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File 129159356539.jpg - (73.21KB , 450x627 , Disciples Of Domintus the Pure Lady.jpg )
262177 No. 262177 ID: a76809

[ First Thread http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/83524.html ]
[ Second Thread http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/142119.html ]
[ Third Thread http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/156884.html ]
[ Fourth Thread http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/177882.html ]
[ Fifth Thread http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/186331.html ]
[ Sixth Thread http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/195348.html ]
[ Seventh Thread http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/203684.html ]
[ Eighth Thread http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/222777.html ]
[ Ninth Thread http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/233735.html ]
[ Tenth Thread http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questarch/res/247147.html ]

[ Discussion Thread 1 http://quest.lv/kusaba/questdis/res/316616.html ]
[ Discussion Thread 2 http://quest.lv/kusaba/questdis/res/331007.html]

[ Wiki Page: http://tgchan.org/wiki/Golem_Quest ]

LAST TIME, ON GOLEM QUEST:
Mordre was forced to realize the scope of his personal existence, as nothing more than soul cancer, not the mutated war machine he once thought himself to be. In a fey moment, Mordre capitalized on an attack spurred by a space-faring multi-mile long dragon by the name of Broggamek, and crafted himself a soul, using both mortal souls and Deep Spawn cores to craft his soul. But his explanations thus far to allies have only been partly successful: While the laid-back Bang has accepted Mordre's explanations, that it was an accident during remote golem manipulation, Keddic remains skeptical, while Dulu keeps his opinion to himself. Currently Mordre flies with recently found ally Figment back to the capital of the Land of Dragons, to further curry favor with the new emperor, Fierce Dragon Lubu the Unparalleled.

ELSEWHERE

>"Master, you summoned me?"
>"Yes. Eisenhardt seems to have gotten distracted-again. I begin to question his ability to back his bold claims."
>"What is your bidding, then?"
>"Our new contractor, Mister Stryfe, has sent word he has located my proposed quarry, and is considering my offer. I wish you to seek out Jak discreetly, and see if he needs anything to convince him. I want this business dealt with, his reservations are intolerable."
>"At once, master."

............................................................PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: MORDRE............................................................

We begin to swoop down on the capital three hours after sunset, Nidhogg growling about a few hasty arrows fired her way before she was identified. Oz arrived in minutes with his titanic ivory friend, and now Figment, Oz and Fuu are all deep in conversation. This leaves Bang and Keddic with me, as Nidhogg takes off, stretching out her back as she is finally rid of our constant presence. I note Dulu working his way into the reunited trio, quickly attracting Fuu's attention as Oz introduces him. Phohn's translating service as ever seems to prove vitally useful to the golemslain. As to my allies themselves-

While Bang seems to once more be focused on his Mask, looking deep in thought, Keddic continues to throw me sidelong glances. They lack the hard paranoia of one certain someone has secrets, but rather have the soft unease of feeling you weren't told the whole story. For now, he seems content to let me be.... but I know not how long that will last.

Well, Lubu is being informed of Figment's arrival, and I am back in the capital.





What should I say or do?
What should I prioritize for the next few days?
Expand all images
>>
No. 262186 ID: fd0da7

>What should I prioritize for the next few days?

Like it has been outlined in previous thread/posts we should:

Test our new form/soul. See if we can learn more about ourself.
Train runecraft or some other discipline when we "retreat for the night" in to our metal box, during the day we can try out other magic training, like magnetomancy.
Try to get a feeling about our Deep Spawn magic. To what extent we can use and if we can replicate our own Deep Spawn.
Make some Deep Spawn (the ones we have been pondering on making but didn't have time for)
Talk to Oz, Lubu.
Visit the arena, observe our Spawn and then talk to them. Try to get a soul increase reading out of them. I'd very much like to learn what Ozs training has done for them.

Phohn up Arcane works and Mordreden to get status updates. Ask how Kyorto is doing and how Welghaloo is performing.
See how the stuff with the Lined One is going and what Dompaggio is doing.
>>
No. 262187 ID: 1854db

PRIORITY ONE:

KILL YETIS
>>
No. 262191 ID: f4e4f9

MEETING WITH WEISMAHN. FACILITATE IT.

We need to deal with Timmy. I'm sick of being left in the dark regarding him.
>>
No. 262192 ID: 445c48

Phohn up Jojo and see if he can help The Red Eye of the Dynamo.

Go over the runeworking books. Check up on the Arcanoworks, Mordreden.
>>
No. 262195 ID: f4e4f9

Additionally, meeting Weismahn will give us the opportunity to garner aid vs. The Domintus (Weismahn being the administrator for the Azelhaedran State region). Also, I think they'll find the existence of a being such as Domintus rather...interesting.
>>
No. 262198 ID: fd0da7

>>262191
>>262195

We could try to trade while we are at it.
Iirc, Deep Spawn admins want to learn about new technology and will trade for it, right?
We should take about 100 of our revolvers (old versions and new ones).
Maybe buy several different type of automatons from Gialgorra and then trade them to the Deep Spawn...
>>
No. 262201 ID: 445c48

Oh right, Talk to Ozmand and ask if we're triple anathema now.
>>
No. 262203 ID: 741399

Well, check in (along with Bang and Keddic if they want to) with our new Rageglut platoon. Get some idea of who they are, and how they can be used for our purposes. Along that vein, check on the metal equipment construction; maybe we can speed it up a little with our Arcane Magentomancy. That would also allow us to get some more competency with Magnetomancy and perhaps get an opportunity to observe some runecrafting to perhaps start learning runecrafting. (On that thought, perhaps Bobobo can help us with learning magics we don't actually know; perhaps starting off with the question: "What are the most efficient methods I may undertake to learn runecrafting, barring simply consuming Runecrafter souls?")

We should return Oz that prayer bead necklace Figment made him, too.
>>
No. 262205 ID: f4e4f9

Also, we're going to need to send Nidhogg back to the Arcanoworks. Her deepspawn scale with her, and she's grown larger and more powerful, so her riders need to adjust to the new spawn.
>>
No. 262217 ID: e43bfe

>>262201
Yes, this will be witty and entertaining.
>>
No. 262221 ID: 45be60

Keddic thinks we are too cautious to use such a chaotic device? Why sir, it is precisely because we use such a machine that we are cautious! Only the brave push the boundaries of the known, and only the foolhardy shatter them. Like kindred spirit Gialgorra, we are careful only because we know the enormous danger inherent in what we do. But a truly cautious man would take years to learn what we accomplish in days.

But yeah, deep spawn time. Not in front of anybody. probably back at the arcanoworks too.
Make just one for now though, I really want to know how that works now. We used to believe making deep spawn used our own soul energy, but what does that mean in light of new knowledge?
>>
No. 262229 ID: 741399

So, in the interest of giving Bob a Deep Spawn idea to use, perhaps we make the training Spawn: Mahklargg embodies the concept of TRAINING, its form revolves around MOMENTS OF INSPIRATION and INVINCIBLE SOULS is my proposal. My conceptual vision of this Spawn is that is, and its spawn, can force those it is training to have a Moment of Inspiration, greatly accelerating the development of the trained's souls.
>>
No. 262234 ID: f2f452

There's a lot to do now...

- Talk to Figment and see what he is going to do now. He might want to hang with Mordre where all the action is rather than idly pass the days in the capital. It would certainly be handy to have his ultimate reality-altering powers handy.

- Report in to Lubu and see what the schedule is like for the near future. Might be worth swinging by the 17th Imperial Giant Brigade to let them know who their new boss is. Also would be very good to introduce the 17th to Phohn so they can be remotely commanded. Radio comms make warfare so much better!

- Redeploy Deep Spawn as appropriate. Lorgk needs more support to keep the Yeti menace at bay. Perhaps Psilophilia could be given a form to combat the treachery of Yetis? It'll also be good to look at how Deep Spawn work their abilities now that Mordre can potentially learn some of it.

- Start actions to reinforce the war over the States. Mobilize the Arcanoworks forces, start selling handcannons to allied forces and all that. Also might be worth seeing if Gialgorra can assist directly (by deploying CANTI) or indirectly by providing weaponry and resources.

Make sure to put on a slightly depressed act in front of people to build up to the 'soul migration' move where Mage Mordre dies to become the indelible Soul Grave Mordre.
>>
No. 262236 ID: 9338f5

make our construction deep spawn and ask Dorgrum about the true moutians after describing our time there
>>
No. 262245 ID: fd0da7

Oh, right, some terrible doom await Lubu.
We should try to find out what it is. We could use Bobobo and Dompaggio for this or ask Figment for more information.
>>
No. 262250 ID: ffbedc

Check up on Ugrokk.

Aren't we forgetting something? Oh right, the Ducal palace that we left in Mosmordre UN-LOOTED. Grab Arkus and Kyorto, let's get excavating/digging/looting! 

Afterward let's head up to Mordreden, kill the fucking Yetis (invite Keddic to come along), secure Lorgk's/Drazken's/Mordre's leadership over the Premen, and check-in on Oggroth, our Sons, Heol, etc.

Try talking to Gelug, tell him of our plans to restore Mosmordre, our resurrection of Kyorto, and the other Mosmorden souls within us (Merrack, Thomro, Zagrath). Try to learn the teleporting axe trick from him.

To Keddic: "I am sensing some distrust emanating where you are standing Keddic, is there something wrong?" *Keddic's reply Blahblahblah* "Keddic, it was because of you that I was able to call the Arcanoworks my home-away-from-home in the Azelhaedran State, it was because of you that Dregas and Jezebel were able to safely come to work for me, and it was because of YOU that the cave within Mordreden was sealed properly during the fight against the Deep Spawn. I consider you my friend and I hope you do the same for me; why would I lie to you? Tell me, in the time that you have known me, have I proven to be a dishonest fellow to my friends?"
>>
No. 262254 ID: cd7581

yeah, make sure when Professor Morde goes to bed, that he has trouble when he's initially got on da soul grave in the morning, maybe a gradual weakness that disappears after he's been on the grave a bit, and gets worse as he moves towards the full transfer?
>>
No. 262255 ID: ffbedc

>>262221
Omg... We were using the Master of Sorrow's soul, if he regains control of us I predict that he will be able to control and command our Deep Spawn.
>>
No. 262256 ID: fce997

For some funny reason, I think Lenryt is the bad guy here.

We should be helping the caged one.
Or we should find out more at the very least.
>>
No. 262264 ID: 9338f5

>>262256
Fuck the Caged One Lenryt pays better
>>
No. 262265 ID: ffbedc

>>262245
Terrible Doom you say?
>>http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lü_Bu?wasRedirected=true
>>
No. 262267 ID: fd0da7

>>262265
>Lü has been depicted as a ruthless and impulsive warrior who has no sense of loyalty and sympathy.

