

We must see how Metallica does, for if such a great warrior were to die it would be a shame that we did not get to witness it. Onward to The Fight Song.
>>
No. 529339 ID: 06fc25
Go watch the fight. Have the scout bring you and your posse some food.
>>
No. 529341 ID: 6164e0
File 12523709409.jpg - (130.15KB , 1152x866 , The Big O.jpg )
529341
>>539536
>>539541
>>539545
>>539547
>>539549
(FUCK THE METAL, LETS WATCH METALLICA FIGHT)

The Metal spoke of challenging me the next time I cam to The Fight Song. But if I go as a simple spectator this time, I should be safe.

Besides, if Metallica is not already the champion, that would mean his foe might well be even stronger. This.... is not something I care to miss.

I lead our weary group into The Fight Song, working our way into the seething mass of prospective viewers. It seems that untold thousands have shown up to watch this fight, and the choke of bodies is immense. But the dense crowd is all streaming towards the same place, so we drift with the flow of the group, sure it will lead us to our desired destination.

Down, down, down, we work our way along a massive tunnel that spirals ever downward.

Eventually we perceive light coming from before us, and soon the tunnel open onto an incredible chamber, nearly the size of the entire central chamber. There are already thousands of all shapes and sizes here, finding places to settle in the vast chamber. ....I see The Metal far off in the distance, only able to tell it is The Metal by it's distinctive reflective sheen of blue and purple, and the somewhat wide berth afforded to it. He does not notice me, his gaze fixed on the center of the chamber, where the sloping floor levels out after a short drop.

And there I see him, Metallica, in all his resplendent glory. He is pacing about, flicking his head from side to side, lifting and flexing his legs while opening and closing his shell in rhythmic cycles.

And who is The Big O? I sweep my eyes across the center of the chamber, and-

Oh.

The black shape sharing the center of the central chamber with Metallica is.... I have no means of describing it's scale. Even Metallica is dwarfed by this form, The Big O at least double his size.


This.....I am happy I chose to come here in spite of The Metal's threats. This will be a fight the like of which is rarely equaled, two titans clashing in a match of strength, skill and perseverance.
>>
No. 529342 ID: 482c0e
>>539565
Because it has to be said...
Big O...SHOWTIME!
>>
No. 529343 ID: 6faa8c
>>539565
FUCK YES BEETLE FIGHT
>>
No. 529344 ID: 6164e0
File 125237170214.jpg - (83.06KB , 500x388 , Metallica Answers.jpg )
529344
I look to the ceiling, and see glowing plant matter growing in the rocks above, letting out a soft red light. It makes Metallica's crimson jaws starkly visible from any distance, but somewhat obscured his foe's form.... or would, if it was not the size of a small mountain.

One of the small creatures is barely visible despite it bright coloration in the middle of the chamber between the two titans. It releases a powerful set of pheromones that drifts through the crowd.

'This one is proud to present the heavyweight championship fight between the title holder, The Big O, and the challenger, Metallica. May both honored combatants fight to their fullest!'

CONTROL HAS SWITCHED TO METALLICA
>>
No. 529345 ID: ed8d8a
>>539576
HWAAAAA?

What can he even do? only things we know are [Stag Beetle Powers] and regenerate.
>>
No. 529346 ID: 120ca8
>>539576
Aww, we have to play the fight instead of being able to watch it?
>>
No. 529347 ID: 482c0e
>>539576
*cracks knuckles* All right, time for a clash of the titans! We already know subtlety isn't Metallica's thing, so this calls for the direct approach. Charge!
>>
No. 529348 ID: 6164e0
>>539580
>>539580
Metallica:

As a Stag Beetle, has a phenomenally durable and weighty body, larger than most insects.

Metallica has become particularly adept at aerial manuever by using his shell and throwing his weight about to pretty much always be able to land on his feet.

Valiances:
Fuel: Slow regenerative ability. Cracks in his carapace will heal passively, and even lost limbs can be regenerated with enough time and food. However, the ability cannot replace lost mass, so any fluids lost or limbs lost in the fight are not coming back.

Slayer: The spikes on the inside of his massive mandibles can release caustic agents. This can only be used when the mandibles are in direct contact with something.

No Time: Metallica can completely close his spiracles and enter a breathless state, and for a short while can act with much more alacrity and with faster reflexes than normal. However, this ability exacts a toll, and fatigues Metallica for a short period after No Time expires.

Legend of Steel: Metallica's mandibles are completely indestructible by conventional means.

Massive Attack: If Metallica can dig his legs in to sufficiently brace himself and has his mandibles around something, he can cause his mandibles to vibrate at high speeds, severely shaking and rattling whatever he grasps. The attack is most effective against foes held in the air.

Rage: Metallica grows stronger the more wounded he gets, but he also becomes less capable of using other Valiances as Rage builds. A passive ability.


ZEHAHA-huh? Voices in me head? Bah, whatever. I got me a good fight here.


Got any thoughts on what I should do?
>>
No. 529349 ID: 6faa8c
>lost limbs can be regenerated
>limbs lost in the fight are not coming back.

Which one is it?

Also, to Metallica: CHARGE
>>
No. 529350 ID: 482c0e
>>539589
Note the lost mass bit. Means he's gotta eat and such before he's able to grow back any bits.
>>
No. 529351 ID: 6164e0
>>539589
(Clarification: They will grow back, but not during the fight, since the regeneration process takes time and food, neither of which are available during a fight. Hope that clears it up.)

>>539589
>>539583
Pfft, like I would have done anything else.

I charge The Big O as he does the same, both our forms colliding in the middle of the arena. There is a brief but fierce struggle as both of us try to grasp each other by the head in our jaws/horns while fending off our opponent's attempts to do the same, but shortly a deadlock is reached, both of us locked together by our inter-tangled horns.

Well, that was about how I expected this to start.

...Pfaw. I was right, The Big O IS stronger than me. It isn't happening quickly, but he is definitely pushing me back. I can't get my feet dug in well enough to halt him.

Alright, little voices, what do you figure I should do?
>>
No. 529353 ID: 6faa8c
>>539595
Slayer if the positioning is good enough to pull it off, otherwise, try to manuevery under him so you can toss him.
>>
No. 529354 ID: 482c0e
>>539595
Wrench sharply to one side, do a quick hop into the air and down again for good measure. Maybe you can snap part of one of his horns, at least.
>>
No. 529355 ID: 6164e0
>>539602
Eh, couldn't hurt.
>>539603
ZEHAHA, if I do both of these....

I activate Slayer, letting acids and whatnot leak onto my foe's shell.

He's done his homework, he knows what this is.

And I'm countin' on it.

As The Big O tries to pull loose, he has to relax his grip. A change in positioning that is anticipated is a time of weakness.

I twist me jaws as hard as I can, pullin' and wrenchin' to the side. Even as I do this, I stop tryin' ta dig inta the ground with me legs, and make a brief hop, pulling on The Big O's horns as I rise and fall.

...I definitely heard something crack.

But he didn't become champ for nothing. As I come back to the ground, He digs his feet in and heaves, slamming me against the ground before I was ready to land.

Ow.

He seems set on slammin' me about, and I'm pretty sure he could bust me up good in the time it would take Slayer ta eat through his horns.


What do yah voices think I should do?
>>
No. 529356 ID: 6faa8c
>>539607
Try to dodge so you can slam him from the side, preferebly flipping him onto his back.

Also, what are the specific rules here? Fun or Profit-like?
>>
No. 529357 ID: 482c0e
>>539607
Back up a bit and put yourself against a wall, see if you can get him to charge ya. If he does, jink aside and see how well that weakened horn stands up to a sudden impact with all his mass behind it!
>>
No. 529358 ID: 6164e0
>>539610
The rules are just like fer Fun, but whoever wins gets the title, and a prize of 25 units of Bohemian Rhapsody for their trouble. Not a bad arrangement.

>>539610
>>539611
Huh. That sounds like it might work.

I let go of his horns as he moves to start tossin' me about again, and start tryin' ta circle 'round 'im.

His shell slams open, smackin' me in the jaw. It don't really hurt, but it distracted me for a sec, and now he's chargin' at me.

Well, you voices wanted me to try and get him to run intah the wall, right?

I back up as fast as I can, gettin' the wall behind me just as he's about ta skewer me.

I jump up and to the side, avoidin' that pesky horn.

ZEHA, it worked, he hit the wall, he-

Ah. He broke the stone wall with his horn. Durable bugger. He's lookin at me, and I can see in his beady eyes that he didn't like that much.

But I can definitely see a good sized crack in his horn, runnin' the whole length of it.


What do yah little voices think I should do?
>>
No. 529359 ID: 6faa8c
>>539616
Keep up the wall-ramming business until he either gets wise to it, or loses his horn.

Or lock horns again!
>>
No. 529360 ID: 482c0e
>>539616
Charge up and see if you can get your mandibles around his horn while he's still getting oriented back on you, bracing yourself against the undamaged part of the wall. Get stuck in and then MASSIVE ATTACK on that horn!
>>
No. 529361 ID: 6164e0
>>539620
I try eggin' 'im on ta charge me again, but no dice. He ain't falling for it again.

Fine. It was a wussy way to fight anyway.

Face to face, straightforward and direct. That's what I like most, and that is what I'm gonna give 'im.

I charge him again. We meet once more in the middle of the chamber, and both set into a flurry of frenzied movement as we bash our horns and jaws about, lookin' for a good grip.

It ends quick, and once more we're in a stalemate, and once more I can feel him slowly pushing me back toward the wall. ZEHAHA, not often I find myself outclassed in brute force.

....Hm. That horn o' his looks a fair bit cracked, but I figure he's gonna be ready if I try the same tricks as before.


What do ya voices think I should do?
>>
No. 529363 ID: 482c0e
>>539632
Use that against him. Pop Slayer again, and if he jumps back and raises his horn out of reach as is likely, charge in under his guard and see what you can ram into while he's exposed.
>>
No. 529364 ID: 6164e0
>>539646
Tricky thinkin' but yer still suggestin' a contest o' strength. Fair enough.

I activate Slayer again, and it only is a few moments before he notices the acid eating into his horn. He-

WOHOHOAH!

He just set his head and threw me! Not exactly what I was expectin'. I'm airborne for a time, but that's fine, I flare my shells and change my orientation, landin' fine and pretty. Now, lets-

Huh. He put one of his legs on me. Wonder why he-wait, since when did he have spiracle-dealies on his legs? What's The Big O up to?


What should I do, little voices?
>>
No. 529365 ID: 482c0e
>>539662
Stay airborne for a moment, try to stay behind him or at least out of ready view. Whatever might happen, you probably don't want to be in a direct line with it. Be ready to use No Time in case of sudden need to evade.
>>
No. 529366 ID: 6164e0
>>539663
(Metallica has already landed. Please rephrase suggestion to not involve breaking causality.)
>>
No. 529367 ID: 482c0e
>>539664
Oh, whoops. Missed that bit, beggin' yer pardon sir.