Yep.... sounds like Lubu alright.
>>
No. 262268 ID: ddd48d

>>262250
>Aren't we forgetting something? Oh right, the Ducal palace that we left in Mosmordre UN-LOOTED. Grab Arkus and Kyorto, let's get excavating/digging/looting!

I like this idea, also it would give us the chance to have a nice talk with Arkus, and to question Kyorto about our new soul. Of course, we will have to wait until we return, but it could also be seen by Keddic as mage Mordre trying to figure whats wrong, and make him less suspicious, if not less worried.

>Phohn up Arcane works and Mordreden to get status updates.
This can happen first, while we appear fitful. Also it seems important to gauge when this "horrible thing" will happen to Lubu, so we don't have to stay around all the time if he doesn't have something to do for us, but also so we can prepare for/not miss it.

>>262201
>Oh right, Talk to Ozmand and ask if we're triple anathema now.
Haha, yes!

>>262191
>We need to deal with Timmy.
Another priority, perhaps we can pass by as we travel on our way to Domintus forces once we return again? We can't forget about the Domintus invasion going on.
>>
No. 262271 ID: 35bba5

>>262187
This.
>>
No. 262276 ID: 903f16

>>262177

>What should I say or do?

Talk to Lubu. Inform him we couldn't find any information on the Rageglut that was living there, but we do know he must be incredibly powerful. The True Mountains are the perfect training grounds for those strong enough to survive as the Dragon's proto souls provide an excellent thing to test oneself against. Also if he ever needs to execute someone who isn't impossibly strong that a teleport box placed in the middle of said mountains would provide an incredibly cruel, unusual, and awesome way to kill someone. Aside from that take the next mission if he has one, pray he doesn't. If he doesn't get a status update from all of your bases. In particular see how the battle with the Yetis is going with Mordreden and the war effort is with the Arcanoworks (Also how are our sword/armor/blood tank coming along).

>What should I prioritize for the next few days?

1. Act the part of a man slowly dying and having his essence transferring into a Soul Grave.

2. See to it that our forces within The State are as strong as possible. I recommend conducting trade with Gialgorra for more technology, The Blue Knight asking if he can create improved Golem Armors for improved hand cannons or large amounts of silicon, and The State itself. I've also been thinking Jezebel has not had a chance to utilize her ODIN mines to full effect yet, but now is the perfect opportunity. Create a massive network of them around the Arcanoworks and send crates of them for free to the State to reinforce the capitol's defenses. Also safety first, put up signs so the townspeople don't step on them.

3. Take on one of our many side quests. In order of my preference:

- Talk to The State's admin and work out trade and how to deal with Timmy.

- Go to Mordreden and deal with the Yetis and help unify the tribes under the Drazken.

- Go with Keddic to handle his Family's business. Perhaps intercept The Repository.

- Return to Trodar with Kyorto, Arkus, and Jojo. Acquire as much valuable knowledge as possible, loot the place for valuables, explore the Duke's Mansion finally.

- Visit Gialgorra, help him out if at all possible and acquire tech.

- Stay here train our new guys. Go pick up students we were interested in at the school. Try to learn of the souls we received as boons from Lenryt so we might gain their trust and alter them.

4. Go the transport box and create more Deep Spawn. I propose the following be created:
- Tallagga embodies the concept of INFRASTRUCTURE, in the form of NATURE GENESIS and RUNE MAGIC
- Calvern embodies the concept of CAVES. Its form revolves around DIGGING and AMBUSH
- Mahklargg embodies the concept of TRAINING, its form revolves around INSIGHT and RESPECT

5. Practice both Deep Spawn and conventional magic. For the Deep Spawn magic contact Dorgrum via Phohn and ask what his knowledge and training will cost us, we need lessons like those that Goran received. This act might also allow us to contact Goran and help towards gaining his trust and unlocking the option to alter his soul. The conventional magic is best done in secret or disguised as acts of kindness. While we do the conventional magic we may want to access the Soul Grave's perfect memory and study all it's acquired magical knowledge.
>>
No. 262287 ID: 741399

>>262250
Yeah, we really should get that Small Tomb/Thomro Fragment. It would be a good idea to claim any golems left there, along with anything of use. However, I would only take Kyorto, since Arkus is busy with our projects (the Omni-sheath and our Armor).

>>262276
>Tallagga embodies the concept of INFRASTRUCTURE, in the form of NATURE GENESIS and RUNE MAGIC
I'm going to support this, since it is originally my proposal.

On the subject of Deep Spawn creation, remember to do it beyond Lubu's sight, and use Blood Magic while doing so.

Also, put Welgahoo, Bobobo, and any of our Deep Spawn who are not doing it (including any Deep Spawn we make now) on donating Blood Iron, if they aren't on it already. We want to get our Deep Spawn Blootz Steel quickly, don't we?
>>
No. 262288 ID: 21e57a

>>262276
I agree with these spawns, although I'm not so sure about 'NATURE GENESIS and RUNE MAGIC' suggestion. But lets go with it.

Others Spawn suggestion:
Vahnderhuug is embodies concept of THE HERO and made from HUGE and MEATROCK
Orochoth, who embodies the purity of WAR, is made fer' two fings! FIGHTIN', and WINNIN'!
Khanite manifests around SOUND and FURY, which embody NOTHING
Rutgur embodies the concept of STORAGE, in the form of WHITE CLOAKS and BLACK COFFINS.
Dorln embodies ESPIONAGE, in the form of STEALTH and SUAVE.
Aehroahquia embodies the concept of FLOW, form revolves around ACID and SHAPESHIFTING.
>>
No. 262292 ID: ffbedc

>>262288
>Storage
see, Omni-Sheath
>Espionage
See, Dompaggio.
>>
No. 262293 ID: 35bba5

>>262288
We should use our sword as a Deep Spawn template. We haven't used enough weird stuff to make Deep Spawn with yet, and who doesn't love a talking sword?
>>
No. 262294 ID: 903f16

>>262287

>I'm going to support this, since it is originally my proposal.

I just picked a random builder spawn off the list on the wiki. It's not like I'm trying to steal ideas.

>On the subject of Deep Spawn creation, remember to do it beyond Lubu's sight, and use Blood Magic while doing so.

That's why I said go the transport box. It had doors and walls that are several feet thick and made of metal which give privacy.
>>
No. 262302 ID: e43bfe

>>262276
Gonna support these spawn, if not just so WE CAN GET THEM BORN, FARK!
>>
No. 262305 ID: 21e57a

>>262292
Ok, Dorln idea edited: Dorln embodies SABOTAGE, in the form of STEALTH and SUAVE.

And the 'Storage' isn't for us. Storage is for supply lines, and moving a whole army in one units. Trade, too, when Burduko isn't training.
>>
No. 262321 ID: 741399

Oh! Can we use Bobobo to find out the function and meaning of the runes on our modified AVBL blades and the Edge of Oblivion? If that is possible, we should transcribe the information (using brought/donated by Oz or someone paper and ink) and send them to Arkus; if the transcribing is not possible for whatever reason, perhaps use Phohn to call up Arkus when he is available and tell him the information.

If the information is gained, get back the Edge of Oblivion; if Arkus able to create the runes of the modified AVBL blades on our unmodified disks, then we should send him six (or more or less, six gives us two full sets) unmodified AVBL blades to rune (let him keep the original modified blade unless he wants/needs it to create more).
>>
No. 262330 ID: f6360f

Okay, making deep spawn... I still back this idea, from >>/questdis/337139

Orochoth embodies the concept of PLANNING. Its form revolves around BRAINS and QUESTIONS.
Hasbern embodies the concept of VISION. Its form revolves around PORTALS and MISTS.

Combined with Bobobo, these two deep spawn will form a dedicated think tank (placed somewhere highly secure, like with the premen) to monitor our friends and enemies, answer any questions that we have about happenings elsewhere in the world, and prepare responses to problems which they anticipate occurring.

We're running into increasingly world-class problems here; we could really, really use something like this to tip us off about major problems before everything goes to shit.
>>
No. 262336 ID: 69bee4

The update to the magical language should be done on the Premen's end by now. If we go there, we should catch up and see what discoveries have been made.
>>
No. 262340 ID: e43bfe

JUST WANT TO SAY I SUPPORT EVERY LAST FUCKING DEEP SPAWN IDEA IN THIS THREAD.

YES, EVEN THE ONES THAT CONTRADICT
>>
No. 262342 ID: 69bee4

Note that the Deep Spawn eggs are susceptible to Chaos (this is our time limit issue), and that after exposure to MoS's brand of Chaos magic, their timeframe of creation went from 'seasons' to three months.

As these eggs are linked to Morde's soul, a soul that has likely become more Chaotic, and even more massive than previous. Thus, I predict that the timeframe to use these Eggs is likely diminishing, and the time has gone down much faster than our previous 3 month limit.
>>
No. 262343 ID: ffbedc

>>262336
We should probably task the Premen think-tank to come up with a written magic theory and Premen Language/alphabet now that they've gotten a handle on the magical theory language.
>>
No. 262344 ID: 21e57a

>>262343
Oh, yes, update the Language Think Tank on all the new languages we know of. If we haven't eaten someone, or know the language, have one of our allies help us. Possibly Phohn also helping in his off hours.
>>
No. 262346 ID: a76809
File 129161459312.jpg - (398.14KB , 1197x1500 , Meeting Metal Skulls of the Indelible.jpg )
262346

>>262330
[No. Then I'm just handing you the plot, and you don't have to ferret out information or make difficult choices. It becomes just a story, no quest elements at that point. Not happening.]


>>262186
[With multiple time intensive things requested, it helps if you tell me what the priority order is, as all this cannot be done at once, and would take weeks to accomplish.]

>>262191
Before I take any actions, I speak through Phohn, conveying to Dorgrum my desire to cash in a favor: I wish to use one of my two pre-arranged Administrator introductions, and meet Weismahn, the Administrator for the Azelhaedran State area. My request is received, and I am told he will contact me once the meeting has been arranged. I can only hope the summons does not come at an inopportune time.

>>262192
Next I Phohn Jojo, asking if he could possibly repair a fabricated Order existence like Bang's Mask. After stating he does not even know of Order, or after being questioned Chaos either, he would be out of his depth. His magic cannot be used here.

>>262201
So what am I now, triple Anathema? I did just make my own soul.
>[Ozmand]"Hah, maybe so. Let's see, Anathema to start, has a genocidal maniac playing roomate, he's got to qualify as Anathema in spirit if not in letter, plus your new soul.. yup, triple anathema. Are you going for a high score or something?"
The thought of my existence being so small was abhorrent.
>"..Yeah, I suppose I can understand that."