Right then, take to the air again, THEN circle around out of his field of vision. Preferably behind him, or directly above and slightly to the rear. Keeping the No Time evasion in mind if need be.
>>
No. 529368 ID: 6164e0
>>539672
Yeah, yer right, I don't like this. He wouldn't put his leg on me for no reason.

Fine, I'll just take to the air for a bit, and take stock.

Huh. The spiracles on his leg are open.

I open my shell an-

I'm thrown to the ground before I really know what happened. I feel lopsided.

WHAT!... Well, my shell is gone on one side. Don't know what trick he just pulled, but that packed a punch. If I hadn't been openin' my wings to get away, he woulda done that to my thorax. Lucky break I guess, but this is still pretty serious. Still don't know how he did it.


!!THE BIG O HAS SHATTERED METALLICA'S RIGHT SHELL COVER FOR HIS WINGS! METALLICA IS NO LONGER ARMORED ON HIS RIGHT SIDE!!

Alright voices, ya got any ideas?
>>
No. 529369 ID: 6faa8c
>>539683
HOLY FUCK. I should have seen that coming, Metallica, but here's the deal with his Valiance: He can use air to cause MASSIVE impact with his legs! With that in mind, be very, very, careful about his limbs.
>>
No. 529370 ID: 6164e0
>>539685
...Okay. A little late, but at least I know what this Valiance does. Sneaky bastard, that's either new or he's been hiding it.

...Then again, I haven't advertised my Massive Attack Valiance. That would probably catch him by surprise.

But how the hell can I use it on him? If I attack from the front, he can overpower me and throw me. If I attack from the side, he has this new trick of his.

Hrm. Not sure what to do. You voices got any idea?
>>
No. 529371 ID: 6faa8c
>>539689
It's cowardly, but if he lets you get behind him, he deserves it...
So you need to be burrowed in, huh? What if you get far enough away to dig in before he can reach you? That might work...
>>
No. 529372 ID: 482c0e
>>539689
Charge toward him and make it obvious, force him to brace back for the impact or countercharge. In either case, before you hit, use No Time to sideslip and see if you can get your mandibles around that trick leg of his, making sure to keep out of its line of fire, and then Massive Attack that sucker right off!
>>
No. 529373 ID: 6164e0
>>539695
....Huh. If I can't set myself when we're grapplin' and tusslin', why not just set meself and let 'im come to me?

Not a bad idea.

I dart away from The Big O as he tries to stab my with his cracked horn, and open up a bit o. distance. Unsure what I'm doin', he doesn't pursue me immediately.


Hrm. Where should I set myself, roughly speakin'? Near or far from the wall?
>>
No. 529374 ID: 6164e0
>>539698
(ALL of The Big O's legs have the spiracles, FYI)
>>
No. 529375 ID: 482c0e
>>539699
Far from the wall. If you're close to it he'll figure you're trying to set him up for another impact.
>>
No. 529376 ID: 6faa8c
>>539699
Right next to the wall with your back to it. That way he can't hammer behind your jaws without opening himself up.
>>
No. 529377 ID: 482c0e
>>539700
...And I REALLY should've seen that blast coming, with the name he's got. Those Sudden Impact piledrivers... *facepalm* I'm losin' my touch here.
>>
No. 529378 ID: 6faa8c
>>539705
To be fair, the beetle is missing the rather notable pipes on his legs.
>>
No. 529379 ID: 6164e0
>>539702
>>539703
(opposed answers)

Right then, like before, general consensus time.
>>
No. 529380 ID: 6faa8c
>>539709
It appears that I must change my vote, then...
>>
No. 529381 ID: f78140
>>539709
far from the wall.
>>
No. 529382 ID: 6164e0
>>539702
>>539731
>>539733
(Far from Wall)

Eh, you voices are probably right. I bet if I tried to set up at the wall, he'd think I was waitin' for him ta charge like last time, and wouldn't bother.

I dig my feet in deep, securing myself to the floor. I look to The Big O.

....He doesn't look ready to bite. If I don't get him to charge me, he might try circlin' to the side, and I can't turn without losin' my braced state.


You voices got any idea on how ta get 'im ta charge me? Appeal to his sense o' strength, piss him off, whatever.
>>
No. 529383 ID: 482c0e
>>539735
Buzz your wings without taking flight, that'll should send a nice little gust of dirt into his face and maybe piss 'im off into acting without thinking first.
>>
No. 529384 ID: 6faa8c
>>539735
Hurl insults, talk about how a tiny ant was a harder fight, etc.
>>
No. 529385 ID: 6164e0
>>539736
>>539737
I can work with this.

'Pfft. I fought an ant a while ago that was harder than you, he fought me without hesitation or concern for his own safety. Compared to him, yer a coward.'

As the message sinks in, I open my wings and beat at the air, hurlin' dust and rocks at The Big O as I feint an attempt to take to the sky.

It worked. He charges me at full speed, closing the gap in the blink of an eye.
We clash, and this time I do not budge. He seems to realize something is wrong as instead of jockeyin' for a grasp of his head I simply grip his cracked horn.

Too late.

I tense, heavin' him into the air as I use his momentum against him. He has nothin' to leverage himself against, and is suspended above the ground solely by my grip on his horn, which he can do nothin' about. Time to pay 'im back for breakin' my shell.

MASSIVE ATTACK.

There is briefly a high keenin' noise as The Big O's form is blurred from the mighty tremors I send through 'im. But the moment ends as his horn gives, shatterin' and leavin' him nothin' more than an oozin' stump.

He falls to the ground and scrabbles away as I pull my feet from the ground.

Well, he still has the lower horn, but without the larger top horn he doesn't have reach on me, and he's losin' fluids at a good rate from the gapin' wound..


What should I do?
>>
No. 529387 ID: 6faa8c
>>539746
CHARGE AGAIN

Press that advantage, twist the pain and stun he has to force him into submission!
>>
No. 529388 ID: 482c0e
>>539746
Good job, big guy. Press your advantage as he's retreating, kick into No Time and dash along side of him to trip his legs up with your horns, then clamber atop his back and just do what comes naturally.
>>
No. 529389 ID: 6164e0
>>539749
(CHARGE)
>>539750
(TIME FOR NO TIME)

Yer right. I got him off balance, and I should press the advantage. Besides, he still has that damn trick he can do with his legs.

Ooookay. Here we go. Aaaaaah...(deep inhalation)

NO TIME.

IRUSHFORWARDSLAMMINMYHEADANDJAWSINTOHIMTRYINTOKEEPHIMHURTOFFBALANCEHEISSTAGGEREDANDGOESTOONESIDEISEEALEGNOTHELDCLOSEIGRASPITWITHMYJAW
SITAKEHISLEGHEREACHESFORMEWITHALEGIDODGEITIDONOTWISHTOGETHITWITHTHATVALIANCEAGAINILUNGEBACKINANDBULLINTOHISSIDEHEISROCKEDBACKANDSKIDS
INTOTHEWALLHISSIDEWITHTHEMISSINLEGTOME

(I am starting to get a bit fatigued)


WHATSHOULDIDONOWLITTLEVOICESIMUSTDECIDEONMYNEXTACTQUICKLYANDDECISIVELYYERSUGGESTIONSCOULDHELP.
>>
No. 529390 ID: 482c0e
>>539752
Close in and see if you can wrap your mandibles around his head while he's still reeling, use a brief Massive Attack as a threat to make him yield.

And remember to breathe!
>>
No. 529391 ID: 6faa8c
>>539752
TAKE THE LEG FACING YOU

THE VALIANCE IS PAIN, REMOVE THE PAIN
>>
No. 529393 ID: 6164e0
>>539754
(Clarification: Any attempt to breathe disengages No Time and initiates the withdrawal period wherein Metallica's senses are slowed by the same amount they were accelerated, and temporarily lessens his speed. If that is what you wish him to do, please say so.)
>>
No. 529394 ID: 482c0e
>>539757
All the more reason to make him yield before Metallica has to breathe again!
>>
No. 529395 ID: ed8d8a
Whatever else occurs, try to flip him onto his back before you need to breathe and recover. hopefully he will be too occupied with righting himself to press the advantage of your slowness.
>>
No. 529396 ID: 6164e0
>>539754
IRUSHHIMKEEPINTHEPRESSUREUPANDTRYTOGRABHISHEADATHREATOFAMASSIVEATTACKTOHISHEADSHOULDMAKEHIMYIELDBUTHEANTICIPATESITKEEPSREMAININGHORNI
NTHEWAYANDCANTGETPASTHORNWITHOUTEXPOSINGYSELFTOHISLEGSANDTHEVALIANCETHATTOOKHALFOFMYSHELL

>>539755
ISWITCHTOTRYINGTOTAKEHISLEGSBUTHEKEEPSTHEMFLAILINGENOUGHICANTGETAGOODGRIPTHISISTAKINGTOOLONGIAMSTARTINGTORUNOUTOFAIR

>>539760
IABANDONATTEMPTSTOMAKEHIMYIELDORTAKEHISLEGSFORTHEMOMENTANDSIMPLYBULLINTOHIMHETRIESTOGETHISLEGSPLACEDONMETOUSETHATPESKYVALIANCEOFHISBU
TIAMTOOFASTNOWIGETMYJAWSUNDERHIMANDFLIPHIMONHISBACKMAKINGSURETOPUSHHIMAWAYFROMTHEWALLSOHECANTRIGHTHIMSELFEASILY

IAMGETTINGCLOSETOMYOPERATINGLIMITOFNOTIMEISHOULDPROBABLYDISENGAGEITSOON

LITTLEVOICESINMYHEADWHATDOYOUTHINKISHOULDDONOW?
>>
No. 529397 ID: 6faa8c
>>539765
Disengage!
>>
No. 529398 ID: 482c0e
>>539765
If he's on his back, fly up above him and use what remains of your No Time to accelerate downward and AIRSTRIKE that sucker!
>>
No. 529399 ID: 6164e0
>>539769
THATWOULDPLACEMEINCONTENTIONWITHALLFIVEREMAININLEGSIDONOTTHINKICOULDDODGEALLOFTHEMATONCE

>>539768
OKAYAAAaaaaaahhh. Aaaaaaahhhhh......

Oh... that sure does take it out o' ya. Well, I have a bit of time before he can right himself, which is good, since I can't move all that quickly right now, and my head is a bit slow from No Time.


Geh....do you voices think I should do anything? Kinda hard to think right now.
>>
No. 529400 ID: 6faa8c
>>539774
Dig in again, near the wall, and wait for your head to clear.
>>
No. 529401 ID: 6164e0
>>539778
...Ok. That sounds good. Don't need to do much then. Suits me fine right now. I need a breather.