Our brief conversation terminates, but I feel it was wise to consult with him, even if only to share such a trivial instant.

>>262203
With Lubu not immediately forthcoming and Figment thoroughly ensconced in catching up with Fuu and Oz, I decide to get Keddic busy, his mind off his suspicions: I ask the officer currently acting as our liaison where the 17th Imperial Giant Brigade is located, and shortly Bang and Keddic are both trailing after me as we are led to a massive structure, eighty feet high and built... as if for giants. We are ushered in through massive doors that groan as they slowly open, the only means something my size has of entering. With the location and spectacle made in our entrance, I find twenty titanic figures curiously inspecting me, some rising from immense pallets, others occupied in sparring, others looking from some game of dice. While I cannot be certain, all twenty of them look young-a thought that echoes about in my mind as one of their number, somewhat larger than the rest with an immense, wild mane of blood-red hair, steps forth, displaying a sword scaled to his size, worn and pitted-I note no such weapon with any of the others. I also note that he is alone in not wearing the metal skull-themed helm and gauntlet pair all the others bear. I listen as he speaks, hearing the brash bluster of formative years flitting through that massive voice.

"SO, YOU'RE OUR NEW CAPTAIN, HUH? WHAT MAKES YOU SO SPECIAL YOU GET TO CAPTAIN A RAGEGLUT PLATOON? I'VE NEVER HEARD OF YOU, THAT'S FOR SURE."

I am about to speak, when Keddic and Bang share a Look. I recognize this Look, thinking back to times they spent endlessly training the militia there. I know what it portends. ...I almost feel sorry for the cocky bastard . Bang waves me off, conspiratorially whispering he'll get them more presentable by morning. At the fiendish gleam in his eyes, I can hardly turn him down. As much as I would like to see the results of this, they have a planned way of handling this, and it calls for me to leave it to them. I exit the building, reviewing what little I gleaned from this initial meeting, however brief. All young.... fresh Ragegluts, then. Which brings up the question of how people are chosen for it, and how the 'owned by the state' bit works for them. I make it perhaps a hundred feet away from the buiilding when I hear a thunderclap, and a grunt of pain from lungs like bellows... Bang is having his little chat with the upstart then. I hear a roar, and the ground tremble as the fool shows his bravery, and fights back. The resulting drumbeat of impacts is eventually accompanied by heavy and pained groans.... well, it would seem they are busy.

I only barely notice Lubu before he is within twenty feet of me. ..How was he so stealthy?

"So, found Figment, even got him to come back. Let me review this, make sure I got it right: Show up during my bid for power, point me in the right direction to stop a Core Being AND off the prince before going after his dad, show up again, outperform my second in command the moment you show up, steal three active military bounty targets after getting a late start, and then find the most elusive warrior in the land... I named you Gift-Horse-Golem, and I think the name was pretty accurate. ...Good work. For the moment, I got nothing for you, so... do whatever you want. Keep in touch!"

Without even waiting for a response, Lubu starts walking away, already getting swarmed with officers carrying reports and documents-only to vanish in a flash, only a whirlwind left in his wake. The officers, seemingly used to this, simply disperse in a wide net, trying to hunt him down and get some paperwork approved.

...So now what?

>>262234
I seek out the quartet of Dulu, Figment, Oz and Fuu, and find a moment to speak with Figment. When I ask him what he intends to do, now that he is here, his response seems quite adamant.

THE IMMEDIATE STAGE MUST BE ASSESSED. FOR THE SORROW TO BE AVERTED, ACTIONS MUST BE TAKEN, WITH THE DUO OZ AND FUU HAVING OFFERED THEMSELVES TO THIS STORYLINE. THE CHARACTER MORDRE WILL BE CONTACTED AS THE EVENT DRAWS CLOSER, WHILE THE STAGE IS READIED FOR THE TWIST.

..So, he is staying, and has started his own 'Save Lubu' coalition... I can work with that.

I summon Burduko to my side, and send orders for Nidhogg to be brought back to the Arcanoworks, and for Air Cavalry drilling and training to resume. With only a half-hearted snort, the possessed dragon complies, vanishing with the being of wind and cloth moments after he appears. Midnight has not yet come, and everyone else is now occupied: What next?

>>262250
>>262268
I speak through Phohn to Ugrokk, who takes several seconds to respond to my request for a status update. It would seem his new arm, powered by the Thundering Heart, has been completed and installed. He was not able to pick up anything useful from his lessons with Oz, and has currently suspended them, currently aiding Lorgk and Oggroth in the north. His electrical abilities are proving devastating on snowy landscapes.

Next I send messages to Arkus and Kyorto alike, informing them I wish to search the Ducal palace, and that I require their presence. Arkus reports back that he is currently sleep-deprived, and would be near useless, while Kyorto reports that she would prefer to go later, while the sun is up, but does not give a reason why. Stymied, I let the matter rest for the moment. Instead I get status updates on each location, Mordreden and the Arcanoworks.

-The Arcanoworks is doing well, the training is getting more streamlined, and the Air Cavalry is really taking shape, surety and confidence beginning to build about all the different magic items the troops are training with. Trade has been going well, but Arkus has not recently checked in with Dregas for specifics, so he can't offer any more than that. The Arcanoworks force is still roughly eight hundred-roughly because the troops are allowed to visit families on occasion, and a subbing system has been implemented to allow visits to occur with some regularity.
-Mordreden has been changing. Between the new Deep Spawn and Kyorto, the village has changed drastically. All the heat that could be stored in the walls was shunted into the village grounds, heating the soil and letting the resultant crops flourish. With food in abundance, easier living conditions and a defensive wall so harshly cold it burns anything to touch it, as well as the trio reunited, Mordreden has been building major steam. The Drazken Clan is currently in negotiations to absorb another clan, which would bring their numbers up to seventeen hundred. Recently, the yetis have been quiet, and rarely seen.

My report recieved, I make my way to the teleport box in the capital, making sure I see no sign of Lubu before I shut the heavy metal door behind me, my axe and hammer left outside as I turn my attention towards my Deep Spawn cores. ...I feel it is time to make more, and as I set my Blood Iron to flowing, I wonder just how differently they shall be formed now that I truly have a soul.

TH-THUMP!!


>>262276
>>262287
>>262288
I finally take a moment to make some more Deep Spawn.

>Rutgur embodies the concept of STORAGE, in the form of WHITE CLOAKS and BLACK COFFINS.

Rutgur.

The transporter. The carrier. He who stores. I invision a walking supply depot, an individual to hold any and everything I desire, to cut down on clutter and keep hands free. The Deep Spawn Core unfolds, edges recoiling together as in a flash it unfolds into a robed figure, a series of chained coffins floating around him, each one fit with double doors, ever so slightly cracked open. I see two shadowed wrinkles that could be eyes turn to regard me, and the new spawn bows, no mouth with which to offer words as it simply steps aside, waiting obediently for any orders. ...The creation process didn't FEEL different....

[-1 DEEP SPAWN CORE-----TOTAL DEEP SPAWN CORES REMAINING:-----19]

TH-THUMP!!

I move on.

>Mahklargg embodies the concept of TRAINING, its form revolves around INSIGHT and RESPECT

Mahklargg. I see a trainer, that quintessence of bluster and grit, the one to yell all resistance out of a recruits head, to turn their resistance, their dislike to dedication, to discipline. I invision a trainer for anyone and everyone-but most of all I think of a trainer for the Metal Skulls of the Indelible. The Deep Spawn Core before me is swiftly festooned in pulsing veins, muscles bulging from its surface as it grows larger, larger, reshaping as it grows. In no time at all a black-skinned monster, its veins blowing as blood so brilliantly red beats through its system, yet despite its piercing scarlet glare, I see flat white teeth, a face less monstrous than misshapen. Compared to other Deep Spawn, this one is quite humanoid, a thought I find intriguing as a fist is placed to the ground before me, the Deep Spawn every bit my equal in size.

"I SHALL SERVE WITHOUT QUESTION, AND MAKE ANY WARRIOR DESIGNATED AS EFFECTIVE AS POSSIBLE, THIS I SO SWEAR."

[-1 DEEP SPAWN CORE-----TOTAL DEEP SPAWN CORES REMAINING:-----18]

TH-THUMP!!

[DAY 155: DAY 5 OF WEEK 1 OF MONTH 5:]
[Corday of the First Cycle of Libiturnius (Summer)]


Not a bad night's work.

In the pre-dawn hours, I being to pour over my established pool of memorized runes, and begin tabulating them, trying to grant my soul the understanding that the Soul Grave cannot seem to gain. I make my way through three of Wendelin's books by the time the sun rises, and I am called by Kyorto, who reports she would be fully willing to investigate now. With Burduko's aid we are shortly gathered back in the ruins, Burduko stepping aside to steady himself after teleporting me. Arkus looks at Kyorto questioningly before looking back to me.

[Arkus]"Okay, so.... what are we here for?"




What should I say or do?
Beyond the Small Tomb, what should I be looking for in the Ducal palace?
Is there anything I want to ask Kyorto before we explore?
>>
No. 262348 ID: fce997

"Notice anything different?"
>>
No. 262349 ID: c2e53d

er, now i'm just sayin', but didn't we kinda leave in the middle of a war? we won a battle, and left for a few days, which became a few more days... is it a good idea to go on sidequests at the moment?
>>
No. 262351 ID: 21e57a

"EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY, ARKUS MY LAD!" Pat his shoulder. "Also, coming back to where I was born...oh! Yes, Arkus, I seem to have made myself a soul. Seemed like this might be a good time to see my old place. Maybe even a 'birthday party', mhym?"

Anyway, I hope we have Rutgur with us because I want to loot this place clean. Then we need to clean this place up, and for that I suggest Tallagga embodies the concept of INFRASTRUCTURE, in the form of NATURAL GENESIS and RUNE MAGIC. Or, if this is a bad idea, someone who can build and repair Trodar for us.

If we're looking for specifics, any Golem focused equipment, any information on the Master of Sorrow, and any books Arkus and we can learn from.

As for Kyorto, just ask if she knows anything about this place, any way we can get the soul out of a golem without destroying the golem - I want that soul, and I'm not sure if eating the guy is a good idea or not yet - and her thoughts on our new soul. And how she's handing Premen.
>>
No. 262352 ID: 21e57a

>>262349
Because this one is an easy side quest. And you should have brought this up when going to the Land of the Dragon was a good idea.
>>
No. 262357 ID: ffbedc

Introductions are in order, "Arkus, you remember the specter Mosmordren mage Kyorto we met on our second trip here. She will be joining us on this little excavation."