I approach the surroundin' wall, and turn about, facin' the center o' the chamber as I dig my feet in. I finish at about the time The Big O manages to right himself by flaring open his shell.

He's staring at me, and doesn't look too sure he can win now. Good, I wiped that smug scent off him.

....Huh. He looks like he is doin' somethin' funny with his mouth.


Should I do anything?
>>
No. 529402 ID: 6faa8c
>>539781
Oh shit.

MOVE IT OH GOD HYPER BEAM AAAAAAA
>>
No. 529403 ID: 482c0e
>>539781
Get ready to move, Metallica, he might be about to spit something at you.
>>
No. 529404 ID: 482c0e
>>539789
HE'S A-CHARGIN' HIS LAZER
>>
No. 529405 ID: 6164e0
>>539789
>>539790
(MOVE)

Ugh, I just dug myself in.

Fine. I start jerking my legs out and-

WOAH. That barely missed me. Wait what the hell was that?

There is an expanding hole billowin' smoke and fumes on the wall behind me.

Wait, did he just spit acid that far and that straight? Those are some powerful muscle contractions he has. So that's TWO Valiances I haven't seen him use or heard of him havin'. I sorta feel honored that he's pullin' out all these tricks, but I really hope those are all he has that aren't passive dealies.

Well, I am mobile again, but I'm faced with a bit o' a problem. I can see The Big O doing those strange chewing motions again, he's probably gettin' ready to do that hi speed acid spit again.

But slowed down as I am right now, I don't think I could avoid him getting a leg on me if I try to close the distance.


My head is still a bit fuzzy, and this is stumpin' me.

What should I do, voices?
>>
No. 529406 ID: 482c0e
>>539792
Try kicking up another burst of dirt with your wings, if there's enough time and you're able to. Blind him, choke him, whatever can keep that acid from flying out or at least make it go off-course!
>>
No. 529407 ID: 6faa8c
And while you're at it, strafe!

You get hit with that, you die!
>>
No. 529408 ID: 6164e0
>>539794
...Right. He needs to see me to aim. I get that. I think my head is startin' to clear up, thinkin' ain't so hard anymore.

Body is still a bit sluggish, though.

I spread my wings again, still a bit off balance from the missin' shell on one side. I kick up a swirl of obscurin' dust and pebbles, maskin' my presence from The Big O.

>>539795
Wait. This means I can't see the attack comin' either. Okay. Better move then.


Hrm, how should I move if I want to avoid gettin' hit by that pesky acid?
>>
No. 529409 ID: 6faa8c
>>539796
Left.
>>
No. 529410 ID: 482c0e
>>539796
Up and forward. The smoke screen should make him hesitate for long enough that you can swing off to the side afterward as long as you keep blowing more dirt up before you lift off. Oh, and while you're at it, try scooping up a mouthful of dirt with a decent-sized pebble for you to wrap your mandibles around and let some Slayer acid coat it, using the dirt to create a corrosive, sticky mudball with a solid core to bomb him with on your way back down.
>>
No. 529411 ID: 6164e0
>>539800
>>539801
(Fly up, left forward. Grab hunk of rock/dirt before taking off as shield/future weapon)

Hoho.... now that's thinkin'. I know my head is clear and my senses ain't dulled now, but even so, I don't think I would o' come up with such a crafty trick.

I wrench a block of rock out of the ground, my mandibles easily more durable than mere stone thanks to Legend of Steel.

I fly up into the air, headin' forward and to the left as I ascend, carryin' a rock larger than my head in my jaws as I kick up even more dust on takeoff.

I feel the rock shudder. Huh. Guess he did know where I was. Good thing I had the shield.

Hrm. I'm airborne, and I have at least a few seconds before The Big O can spit acid again. I have just crested the cloud of obscurin' dust, and carry a large rock with acid on it, the rock growing noticeably lighter as fumes waft away from its front.


What do you think I should do, little voices? You've given alright advice so far.
>>
No. 529412 ID: 6faa8c
>>539802
Slayer up the rock, then drop it on O. with luck, it'll pin him down and eat through his carapace, then we can land on him and force surrender. and if he dies...

Well, even more Valiance for you.
>>
No. 529413 ID: 482c0e
>>539802
Bombs away! If the rock doesn't hit, tuck in and turn yourself into a living missile!
>>
No. 529414 ID: 6164e0
>>539805
(Slayer on rock)

Yeah, why not? More acid could only make it a better weapon, right? I activate Slayer and let my own acids start to flow and drip onto the rock I hold as I finally get a clear view o' The Big O.

He seems surprised ta see me in one piece, as he was a pretty hot shot to hit me through the dust cloud (well, hit the rock, but he didn't know that until now). I see he knows what I intend. Doesn't change anythin'.

I dive at him, dropping the twice acid coated rock once I'm lined up right. It smashes into his shell, and the caustic agents get splashed onto him even as he is jolted by the impact.

ZEHAHAHA, doesn't look like he likes that much at all.

Hm. I could probably dive straight into 'im right now at a good speed, and even though he is a good bit bigger 'en me, I think I could probably crack that acid coated shell of his right and proper.

Then again, I don't know what his acid can do to me mandibles. Legend of Steel just makes them impossible to break with force, doesn't mean acid could eat 'em away.


What do you think, little voices: What should I do?
>>
No. 529415 ID: 6faa8c
>>539807
Zip about where you are and wait for the acid to evaporate and etch his shell, dodging spittle. Once it's gone, CHARGE.
>>
No. 529416 ID: 6164e0
(I am going to have to stop here, it is sleep time for me. Please keep posting any things you want Metallica to hear, I'll check them all tomorrow when I start up. I should start up some time between 8-10am Pacific. See ya.)
>>
No. 529417 ID: f78140
>>539814
i just looked up what a cord of wood is. i am amazed you are still updating after cutting 8x8x8 feet of wood.
>>
No. 529418 ID: 6164e0
>>539818
(Yeah, if that hadn't been straight worked lumber that splits easy, I would have been there at least all day, and my back would have disintegrated. Pfft, 'some' wood my ass.)

>>539811
....Yeah, thats probably safest.

After all, I would prefer to not get any more wounded right now. Okay, I start circling about in the middle of the chamber, stayin' airborne until the acid has finished eatin' its way through The Big O's shell before diving at him.

....Hrm. It's a great deal harder to stay airborne then I thought it would be. That missin' shell is really throwin' off my balance, and while I am not movin' slow from it anymore, No Time certainly took a bite out of my energy.

....I'm starting to lose altitude, and there is still acid on The Big O's shell.


Okay little voices, do you figure I should dive at him now while I'm still airborne or should I land and not fuss with it? 'Cuz those are lookin like my only options at the moment.
>>
No. 529419 ID: ed8d8a
Dive only if you think you can keep your feet out of it after impact. This is a good advantage to press, but if it is not enough to end the fight, you don't want your mobility and bracing ability reduced from having to nurse your legs along.
>>
No. 529420 ID: 6164e0
>>539863
Little voice, I think ye misunderstand me.

I'm not intendin' to dive on 'im and LAND, I'm intendin' ta dive face first, and BREAK HIM.

I intend ta slam my durable mandibles inta 'im and either kill 'im outright or cripple 'im. I ain't playin' around, bein' all nice and such here.

But If I do that, I will get at least a bit o' that acid on me mandibles in the process. Still don't know how Legend of Steel will stand up to acid, though.


So little voices, should I dive at The Big O and try to end this now, or land and avoid that acid on his shell?
>>
No. 529421 ID: ed8d8a
>>539864
No, no, I understand perfectly. I am simply keeping contingencies in mind. He has surprised you before after all. How many supposed finishing blows have been struck in this fight thus far? In any event, your horn will take longer to eat through than most things, so unless his shell is completely acid proof, you should still come out ahead there. Just try not to get it all over you.
>>
No. 529422 ID: 6164e0
>>539868
ZEHAHA, I like your plans, little voices.

Now lets see who breaks first!

I dive down into The Big O's acid-etched and still smokin' shell, my mandibles held only slightly appart to strike both sides o' his shell at the same time.

CRACK

I rebound off o' him as his already weakened shell shatters, sendin' shrapnel all over the place. A few pieces bounce off o' me harmlessly as I land about a dozen inches from 'im. Hah, I broke off most o' his shell on both sides, he only has stubs left to protect his back now. Oh-ho, that looks like it hurt, he's reelin' about, hissin', clickin' and clackin'.


......Hrm. I did get some o' that acid on me mandibles. Some thin wisps o' smoke and fumes are comin' off already, and I can see little pits gettin' etched in me jaws. So it seems that this acid o' his IS potent enough to bypass Legend of Steel. Crap.


If you voices have any ideas on how to not lose my mandibles, now would be the time.
>>
No. 529423 ID: 954933
>>539869
Just a thought - might Massive Attack shake the acid off of your mandibles, or is it too late for that?

If so, then exploit his weakness and get in there!

Secondary plan: Just bury your mandibles in him to get the acid elsewhere/dilute it with his own fluids. Brutal, but effective.
>>
No. 529424 ID: 6164e0
>>539871
ZEHAHA, I like both of those plans!

...Actually, I'm not sure which one I like more.

I could probably get the acid off easy with Massive Attack (quick thinkin', that), but on the other hand, if I can get close enough to put my mandibles in The Big O, that would probably dilute the acid enough I wouldn't have to worry about it. Would still need to get past those pesky legs of his, though.

....Crap. Some of the acid has messed with my Slayer Valiance. I don't think I can use it for the rest of the fight.

Well, I've been beaten about a bit, and Rage is starting to settle in. I can feel myself gettin' stronger, but my other Valiances are goin' to start sufferin' for it.


What do you think, voices: Should I use Massive Attack to try and shake the acid off, or should I try to get close and plunge my jaws into The Big O's exposed back?
(VOTAN TIME)
>>
No. 529426 ID: 06fc25
I say use Massive Attack while you still can.
>>
No. 529427 ID: 954933
>>539873
Why do one when you can do BOTH?

Go for him with Massive Attack, and if he tries to leg you, just climb/jump over that thing and get on his back. Then go to town.

Either way, you're de-acidified and he's in pain. Win-win!
>>
No. 529428 ID: 6164e0
>>539879
(Massive Attack requires Metallica to take some time to brace himself by digging in. Since The Big O is a distance away, and standing still long enough to brace himself close enough to The Big O to use Massive Attack would almost definitely end with The Big O getting a leg or two on Metallica, the two choices are mutually exclusive.)
>>
No. 529429 ID: 954933
>>539882
Ooh, my bad. Sorry!

Changing my vote to pressing the assault, then - don't give him time to recover if you can get an attack in that will also dilute the acid. Plus, if you brace yourself, that leaves you too open to an attack if he puts on a sudden burst of speed.
>>
No. 529430 ID: 954933
>>539888
Crap, sorry for the double post, but sudden burst of inspiration.