Questions for Kyorto: 
Did Mordecai commission the construction of us (referring to Soul Grave)? 
She died a few years before the Curse, how did her soul remain intact without being destroyed like everyone else's?
How did she die?
What was her rank amongst the other members of the Tower of the Red Gaze?
What was her purpose in the Tower before and after her death?
Does she remember the locations of any other Mosmordren cities, military outposts and bases, or anything else that might prove useful?
We were made of bronze at the time of the Curse, any idea why such poor quality of metal was used to make up a Soul Grave?
Is she familiar with Morgren?
Why did she prefer to come here during the day? 
>>
No. 262362 ID: f4e4f9

Kyorto does not get to know about our revelation. Just wanted to emphasize that. Our sole real connection to her was that we, too, were a part of Mosmordre (also a large part of the reason for our desire for vengeance). Now that thats been exposed for the brittle falsehood that it is (to us, at least) our motivations could be in question were she to know our true nature as a cancer born from the Master of Sorrow.

Tch. If only we could convince him to work with us. He and Mordre are so related, MoS just needs to accept the reality of the situation.
>>
No. 262363 ID: f4e4f9

ALSO: Before we recover Thomro's soul, speak with him.

We may be able to use the recovery of his soul as a way to placate the portion we have currently within us.
>>
No. 262364 ID: 903f16

>>262346

>What should I say or do?

"We are here for a number of reasons, but primarily for recovery and exploration. I know we scoured the place the last time we were here, but we did not have my good friend here."

Gesture to Kyorto

"Who I just realized, you have not been properly introduced to. Arkus this is Kyorto. I trust you remember the spirit that had been bound to the tower when we came here last? Ah, well the skins I had been collecting have allowed her to be returned to the flesh."

Motion to Arkus

"Kyorto this is Arkus, my apprentice. I believe you met him when I first sent him and several of my men up to investigate your tower. I'd been meaning to introduce you to him earlier, but you know organizing the foundations of an empire is a busy task. Regardless, we have business to do now."

Call the newly formed Rutgur to us using Phohn and Burduko. Then begin your journey into the the palace.

>Beyond the Small Tomb, what should I be looking for in the Ducal palace?

For the Small Tomb I'm of the mind we should remove the other half Thomro and take the Small Tomb to the Arcanoworks for inspection. Later on we need to copy it's shoulder runes onto our self. Also I'll second to talking to Thomro before making him whole again too, might as do the other Mosmordren heroics while were at it too. For the looting take anything of value, whether that be precious metals like Black Steel, old magical tomes, schematics on Soul Grave equipment, or even more souls to bound places or crystals.

>Is there anything I want to ask Kyorto before we explore?

Can you help train my apprentice Arkus later?
I need your help matching my Soul Nexuses together later.
How have you been doing with the Drazken clan?
>>
No. 262365 ID: 69bee4

Speak to Thormo, but phrase it more as:

"So Thormo, we've kicked alot of ass together, it seems only fitting we talk before we see how it works against your own. By the way, nice working with ya all this time, its led to some kickass battles won"
>>
No. 262366 ID: 46c430

SO. Who wants to bet that our two recent deep-spawn are stronger because we have a stronger soul? The process didn't feel different... But that seems to denote the same 'ratio' of our soul was used. Like, our soul was '5' before, and '1' was used for deep-spawn. Our soul is '10' now, and '2' was used? If it was a '1' no matter what, we would have felt less of our soul being used. As such, I predict that our recent two deep-spawn, and any deep-spawn we make in the future, will be stronger from the get-go.
>>
No. 262373 ID: fd0da7

>>262362
IIRC the Ducal palace holds some answers about our existence.

....

Maybe it's not a good idea letting Kyorto in there and having her find out some documents we wouldn't want her to see.
>>
No. 262374 ID: 98203d

I hope killing all those dragons didn't mess up the system and allow the caged one to grow too much...
>>
No. 262378 ID: d0d015

>>262373
We need her to get into the freaking place in the first place, so your argument is invalid.
>>
No. 262413 ID: 9338f5

>>262374
thats why I keep saying to ask the deep spawn admin or liasion about it, well that and we might be able to get another favor out of them for our info.

also, what about our construction/infrastructure deepspawn?
>>
No. 262458 ID: fd0da7

>>262378

no... not really
When we first met the small tomb, back when we were a poor parody of a soul grave, it would have provided a challenge to get through it.
Now, it is piss-weak against us, we might as well sneeze in its direction to beat it.
>>
No. 262459 ID: 9338f5

>>262458
true, but with Kyorto we gain Control of a fairly powerful smalltomb and a guide to the best rooms of the palace instead of just wandering around hopeing we find something
>>
No. 262517 ID: 741399

>>262362
Actually, to me, it seems like the revelation cements us as even more connected to Mosmordre: we were born from a working of the Master of Sorrow (if inadvertently), instead of just a lifeless Soul Grave that was made by the Mosmoredren Empire.

>>262346
>Burduko needing to steady himself after teleporting Mordre even with help of box
Er, was making our own soul really that big? The last time Burduko teleported us with the help of the box, there was barely a dip in energy levels. I ask because we went from over 16,000 souls to 11,265 souls, a significant dip to my eye.

For Arkus, I would suggest that we give to him the services of Bobobo, in relation to his work on the runes on our modified AVBL blades and Edge of Oblivion first, and then have him familiarize himself with the Shade of Soul rune schematic, before allowing him to ask Bobobo other specific rune related questions later if time permits.

As for what specifically we want to look for: any specifics on our construction as a Soul Grave (who participated in the making, what magical workings went into the construction) and magical artifacts (including gems and the like) are my suggestions.

As for questions to Kyorto, if she knows of a method to extract souls from their containers without harming their containers seems like a good choice. I want to complete Thomro's soul, which may allow us, with our new Soul Magic, enough of a connection to communicate with Thromo, and empower the Accelerater, and then have an already constructed Small Tomb for which to to insert another Heroic Soul. If that is not possible, I would prefer that the Small Tomb to be sent with Kyorto back to Mordreden, to help with Lorgk's attempts.

Onto other topics. First, what did we do with that sample of Caged One Blood Iron? If we still have it, perhaps it should be stored in Rutgur? Also, store Void Bringer and the golden axe in Rutgur.

Send Mahklargg to Keddic and Bang, informing them of the sending with Phohn, if that has not already been done. Also, set Mahklargg and Rutgur on Blood Iron donating if that has not already been done.
>>
No. 262522 ID: 9338f5

>>262517
> Er, was making our own soul really that big? The last time Burduko teleported us with the help of the box, there was barely a dip in energy levels. I ask because we went from over 16,000 souls to 11,265 souls, a significant dip to my eye.

we used 3000 some odd souls to kill the dragon swarm, the rest we changed/asorbed along with the deep spawn cores and pristine souls. changed not used up or lost.

also the link to thread ten is 404ing.
>>
No. 262525 ID: fd0da7

>>262522
Oh, right

And we just made a fuck-huge soul of our very own.
In fact, we might have increased the strain on Burduko then the previous time he teleported us.
>>
No. 262528 ID: 45be60

>>262525
>And we just made a fuck-huge soul of our very own.
>-Mordre's soul is currently of a well-established Hero level, benefiting from having Deep Spawn regeneration inbuilt.

That makes our personal soul slightly less potent than, say, Keddic's, by my reckoning.

>>262522
>also the link to thread ten is 404ing.
Thread 10 hasn't been moved to the archive yet. It will work later.
>>
No. 262530 ID: 9338f5

Geopum embodies BUILDING, taking the form of MAJOR CONSTRUCTION and RUNE ENHANCEMENT.

Not sure if I am doing it right

Basicly he only builds big stuff, the sort of things that would take hundreds of people more than a year to do. the runes would enhance the natural abilitys of whatever he makes
>>
No. 262533 ID: 445c48

Shove an extra core into Burduko. He needs it, and he's important enough to justify spending one of our remaining cores.
>>
No. 262534 ID: 69bee4

Meet the Bang

http://vocaroo.com/?media=vtfnmGMGOynhremmt

In Text Form:
Meet the Bang

If fighting is sure to result in Victory, then you must fight!
Dragon Lubu said that, and I think he knows a little more about fighting then you do pal, BECAUSE HE INVENTED IT! And then he perfectly copied everyone till no man could best him in the ring of honor.
Then, he used his fight money to buy two of every sized dragon in Zakrath, and then he herded them onto a boat, and beat the crap out of every single one!
And from that day forward, any time a bunch of dragons are together in one place, its called True!

Unless it’s a defenseless village!
>>
No. 262535 ID: 9338f5

>>262534
What? I have no idea what your trying to say.
>>
No. 262539 ID: 6dd58d

Think I'll support giving Burduko another core, as well.
>>
No. 262540 ID: f4e4f9

>>262533
agreed
>>
No. 262541 ID: 741399

>>262533
Well, I'm still against it. Especially now that we only have 18 cores left.

Though, on the topic of Deep Spawn, I wonder what our spawn would look like, when/if we learn the the Deep Spawn clone trick.
>>
No. 262542 ID: 69bee4

>>262540
agreed x2
>>
No. 262544 ID: 5b9308

>>262533
I support this.
>>
No. 262545 ID: 21e57a

Well, if we're gonna do this, I suggest using Pengaiea's core.
>>
No. 262547 ID: d0d015

>>262541
Those Cores are going to go bad. Then we can't use them at all. Do you really want to lose 18 potentially incredibly powerful allies just because you think there's a shortage?
>>
No. 262550 ID: 741399

>>262547
Please don't put words into my mouth. I have never said anything against using cores because of any perceived shortage.

I am against using inserting cores into already existing Deep Spawn because I want the full 35 Deep Spawn.
>>
No. 262557 ID: 69bee4

Meet the Morde (TF2/GolemQuest combo #2)

Sound Link: http://vocaroo.com/?media=vkDrS2sBbLIB6CEVy

Text:
I am Heavy Weapons Morde, and this... this is my railgun
She weighs 1500 kilograms, and fires with 200 caret custom tooled Rubies at a speed of near light.
It cost 400 Souls to fire this weapon, for 12 seconds.
*laughs*
Oh my god who touched Sable!?! WHO TOUCHED MY CLAW!
Some Yetis think they can outsmart me.... maybe... maybe. I have yet to meet one that can outsmart Annihilator.
WOOOOOORD! WOOOOORD! RUNE SOME MORE! BWHAHAHAHAHA!
>>
No. 262558 ID: 21e57a

>>262545
Note: I am against this idea, but if we have to, I suggest this.
>>
No. 262565 ID: 45be60

>>262547
The cores are not going to go stale yet. We are more than halfway through them and we have three months left. If we average one deep spawn made every five days we will be on track. Your argument is invalid.