Could we Massive Attack to get the acid off, and then transition that into a feint - do it just close enough to him that he has to take the bait to get a leg on us? If we're ready for him to do that, we could just tear that leg right off. That'd unbalance him even more!
>>
No. 529431 ID: 6164e0
>>539897
(It would be pretty accurate to only think of Massive Attack as a counter or a trap. The amount of time it takes to set up [digging in and bracing] is too great to use close to your opponent: They have to come to you after you dig in, or else the setup backfires because of how much time it takes. Three to five seconds of digging in is way too much time to be standing around in melee range. And then there is the time period of getting Metallica's legs back out of the ground. It packs a crazy punch, but it suffers from how long it takes to set up and then disengage.)

(MORE VOTES REQUIRED, SCORE TIED)
>>
No. 529432 ID: ed8d8a
honestly, I'd be worried about the standing still portion of Massive Attack resulting in Acid To The Face Attack on his part. I know he telegraphs that move pretty far in advance, but it is still a concern.
>>
No. 529433 ID: 6faa8c
CHARGE
>>
No. 529434 ID: 6164e0
>>539888
>>539902
(CHARGE THAT FUCK)

ZEHAHA, you're brutal little voices!

I like ya.

I dash forward, buildin' up speed as I go. The Big O sees my approach, but he can do little to stop it, still recovering from losin' his shell.

I slam into 'im, plungin' me mandibles into his now unarmored side. Ichor and gore coat me mandibles and splatter on the ground. I got 'im good with this one.

!?CRAP! He got a leg on me while I'm still stuck in his side! I can't-

.....well, there goes my front left leg. Damn, that attack is a pain.


Well, I still have me mandibles stuck in 'im, and now I'm oozin' a bit from my new stump.

Rage is building and I'm getting even stronger, but I figure I can use my other Valiances about two more times before Rage renders me unable to use them anymore for this fight.

My jaws are still stuck in his side pretty good, but I could wrench them out. Thanks to his size, even this wound probably won't kill him any time soon. The Big O looks to be maneuvering to get a leg on me again.


What do you voices think I should do?
>>
No. 529435 ID: f78140
>>539905
No Time, Massive attack, Massive attack, Massive attack, Massive attack, Massive attack, eat your delicious and well earned meal.
>>
No. 529436 ID: 954933
>>539905
Would No Time allow you to brace yourself for Massive Attack quicker? If so, and if Slayer is still definitely out of commission, here's my suggestion:

Use your mounting strength and leverage from having your mandibles stuck in him to jerk him around a little bit - maybe slam him against a wall or the floor or something to throw off his getting a leg on you.

Then activate No Time, and use your speed to dodge his attacks while continuing to smack him against random things to disorient him.

Finish him off with a Massive Attack while he can't counter, while using your Rage-given strength to lift him up for MAXIMUM IMPACT. It'll look awesome too, you lifting up something that much bigger than you.

The key here is to keep him on the ropes so he doesn't have time to get a leg on you - you're smaller than him, but you're also going to be stronger than him. Use both to your advantage! Remember the example of Scars of Yesterday - size doesn't matter, only HEART!
>>
No. 529437 ID: 6164e0
>>539907
(Use up two remaining Valiances now, Massive Attack and No Time)

....Yer right, voices, I don't need to brace if my mandibles are surrounded by soft fleshy tissues.

MASSIVE ATTACK

Well, that seemed to have worked pretty well. I just made those two sizeable punctures in The Big O's side a whole lot bigger, and freed my mandibles in the process. Looks like The Big O is really hurting from that, and is leaning to the heavily wounded side now.

I dance back a bit to stay out of range o' his pesky legs, and get ready to use No Time again. Shit, usin' it twice in succession like this hurts like a bitch. If I don't finish this soon, I could be in an even worse state than The Big O during No Time's cool down, and it will last even longer this time

Whatever, I didn't get where I am by bein' a coward. Okay. Aaaaaaaaaahh...

NO TIME


OKAYVOICESWHATSHOULDIDOTHEBIGOISWOUNDEDBADLYBUTHEISNTDONEYETMYMISSINGLEGLOWERSMYMANEUVERABILITYABITBUTTHESPEEDBOOSTSHOULDRENDERTHATAM
INORMATTERFORTHEMOMENT.
>>
No. 529439 ID: 954933
>>539914
Use your speed to evade his legs and go for another unarmored spot while he's paying attention to where you wounded him - back, neck, underbelly! You're getting strong now - RIP AND TEAR!

That, or just go for his legs on the wounded side and start tearing them off, if you think you can get them off without being hit by whatever his Valiance is while you're under the effects of No Time. That'll unbalance him really badly, and hopefully win you the fight.
>>
No. 529440 ID: 6164e0
>>539915
IDARTINCLOSELOOKINGTOEITHERHITHIMINANUNARMOREDSPOTTHEWOUNDONHISSIDEORTOTAKESOMEMOREOFTHOSEDAMNEDLEGSIDONTWANTTOGETHITAGAINHETRIESTOFE
NDMEOFFLIKELASTTIMEBUTHEHASWEAKENEDANDIHAVEGROWNSTRONGERTHEBIGEOCANNOTKEEPMEATBAYIPUTSEVERALGASHESINHISUNARMEREDSIDEANDSTAYOUTOFTHERE
ACHOFHISLEGSISEEACHANCEIGOUGEOUTHISEYEHEISBLINDONTHESIDEWITHTHEGAPINHOLEANDTHEMISSINGLEGHEMIGHTSURRENDERIFIGIVEHIMACHANCEORICOULDCONT
INUETHEASSAULT

(This....is really starting to hurt. I don't know how much longer I can keep up No Time like this, and once I deactivate it that is it for Valiance use in this fight)

SOLITTLEVOICESYOUHELPEDMEGETTHISFARDOYOUHAVEANYSUGGESTIONS?
>>
No. 529441 ID: 954933
>>539917
>'May both honored combatants fight to their fullest!'
>'I intend ta slam my durable mandibles inta 'im and either kill 'im outright or cripple 'im. I ain't playin' around, bein' all nice and such here.'