Hardship makes everyone better, including deep spawn. Stop opting for the easy way out.
>>
No. 262573 ID: 445c48

>>262545
Well hopefully it will be like when we made the soul, when it just took a number out of the total, but did not specify which ones. Retain flexibility that way, see.

Also, +1 to Infrastructure/Buildan Spawn.
>>
No. 262575 ID: d4f98d

>>262565
Its not opting for the easy way out when our personal growth is vastly outpacing our Deepspawns, which PREVENTS him from effectively transporting us.
>>
No. 262578 ID: 35bba5

>>262565
>>262550
Why does everyone refuse to use a core on Burduko, but then also ignore basically every Deep Spawn suggestion that gets made?
>>
No. 262583 ID: 2b2ef4

>>262578
Same reason people are afraid to use P.Souls

Hoarding tenancies.
Like when you get that awesome, single use item and save it for half to the game to use on the last boss only to find that it is sorely underpowered having been meant for an earlier stage.

In the case of P.Souls, understandable to an extent.
Cores? No. The longer we take to do this is the less time they get to grow and the crazier/ more unstable they become.

As far as I know, the date given relates to the date they become unusable due to insanity, not the date they become insane.

In any case, the reason why we stopped making them before was due to the damage to Mordre's soul and because we lacked knowledge on how our descriptions would cause Spawn to develop.
Now that we do know, we should be putting them out as quickly as possible so they can have as much experience as they can.


Give Burduko the boost. He is our most(personally) used Spawn after Phohn and he struggles to keep up.
The struggle will make him stronger yes, but as he said, it's variety and not repetition that makes him better.
The best training he gets is via Dregas, and that is only for an hour per day, unlike Zelgoto and the like who train all day with Oz.

I will not have him fall behind and be lacking when he is needed most.

We cannot even extend his 'training period' by a significant value because he is used so frequently.
>>
No. 262587 ID: a76809
File 129169748641.jpg - (78.61KB , 700x531 , Burduko Master of Wind.jpg )
262587

>>265517
[Sure, there is less soul mass. But part of that soul mass is now a hybrid of mortal souls, Deep Spawn souls, and Chaos souls. You done made a complex as hell soul there, and it's costing Burduko a good bit to move. You are basically a budding Administrator while simultaneously a Mortal Hero and an embodiment of Chaos-and that's just your soul, not counting the Soul Grave itself. So, less total stuff to move, but you switched out some tin for lead, in terms of density of said soul mass.]

>>262522
[...No, of normal souls, only four hundred and twelve were involved in the creation of your soul.]

>>262533
>>262539
>>262540
>>262542
>>262544
>>262545
Almost as an afterthought, I flick my left hand, the half-pound lump of Caged One Blood Iron still floating over the Immortal Genocide, guiding a Deep Spawn core towards Burduko's beleaguered form. The core makes contact with his still heaving chest-

There is a soft, heavy light, wrapping Burduko's form like a blanket, shifting and writhing as he undergoes a hidden metamorphosis. Zagrath's gaze cannot pierce his cocoon, and I take a moment to pay heed to this transformation, this tiered use of Deep Spawn cores. What shall the end result be?

[-1 DEEP SPAWN CORE-----TOTAT DEEP SPAWN CORES REMAINING:-----17]

The light begins to fade, and with it the cloth that once covered so much of Burduko's form is ripped away. Beneath I find not solid limbs, but wrought and shaped metal, organically cast and far too humanoid to be coincidental. What was once a being of cloth and wind, is now a hollow metal cage, its eye sockets sullenly burning. The blade that once formed his right arm has detached, showing itself an oddly sheathed blade, its hilt now casually cupped, the living metal fusing between the points of contact.

Ultimately, no matter how fascinating his new appearance, it is what Burduko does that captivates me. The wind howls around him, cycling and swirling in an eternal tiny tornado, the aerial vortex centered on and tamed to Burduko's will. I feel the sense of his soul grow far more immense, and I feel a sense of deepened dedication. A hollow living metal mesh fist presses to the ground in genuflection, as Burduko gazes reverentially at me, saying nothing. Kyorto's attention was hooked by my action, and I feel her empty gaze resting on me as I turn back to her and Arkus.

>>262351
>>262364
"We are here for a number of reasons, But primarily for recovery and exploration."
"Hold on now what uh what did you just-"
"EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY- Or more aptly phrased, salvaging. Recall you the ducal palace?"
"Uh, uh yeah, the place with the Small Tomb that punches like mad?"
"||Mordre has expressed an interest in plundering the location.||"
"..Uh, what did she say?"
"||Ah yes, I forgot|| You do not speak Mornostric, do you scion of the Soul Grave?"
".....Okay, REALLY weird to hear someone else talk about Mordre's secret like that. And no, I don't, but you clearly speak Common, so that shouldn't be an issue."
"But it is quite an issue. You are one who knows its secret, and you know so little of magic. I can hardly blame you, with that laughable ban on Soul Magic. But if you wish to learn what I know, you must learn the language."
"....So, to reiterate, I learn Mornostric... and you teach me Soul magic, is that right?"
"I can hardly teach if you do not understand the tomes I use. ..Do you reject-"
"NO-I MEAN YES-I MEAN hold on, No I do not want to reject your offer, yes I would like to learn both Mornostric and anything else you could teach."
"Excellent, a healthy, eager young mind."

>>262357
"Arkus, you recall Kyorto here, yes? She shall be joining us soon, Using the guise you see now."
"..So, attractive older woman? A work collegue?"
"Oh my, the nonchalant compliment... Oh I LIKE this one....

Kyorto saunters closer to Arkus, now the sole focus of his attention, her body swaying dramatically, a sensuos undulation just a hair too boneless to be possible-for normal people. Kyorto pulls it off with style, clearly enjoying herself as her form shifts, ages sliding away, clothing growing slighter. I see Arkus's eybrows climbing into his messy bangs as his mouth works but no sounds come out. Kyorto entwines he arms around his neck, delicately reaching up to him as she whispers in his ear.

"You know.... I haven't even felt ANYTHING for fifteen years.... care to help me 'correct' that?"

His face blurring as he darts frantic looks between Kyorto and me, Arkus blurts out a frenzied retort.

"Uh uh uh uh we're here for a pre-existing purpose yeah, I mean Mordre isn't usually directly involved, uh, unless it has some important-ant-ah... ah, so, shouldn't we focus... uh, on that?"

Kyorto's face contorts, the side facing me revealing a playful smirk as she offers a pout to Arkus as she slowly withdraws.

"Till later, then."

And without a single further comment or action, she turns to march away, heading towards the Ducal palace, putting more space between herself and the whipping winds Burduko is generating-and a thoroughly confused Arkus. He turns to look at me with more confusion than I have seen since the first day I met him in these ruins, as if to implore my aid. I say nothing as I follow after Kyorto, Arkus eventually sighing and following along after me, Burduko staying near the Teleport box.

The sun is just reaching that pre-noon brilliance as we reach the dilapidated gates of the ducal palace. We march by without hesitation, Kyorto stopping only once she reaches the grand entrance hall, speculatively sweeping her gaze over the broken ceiling, the masses of rubble, the lone Small Tomb. She paces back and forth for a time, beore I note she is offering no comments, and begin to question her.

"So was it Mordecai that commissioned my construction?"
"||It was indeed the son of Emperor Mordrenoth who funded your creation near the end of the war, the man who once occupied this palace, was once duke of this dead city.||
"Were you involved in my creation?"
"||To a degree. I was responsible for coding your spatial geometry equations for use of artillery, as well as your mobility protocols-how you stabilize when unbalanced, or deal with unstable ground. Mordecai was the one who actually built your Soul Furnace, the closest thing to a heart you have.||"
"So Mordecai was a talented mage then?"
"||Had to be. The emperor brooked no weakness in his offspring, just like each prior emperor. Mordecai was the heir apparent, but he was the eleventh son. ...Well, by birth, he was the eldest by the time I met him. ...What he could do with his soul, the changes, the Chaos he could tame... he was a prodigy, a marvel of his time.||"
"Then why was I constructed so poorly, made of bronze and armed with so little?"
"||Funny question to ask, seeing as I can tell you've been using your real purpose all the time. Those Chaos souls you use for pretty much anything important? THAT is what you were built for, so that your Soul Furnace could act as a multi-dimensional anchor, and the Chaos Souls could pull segments of time from other worlds, and splice them into our timeline to fuel the creation of instant augmentations to your form. You were meant to be Mordecai's proof of the power of hybrid magic, combining Soul magic with Chaos itself. You actual corporeal construction was secondary to that, and with funds tight at the point of your construction, speed was more important than quality.||"
"What was your rank in the Tower of the Red Gaze?"
"||I was Mordecai's personal assistant, one of the lead researchers here. Officially, I was a senior analyst, but I had far more sway than such a position normally holds.||"
"I recall you mentioning your time of death, It being BEFORE the Curse hit: How did that come to pass?"
"||...Related to you, actually. You know how I said those Chaos souls are supposed to splice time from different dimensions into this one? Well, that is not the safest, or best understood magic. One night, while performing an experiment for the Duke, I attempted to apply Blood magic to the Chronium-the actual measurable component to this form of Time magic. I expected a reaction similar to Chronomancy, some alteration of the perception of time. What ended up happening was me living three years in one second. As I did not exactly have time to eat, drink, or even breathe during that, I died, a particularly agonizing death. But it was not the end.... and here I am. ......Okay, it seems most of Mordecai's subterranean runic mines are still active from the stairs up-and it seems they are still tied to the Small Tomb. The issue is, I think it got struck by some debris or some such, because a few of those runes about its head got warped-happens with bronze as a base-and I am no longer certain I can command it. At best, I'd need to physically touch it to command it... a prospect not made enjoyable, when considering that AT WORST, I'll be punched to smithereens. I've seen what supersonic magma punches do, and bare flesh is not built to withstand that. Thoughts?||"





What should I say or do?
How do I plan to deal with the small tomb given what Kyorto just informed me of?
And with what she just revealed, do I have further questions for her?
And should I let her keep answering in Mornostric, or demand she speak Common so Arkus understands?
>>
No. 262593 ID: e43bfe

>>262587
We steal time on it, and she touches it. We can take a punch.
>>
No. 262596 ID: 741399

Electrical shocks disrupt the functioning of Small Tombs, do they not? Therefore, use Ignimancy to disrupt the Small Tomb so that it won't be able to function until Kyorto takes command.

So. What is Burduko's new capability set?
>>
No. 262597 ID: 9338f5

>>262587
> struck by some debris or some such

Didnt we cause a good sized heap of stone to fall on the golem? damn. lets use magnetomancy to either hold its form or use our cannon shells to form magnetomancy strengthened bindings. then we hold him still in our seige fist.
>>
No. 262599 ID: 2b2ef4

Well shit, I guess that 5 P.Soul thing is off the boards now.



To Kyorto:
"Only one"
Blood magic engaged.
Power up Kinectomantic thrusters.
Change feet it Swift mode.
Activate Magnetic displacement enhancers

Fire 1 Ozmand.

Dash in it's wake and time steal the bugger.
>>
No. 262601 ID: 21e57a

>>262599
No. Not this at all.
>>
No. 262604 ID: 9338f5

>>262596
tazer it sounds good but after that we should grab it with the sieg fist and time steal.
>>
No. 262605 ID: d4f98d

>>262599
Employ magnetomantic rings as a form of restraint on the Smalltomb, coupled with Ignimancy disruption of it's soul-based connections.

Even if it has Magnetomantic defenses, they shouldn't affect anything when we're just amping the Magntic signature of a different object to fuck with it.
>>
No. 262607 ID: 2b2ef4

Have Burduko swagger in like the suave master of the winds he is.

Grab Kyorto by the hand

Mutter something to make her heart flutter (you know her better than I do, so you figure it out)

Use greatly enhanced teleportation abilities to get her instantly in range. (I think behind it is the better choice)

Take over baby.

A combination of the two plans seems workable, if a little inane.
I'd love to see Arkus' reaction.
>>
No. 262608 ID: 2b2ef4

First things first though.

Take over the mines and deactivate them, scan for other traps. blah blah.
>>
No. 262610 ID: 45be60

>>262578
>_< I resent that implication. I sugested three of the deep spawn posted by others in this thread. I still want Calvern to be a sandworm.

>>262583
Our initial instructions were that their shelflife was measured in seasons. The three months (85 days now) we are counting down represents about one season. Using the spawn for our soul bought us a lot of time.

>>262587
Speaking Mornostric on matters of personal history is fine, but when discussing the challenges and dangers of the surrounds, it would be in everyone's best interest to speak the same language.

The tazer idea sounds like it would be worth trying, but if we steal time, wouldn't that mean the golem will think Kyorto is taaaaaalkiiiiing liiiiike thhhhiiiissss?
>>
No. 262611 ID: 2b2ef4

>>262597
or we could fix it.

*cough*golemcraft*cough*
>>
No. 262613 ID: 35bba5

>>262610
Wouldn't it be the opposite? Talkingmuchtoofast?
>>
No. 262614 ID: 1854db

Tell her that we can use Blood Magic, and... wait, have we had Blood Magic active while creating/using Pristine Souls before?

Well. How about we just Magnetomancy the fuck out of this thing? If not that, steal time from it and/or Invert its runes so that its arms are suddenly SLOW AS FUCK. Then chop them off with the Golden Axe.
>>
No. 262619 ID: 741399

>>262614
Using yes: we used Blood Magic during Nidhogg's creation.

Creating also yes: when we discovered that we could, given time and amounts of souls unprecedented in the history of Zakrath, become a Planet God. We were fighting Gelug.

But then again, those were just PS, by my estimation. Kyorto was working with the actual measurable component.
>>
No. 262623 ID: 741399

Also, on the language barrier, Phohn can handle that, can he not?
>>
No. 262630 ID: 69bee4

Allow Kyorto to speak how she wishes, as I foresee forcing the issue being a bad idea. Do however comment with something in Mornostric like "I know little about flesh, but to be so touch minded? I always thought such things involved at least some speaking... and your not giving the poor boy a chance at all"

Ask Burduko about the changes to his form.

Magnetomancy is likely a good solution to dealing with the Small Tomb, as our soul-mana regen rate is still massive, and we likely could just pin the Small Tomb to the ground for Kyorto's safety first. Geomancy could also be used to sink it into the ground, restrict its ability to move against us. However, request that Arkus and Kyorto back away first, as your a bit more capable of taking a hit. Recovery of a fully intact Small Tomb should be priority along with getting that piece of Thormo's soul. If it doesn't go so well, its certainly worth finding out how much our magic has improved over time for this. Have Burduko on standby for command to recover you if your at risk of a full frontal Magma punch.
>>
No. 262631 ID: fd0da7

>>262587
>THAT is what you were built for, so that your Soul Furnace could act as a multi-dimensional anchor, and the Chaos Souls could pull segments of time from other worlds, and splice them into our timeline to fuel the creation of instant augmentations to your form.

This is a bit similar to the small post I wrote in the previous thread, which had the theory why the P.Souls worked.

It did not get any reaction, so I though I was completely wrong.>>261788

Anyway, ask her how we were designed to acquire the Chaos Souls. Somehow I do not think that the operator needed to be a little bit of a oracle too.


Also, ask her what she knows of MoS. What she thinks of him and if she had any personal relation with him.


Tell Phohn to translate for Arkus.

Also ask Burduko if he can transport humans without killing them.
>>
No. 262632 ID: fd0da7

Also, discreetly tell Arkus that she is not what she appears to be. Maybe through Phohn.

Wouldn't want Arkus to have mental damage later on.
>>
No. 262640 ID: d4f98d

>>262632
DON'T BE A COCKBLOCK, BRO.
>>
No. 262648 ID: 08d0bd

LEARNING OPPORTUNITY! See if Mordre can improve his mostly untrained and unsynchronized melee skills a bit now that we have a good opponent that can take a beating.

Rev up the Blood magic, activate Feasting Vestments or Hands of Hunger and go slug it out in super golem melee mode with magnetomancy/kinetimancy powered siege fist and Sable Exectioner strikes, Jade Fist moves, regeneration all over and the full package. Try to copy Thomro's moves if possible, in fact with half of Thomro's soul already in Mordre's body it should be an easy matter. I would also suspect that Mordre can take it a few steps further when it comes to boosting his own movements now that he regenerates similarly to a Deep Spawn. Rip the metal! Grow it back stronger and faster!

The goal is to tear off the Small Tomb's arms and legs. They can be put back on with ease or fixed by Murhyihal.

"I can think of a few ways to get you close, holding down the Small Tomb or freezing it still, but I think I will try the safest and most basic means. By that I mean facing it in a titanic battle and tearing off its limbs. Stand well back and enjoy the show."
>>
No. 262677 ID: d3dfb8

Start up the IG, tell Kyorto to be quick but stay back, once we touch the golem she's to move in as fast as she can.
Lead with our siege fist, once the golem reacts we stop it's enchantments with the IG then grab it and timesteal.

For when we reach an appropriate time "Arkus, I've noticed Kyorto's illusion wavers sometimes when she is startled. Be careful when dropping trou else you might lose interest rather rapidly." (Implying Kyorto will be startled by the size of Arkus's dick) Then chuckle at their reactions.
We don't laugh enough despite being completely hilarious. Laughing is a good thing, it makes us seem more human and therefore more endearing.

Oh and at some point request that you sit in on Kyorto's lessons to Arkus on soul magic.
>>
No. 262715 ID: fd0da7

>>262640
More like looking our for mah Bro.
Don't want him to do something that he'll regret later! D:


Anyway, ask Kyorto how did she fond Mordreden and how she spent her time there.
>>
No. 262725 ID: 21e57a

>>262640
I agree with this, and apply it to any statement about blocking romance between the two.

As for what to do, lets go up to the Small Tomb and get on it's side. Magnetomancy ready, blood magic ready. Let Kyorto do what she wants/needs, while we act as a defensive measure. We'll geomancy, magnetomancy, and time-steal the Tomb if it looks hostile, and just grab and Accelerate it away.

As for any more to ask, ask Kyorto just what she did to be time lost. Relate to what we've done ourselves, and also bring up our own soul.
>>
No. 262727 ID: 445c48

Tell Arkus, through Phohn, what Kyorto is, and what's she's like under the illusion. Say nothing else about this. Do not bring up the subject ever again.
>>
No. 262728 ID: 741399

>>262632
>Adaptable Analytical Psyche: As a result of having grown up under rather dismal conditions, with poverty, famine, death, plague, and all manner of traumatizing events all bombarding him. Yet instead of retreating from the harshness of reality, or being warped by it, Arkus became obsessed with understanding the world around him. As he matured, this tendency likewise evolved, leading to Arkus being able to restore himself to a rational state of mind much more quickly than would normally be possible by all but the most grizzled veterans, all of whom would have far worse mental scars than Arkus.
Does it matter? Arkus will just bounce back anyways; besides, she can look and feel like anything she wants, which, in most probability, he'll be fascinated by and therefore will have something to fixate upon other than the strangeness. In any case, she would be teaching him magic, so maybe he'll just regard that as just payment for the tutorship.
>>
No. 262729 ID: 445c48

>>262728
Why should we let it surprise him when he can just tell him? If it's fine with it, whatever. It's just not the bro-thing to do to not warn him.
>>
No. 262732 ID: 2b2ef4

>>262728
I think he would start to question the nature of all females after that.

Heh.
I feel sorry for the man, he thinks a lot like me.

Not supporting or opposing either stance though, just commenting.
>>
No. 262763 ID: 903f16

>How do I plan to deal with the small tomb given what Kyorto just informed me of?

I'm good with the general taze/time steal plan, however between the time you taze and the time you steal time from the Small Tomb it might we wise to use Warding Palm. If he isn't down for the count after the taze you can use it to stop it from sucker punching you, if he is then just immediately deactivate it and steal his time.

>And with what she just revealed, do I have further questions for her?

Since we plan on using an Ignimancy bolt to disrupt this Small Tomb, why not ask if she knows of ways to insulate our Spell Matrices from that same sort of attacks?

And also ask what she knows of the other Soul Graves? Were we the first one she had worked on? What other abilities does she know of that were given to the other Soul Graves? In particular we should describe Domintus as best we can and see what she knows about him and what his given ability was.

>And should I let her keep answering in Mornostric, or demand she speak Common so Arkus understands?

It's not an issue as of yet, simply because most of this information is not pertinant to Arkus. If she insists on speaking in the tongue when it is we will correct her then. I do however feel bad that in general Arkus is a bit out of the loop, we'll need to have a sit down with our apprentice later and go into detail the current goings on.
>>
No. 262799 ID: 98203d

After we are done at the ducal palace, perspective shift to Arkus. Kyorto hasn't felt anything for 15 years? Arkus WILL correct that, and we'll help him!
>>
No. 262802 ID: 98203d

Just saying, it will be a learning opportunity for Arkus!
>>
No. 262806 ID: 9338f5

>>262799
would that be necrophilia?
>>
No. 262809 ID: 98203d

>>262806
She is technically not dead, so not at all!
>>
No. 262811 ID: 35bba5

>>262809
...she died. At best she is undead.
>>
No. 262819 ID: f247ab

>>262811
>>262809
>>262806
Necrophilia is not in relation the person (the soul/spirit/etc.) but the body for which sexual intercourse is done; specifically, necrophilia is defined as sexual attraction/intercourse with corpses. Now, as Kyorto's body is made of the skins of dead mages, it likely qualifies for the label of corpse, but as a Life Golem, it is probable that the body counts as living, and therefore sexual attraction/intercourse cannot be defined as necrophilia.