You know as well as we do that if the roles were reversed, he'd be giving it his all too. No quarter - keep up the assault while you've got the advantage. Way of the world, way of the strong. Show him the honor that he deserves - even while he's weakened, you won't slack off!

So pick him the fuck up and throw him across the ring. BIG FINISH.
>>
No. 529442 ID: 06fc25
>>539917

He is huge, thus he has huge guts. Proceed to rip and tear.
>>
No. 529443 ID: 6164e0
>>539920
YERRIGHTISHOULDTRYTOFINISHTHISNOWEITHERKILLHIMORMAKEHIMSURRENDERDOESNTMATTERHESBLINDONTHEONESIDENOWANDHEISFLAILINGHISTWOLEGSONTHATSID
EWILDLYTOTRYANDGRABMEUNAWAREIAMNOTCLOSEENOUGHISHOULDBEABLETOGETINCLOSEANDGRABHIMLIFTHIMTHROWHIMIAMSTRONGANDFASTENOUGHNOWTHATITSHOULDH
URTHIMAGREATDEALEITHERKILLHIMORRENDERHIMUNABLETOFIGHT

IDASHINCLOSEBULLINGPASTHISFLAILINGLEGSANDGRABHIMILIFTHIMINTOTHEAIRANDHEAVESTARTINGATHROWTHATWILLHOPEFULLYENDTHEFIGHT

HEGOTALEGONMYMANDIBLEICANTLETGONOWHEWOULDFALLONTOPOFMEIHOPELEGENDOFSTEELLETSMYJAWSURVIVE

THATISQUITEJARRINGBUTHEONLYSUCCEEDEDINCRACKINGMYMANDIBLEITISSTILLINWORKINGORDERICOMPLETEMYTHROWANDSENDHIMHURTLINGINTOTHEWALLHEHITSITH
ARDGOREANDINNARDSFLYINGFROMTHEHOLEIMADEINHISSIDEANDFROMHISBODYHITTINGSOHARDTHATHISNOWUNARMOREDBACKISSPLITTINGLEAKINGHISLIFEAROUNDHIMH
EISFINISHEDUNABLEORUNWILLINGTOSTAND

'I......surrender.'

IHAVEWONIAMTHEHEAVYWEIGHTCHAMPIONIAAaaaaaaaaaahh.

Aaaaaaaaaah.

Aaaaaaah.....

Oh...bit...groggy. Well....title is mine...prize is mine.....and his leg....that is mine too now...so tired.....gonna rest...

CONTROL OF METALLICA HAS BEEN LOST.

CONTROL HAS RETURNED TO SCARS OF YESTERDAY.

That..... that was awe inspiring. Those two titans clashed again and again, inflicting grievous wounds upon each other and not stopping, not hesitating, dedicated to sowing carnage and woe upon their foes.

....I knew Metallica was playing with me before, but this... I had no idea anyone was that strong.

I am truly happy I got to see this. It was like Strength and War were made manifest in these two combatants, avatars of primal essences.

It was glorious.


The fight seems to be over. What should I do?
(Congratulations, you led Metallica to victory!)
>>
No. 529444 ID: 954933
>>539936
Sorry, nothing too constructive to say for Scars right now. Just FUCK YEAH THAT WAS AWESOME.

Actually, we should probably leave the ring now, before Metal takes notice of us.
>>
No. 529445 ID: 06fc25
Time for food, rest, and consideration. You must find a way to become powerful enough to defeat Metallica. Aside from participating in the Fight Song and visiting the Crucible, perhaps your colony mates can help you train. Strength building with the TMBG, speed training with the Flash, combat practice with the D6L.
>>
No. 529446 ID: 6164e0
>>539942
(Leave, that douche The Metal might see you)

...Of course. The fight has ended, and the chances of The Metal seeing me grow the longer I stay here.

I and my followers are tired and hungry, but Death On Six Legs seems similarly in awe of the spectacle we just witnessed.

>>539946
...But it is not just awe I feel. I long to rise to such heights as those, to be a warrior as strong as they. I wish to be able to lay waste to the foes of KILLER QUEEN with impunity, and with power like that.....

But first, I lead my group out of the chamber. Flash approaches me, telling me The Metal has not fought in our absence.

'Very well. Come with me, we are going to feed.'

'Of course, Scars of Yesterday.'

Death On Six Legs chimes in.

'That was...... I feel small indeed compared to those two.'

'Indeed. But I will climb higher, and someday, KILLER QUEEN will command warriors their equal. It is her destiny.'


Should I head to the bank for food, or should I head to the guest chambers?
>>
No. 529447 ID: 6faa8c
>>539954
Bank! That BR needs eatan.
>>
No. 529448 ID: 6164e0
(I am going to start a new thread, since this one is getting way to big and slow.)

>>539955
(Your suggestion has been noted)
>>
No. 529449 ID: 6164e0
(I am going to start a new thread, since this one is getting way too big and slow.)

>>539955
(Your suggestion has been noted)
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