Also, these sorts of posts belong to the discussion thread, don't they.
>>
No. 262821 ID: 98203d

>>262819
As they are directly relevant to a future course of action, they are likely acceptable for this thread.
>>
No. 262822 ID: 9338f5

Most of the skins that make up Kyorto's new body are from males.
>>
No. 262823 ID: 98203d

>>262822
Through MAGIC TRANSFORMATION, they were turned female. MAGIC
>>
No. 262827 ID: f247ab

So, just to receive confirmation, given the recent information revealed, Duke Mordecai is the Other within us, is that correct?
>>
No. 262828 ID: 9338f5

>>262827
it has not been outright stated but it seems quite likely
>>
No. 262830 ID: a76809

rolled 795, 458 = 1253

>>262697
[Bingo bango bongo I don't want to leave the Congo, oh no no no no no.]

>>262608
[The mines are corporeal, they cannot be taken over, either activated or destroyed by some other means.]

>>262822
[yyyyYYYYUP.]

>>262596
[Burduko has localized wind current manipulation ability, centered around a manipulatable three-dimensional cyclone that forever winds through his hollow form. This ability grants Burduko Flight, of considerable speed, well in excess of his already impressive ground speed. Burduko also has a a Deep Spawn Tractomantically imbued sword forged from his own body. The sword has Severance inclined aspects, and is comparable on a smaller scale to the Golden Axe. Lastly, his magical stamina has grown by two hundred forty percent since the core was absorbed. Mordre porting should only be a problem when ten or so in rapid succession with Mordre's current soul weight.]

I direct Ignimancy at the Small Tomb, the blinding arcs of current outracing even its reactive counters, snaring the bronze figure mid-way to liquefying its arms into molten metal, runes blazing. I continue to pump current, unassisted by Blood Magic, and back off power sources, to find my own Soul alone is all that is needed to keep the golem ensnared.

>>262605
I turn the Soul Grave's innate casting towards Magnetomancy, ensnaring and activating each of my five runed saw-rings, and applying their magnetic lens to each individual limb of the small tomb, Thomro's head included. While unguarded, its Magnetic field is difficult to grasp, so warped by the thermal energy in the metal its anchored in that it is constantly remaking itself. Still, I yank each limb out straight, and continue the application of Ignimancy as I ready my Body and Hand Soul Nexus alike.

>>262631
[Burduko would need a third core to safely transport mortals right now outside the box. he is still only capable of safely moving mortal with regenerative ability on par to Deep Spawn... like Bang.]
"So, how exactly was I designed to acquire these Chaos Souls- Incidentally, I have been calling them Pristine Souls."
"||Normally one would have to be a Chronomancer, and channel their temporal manipulation through your soul furnace as your operator, to create a link to extradimensional time, so anchor to reach out beyond the here and now. ...I admit curiousity as to how you accomplished it, given the distinct lack of Chronomantic tendencies anywhere save about your hand.||"
"I keep compiling deductions and estimations of possible future events, As I track my interactions with the world around me and the actions of my allies. Everything I learn goes into these probability sortings, and in some cases, My musings end up plucking a prediction of a future event that proves true, About something I should have no way to know concretely, assembled from scraps."
"||....Interesting. I suppose simply happening upon absolute certainty of an impending event could reach beyond the here and now... strange to hear it so effective, I recognize heavy saturation of... Pristine Souls about your form.||"
"So, Master of Sorrow-"
"||I'd ask you not use that paltry title for Duke Mordecai, it is beneath him... it was, at least.||"
"The man who commissioned me, Who built my Soul Furnace, I wish to know more of him."
"||As you know his war title I imagine you heard some of the legends those non-Mosmordrens, those cowards that lived-but know this, Mordecai was not the monster they made him out to be. I say the propaganda posters they sent out demonizing him. They turned taking time to pull wounded allies off the field 'claiming patients for experimentation', called his fight against overwhelming opposition 'an unprecedented brutality against the common man'. The Duke was brilliant, and dearly loved our homeland. He hoped to one day prove himself the most able in all the Empire, and claim his father's throne. ...If only the curse had not struck, he could have done it. He would have breathed new life into the empire, given its armies a second wind.||"
"How was he to accomplish this?"
"||You know not the man you speak of. Without exception, the Duke lived up to every claim I ever heard him utter. He is beyond reproach.||"
"I asked because if you know anything, we could try to restore his attempts, When we get to restoring the Empire, and absorbing it into my eventual holdings."
"||To name a few: infrastructure changes, comprehensive branching economic plans, Troop redeployments, Soul Grave modifications, changes in leadership, new tactical doctrine, new fields of magic, and bottom line the ability to take the weight of the world and shake it off.||"
"A widely talented individual."
"||You have no idea. It was like he could, in an instant, hone his soul so perfectly for a given task it is likely all his soul could even be used for, before snapping back to normal. His soul's history was his own to rewrite, through his master of what he called '[i]SOUL CHAOS'. ...Part of his research, he put into you.||"[/i]

>>262677
"Well, Thomro's arms seem to be cooling off, The runes losing their impact without Thomro's input."
"||It is time for me to take action, then. An efficiently handled capture, by the way. Now, if you would not mind....||"

I deactivate the Ignimancy as Kyorto slips close to Thomro, moving with a sinuous speed that sees her fleshy guise stretch and distort as she flows through the intervening space, before placing a hand on Thomro's head and whispering into the Small Tomb's ear. I feel the resistance to my magic slacken as the Small Tomb goes limp. Kyorto merely turns about to me, and nods. I withdraw the magnetic flares of my five rings, slotting them back in place as the small tomb lithely lands on its feet, steaming arms snapping rigidly to its sides as it regards Kyorto's every action, subjecting her to intense scrutiny.

"Well, if we take the main stairs here that this fragment of Thomro was guarding, we should not run into any mines, Mordecai did leave himself a clear escape path, which will now bring us straight to his personal chambers. He was frequently there, pouring over this or that document..."

Kyorto amiably waxes nostalgic as she and the newly obedient Small Tomb lead the way, up three floors (each suspiciously capable of fitting me) before going down a long hall past rows of doors, most rotted through. At the end there is a set of stone doors, slabs of marble set with a few bars of Black steel as surface-based support. Delicately manipulating the handles, Kyorto sets the doors to slowly, soundlessly sliding open, revealing a dusty, musty lab, office and bedroom all in one. Notes and papers are scattered everywhere, some degraded to the point of illegibility. I see cracked glass instruments, smudged or smeared sketches of runes and equations, and above all I see masterfully crafted items everywhere I look, from delicately swirled beakers to rosewood shelves, everything speaks of wealth, beneath the wear of time and Curse. Kyorto takes command of Arkus, and swiftly sets him to aiding her in claiming and organizing salvageable documents, schematics and sketches. Periodically a gem joins the pile, until five such pieces act as weights atop the slowly growing stack of paper. It takes two hours of meticulously combing the room, during which Kyorto pockets several items that I detect no magical relevance about, before I am presented with the pile. I flip through the entire stack of papers as I inspect the gems, compiling my list of discussed topics. I barely pay attention to the pair of golden Sapphires and a trio of scarlet and lilac amathysts, all with some sense of Belief tied into their impeccably cut surfaces. Even the trio of amathysts, smaller than the sapphires by at least a third, are larger than my own ruby eyes, the Ageless Eyes of Winter.... I could find use for these-but I am more occupied by my realization concerning salvaged documents:

-There were a total of one hundred twelve individual pieces of paper deemed salvageable. Out of them, only eighty-two were not individual pages from much longer reports that made no sense out of context. However, of those eighty two pages, a full sixty seven seem highly related to me, being in regards to Soul Graves.
-The most captivating thing I found was reference to the runed saw-rings, the much improved ammunition to my blade launcher. I find them referenced in conjunction to a metal cylinder, its top partly cut away to expose the stacked saw blades, a full sixty lined up in the canister. I see that this is noted as being a possible replacement to the vanguard blade launcher, and is mounted lengthwise along the shoulder, and would point forward like my Anti-golem cannon.
-The next most pressing collection of notes references something very similar to the Pyromancy pits Todwick used, the Void Bringer bears and the cannon shells now sport, along with designs on how to mount these thrusters on the back of shoulder armaments, as well as the back itself. ...Oddly enough, I note the documents seem to imply that having larger shoulder armaments, like the cannon, or the stack of runed saw rings, allow for the mounting of larger thrusters. If I read this right, this could produce the ability to fly. Even if it does not, as it seems to require rather impressive energy resources, it would provide incredible groundspeed without Nimble Nitro, as I Geomancy the ground and Kinetomantically slide across the ground.
-I note reference to leg-mounted thrusters, which if I read outputs correctly would only be useful as stabilizers. Again, I do not see it written down conclusively, but the material heavily seems to imply that flight by fire is possible.


....So, that is what I find, left behind by Mordecai.

"Hey, Mordre! Check this out!"
"Your apprentice found Mordecai's personal lockbox. Beyond that... you hold everything of worth to be found here. ....Time and the curse claimed too much. ...Arkus, what is that?"

Arkus bends to pick up a heavy folder, stuck in between solid workbenches, and opens it to find:
[PLEASE INSERT FIVE INDIVIDUAL 1d1000 ROLLS]



What should I say or do, now that we have found all we can of Mordecai's research and belongings in his room?
Should we explore the rest of the decayed structure, knowing it heavily mined and no way save destruction capable of removing said mines?
What should I do now with the rest of the afternoon?
Should I go back to the Azelhaedran State, or perhaps the Land of Dragons?
>[Reminder, need five individual 1d1000 rolls. I will be rolling 2d1000, if BOTH of my rolls are beaten by the AVERAGE of the five rolls, contents of folder will contain AWESOME to dwarf all the rest just gained. Beating just one will give a lesser bonus.]
>>
No. 262831 ID: e43bfe

rolled 198 = 198

>dose gems

PRISMATIC REVOLVER IS A GO
>>
No. 262832 ID: 69bee4

rolled 762 = 762

Come on massively high number!
>>
No. 262833 ID: e43bfe

>pristine attempt

Mordecai was going to use you as a vessel from the get-go. His plan was to use you to become an immortal, unstoppable king who could grow in power infinitely. He's so angry because you stole that future from him, and he will never, ever, ally with us, because he is so full of pride. Even if we eject him from the furnace and into a small tomb, he would only be our enemy.

>concurrent with this:

Eject his soul and have an Egg eat it.
>>
No. 262834 ID: d0d015

rolled 650 = 650

Let's do this!
>>
No. 262836 ID: 21e57a

rolled 937 = 937

Well, we are currently barely beating one number. Hopefully this one will be high. As for what to do, what does this room look like? Any old pictures, or works of art we could bling it out with? Some nice book cases, or such? I want to turn this room into ours, make it look good.

Other then that, talk to Kyoto and Thomro and even Arkus about these mines. See if we can sense them via any of our magic - and try to use Our soul, too, to do the magic. Check to see if the Small Tomb Thomro knows where the mines are. If nothing else Rutgur and Burduko might be able to warp the mines out of here, to lock them away for safe keeping.
>>
No. 262838 ID: 903f16

rolled 688 = 688

>>262830
Rolling to keep above the low roll.
>>
No. 262839 ID: 263430

...a complete collection of MORDRE AND FRIENDS action figures! You can find one in every Angry Meal at participating locations.

Not sure if Kyorto knows we're carrying MoS's soul, but she's totally going to betray us to bring him back. We need to stay on guard around her.
>>
No. 262840 ID: 9338f5

great rolling 4/5 greater than 600 one 900+

also
>At the end there is a set of stone doors, slabs of marble set with a few bars of Black steel as surface-based support.
Delicious black steel, we must eat it.
>>
No. 262842 ID: 98203d

So, will it eventually be possible to consume Mordecai's soul and use it like a hero (legendary, most likely in this case) soul to improve ourself?
>>
No. 262844 ID: d0d015

>>262842
I figure it'd be pretty hard, considering he BUILT MORDRE in the middle of a war. WITH A BOX OF SCRAPS!
>>
No. 262847 ID: 21e57a

Have we made any spawn in front of Kyorto yet? Because we should. And suggestions are:

Aehroahquia embodies the concept of FLOW, form revolves around ACID and SHAPESHIFTING.

Calvern embodies the concept of CAVES. Its form revolves around DIGGING and AMBUSH.
>>
No. 262849 ID: e43bfe

>>262847
SECONDING BOTH OF THESE
>>
No. 262850 ID: f247ab

Well, there might be more things of use in other rooms, particularly gems and Black Steel to finally complete the Sable Executioner (and perhaps better metals to improve other areas of Mordre) and tomes of magic that somehow survived, so searching the rest of the palace seems like a good idea.

If that activity consumes only enough time that Mordre has some free time, then trying to learn some Deep Spawn magic from one of our Deep Spawn (perhaps Velada, as it is specialized in something that currently is not in demand; I particularly want the cloning trick, and, as Velada's purpose an Order Chronomatic trick, perhaps learn something of how to do Chronomancy and maybe make PSs without going through the prediction process (though I suspect that we can't actually do that due to some event like the Curse that messed up the function, and if that does work, the PSs would be of lesser quality than the ones the predictions produce)) sounds like a good idea. If that is not possible, then try to learn runecrafting; perhaps Bobobo can help with providing a guide of the most common methods for learning runecrafting by mortal souls?

And, since the Land of Dragons has no pressing issue we must address, beyond meeting with our new Rageglut platoon, I propose that, after meeting with Bang and Keddic for the meeting with the platoon, we go to the State in preparation to kill more segments of the Disciples of Domintus.

Actually, Bang said he could make the platoon presentable by this morning, so we should probably go to the Land of Dragons after getting as much as we could from the palace. We need to collect Bang and Keddic for the offensive against the Disciples anyways.
>>
No. 262852 ID: f247ab

>>262847
Yup, last thread, Welgahoo and Bobobo. Arkus hasn't witnessed it, though.

I don't think we need to make more spawn now.
>>
No. 262854 ID: 45be60

>>262847
Thirding. I like that Aehroahquia idea. Flow is good.

Hey, remember when we were putting restrictions on deep spawn to make them stronger? Those were good days. I bet Calvern would be happy to take a restriction requireing him to keep a path to the underground around, sorta like the one Dorgrum and Khordu exhibited.
>>
No. 262857 ID: a69afd

>>262830
Can we not simply copy Eisenhardt at this juncture? The rune mines are inscribed on some form of stone or metal, yes? Why don't we move the mines around using a buffer of the appropriate element, rendering the building safe(r) to explore?
>>
No. 262858 ID: d4f98d

I suggest saving one or two of the Amethysts and have Del Roga fashion them into the gift we said we'd have made as a "thank-you" for Valiria's aid.
>>
No. 262859 ID: d4f98d

Also: AWW, average is only 656.2
>>
No. 262861 ID: fd0da7

We should get status update on DoD.

Did Eisenhardt engage and beat the second army?

What is the main army doing?
IIRC The Pure Lady and her soul grave threatened us directly...

Also:
>Kyorto: *babbles on and on what a great guy Mordecai was*
Mordre: *mumble* didn't sound like a great guy when I met him *mumble*
Kyorto: Huh? What did you say?
Mordre: Oh, nothing.... nothing.

I'm just joking, don't really do this
>>
No. 262883 ID: fd0da7

Oh!

Ask Kyorto if our golem (Mordre) has ever been in real battle. Or even if it has been properly turned on and tested.
Since this is experimental golem which was made to show one specific function it is highly unlikely that it had been send to battle.

I ask this, because previously we have remembered several instances where we had been in battle.
>>
No. 262885 ID: fd0da7

We have all of Deep Spawn magic including Administrator magic.
One of the few instances we saw the use of Admin magic was removing very powerful and very hidden runes on Dulu.

Just use the same thing to remove the mines.
>>
No. 262893 ID: a10fec

QUICKLY, somebody grab all the unused fan art we have stored away on the Discussion Thread (we never use them anyway) and post it here, it will increase our rolling average!! (Or you could bust out a lyrical move).

>Should we explore the rest of the decayed structure, knowing it heavily mined and no way save destruction capable of removing said mines?

Idea! To avoid setting off the mines, have Arkus stand or sit on our AV blade then Magnetomancy him above the floor and detach our eyes, float them into a room to allow us to see inside. If we find something he can't reach without touching the ground, then Kinetimancy it to him. 

>Kyorto pockets several items that I detect no magical relevance about...

Her familiarity of the palace and his room tells me that Kyorto was a little more than a "personal assistant" to Mordecai, *nudge-nudge* *wink-wink*.

>>262847
As cool as it sounds, let's not create a "Digging Deep Spawn". If there is ever a time that requires us to move a very large amount of dirt or rock, I think that the construction Deep spawn idea would be able to do so or we could always just direct both of our Soul Nexuses to Geomancy. Digging just seems like a REALLY specific and obscure power/utility for a Deep Spawn considering to that we haven't had a NEED to dig besides the Drazken mines, in which case a construction Deep Spawn would be much more useful and more needed in the long term. Even if the idea is an "underground ambusher", it still wouldn't have a lot use besides that. We don't want to create a Deep Spawn for one specific problem, we want each ones abilities to be unique and variable enough to be used for different situations or problems. (Think Swiss Army Knife vs a Steak Knife, the steak knife is really good for cutting steaks but there is not much else it's good for).

Regarding the Acid Shapeshifter idea, I'm slightly against it as well, but if more people like the idea then I'm fine with it.

Get Kyorto to make the Thromo Small Tomb obey our commands. Use Magnetomancy to fix the dent in its head and repair any other damage it has procured over the years.

>>262839 
>...She's totally going to betray us to bring him back. We need to stay on guard around her.

Agreed. However, she did pledge her loyalty us, although I don't know if we can trust her word on it. We brought her back from the brink of death and insanity, we can just as easily put her back. 

>>262858
Second
>>
No. 262909 ID: 2b2ef4

>P.Soul revalations
>MANIACAL GRIN!
Use P.Soul on Soul furnace


Also, we can't get Chronomancy guys, else we would be able to create the P.Souls on a whim, TONS OF THEM, and destroy everything.
>>
No. 262910 ID: 1854db

We could use a P.Soul on our soul furnace to EXTRACT the MoS from his hiding place and bind him to our will like a Heroic Soul. I imagine he is able to hide from the furnace because the soul furnace itself is chaotic soul magic.

Hmm. The only way I can think of for him to hide to completely from us is if he's using the dimensional anchor as a gateway to another dimension. He's not hiding in us, he's watching us and manipulating our dimension to cause all these freaky things to happen to us. I predict that if we were to pull him out of his hiding place, shit will stop hitting the fan so often.
>>
No. 262912 ID: 35bba5

>>262885
Except we don't actually know how to do that yet.
We can learn it, but we haven't.
>>
No. 262913 ID: 9338f5

>>262909
>Use P.Soul on Soul furnace
Great idea! It has my full support.

> EXTRACT the MoS from his hiding place and bind him to our will

Considering just how vast the power difference between Heroic and Legendary seems we may need to use 3 or more Pristine souls for this. We would also have to explain the change in soul and possibly body which are likely to be significant.
>>
No. 262916 ID: 98203d

I didn't really mean trying to bind MoS right at this moment, maybe just as a goal for later. Though we are his cancer right? Doesn't that mean we are still just a little part of him? I wonder if we could just merge back together with Mordecai, him and Mordre becoming one entity. No binding or forcing of will, but having it done willingly. Is there anyway to talk to him without activating out of control Mordre destroy all mode?
>>
No. 262942 ID: 5db7a7

>Bind MoS
>Put a part of his research into us
>Could hone his soul to deal with things instantly
>OMG P.SOuls are the Best things ever to us

I doubt it would work for more than a few seconds.
>>
No. 262968 ID: fd0da7

>>262942
Thats what I thought.

Remember, Mordecai is a Legendary soul. A Legendary who most probably gained this level without the aid of "belief" like the Dragons from LoD, thus making him even more scary.

Prostine souls wouldn't be enough to keep him in hold. We need to hone our soul. We should build up belief in LoD, in Northern Mountains and in Azelhaedran state (as people strongly believe that mages are equivalent of awesome and we have established a strong persona of a great Mage).
Besides that, we must hone our soul also by conventional means.
And only then we should attempt to engage Mordecai directly.

Regardless, don't do it in front of Kyorto at least
>>
No. 262974 ID: 9338f5

>>262968
Indeed, if we must fight the Duke I nominate Trollingwood for the battle ground. no one will care if we kill the locals in the crossfire and theres nothing that would tilt the fight in his favour
>>
No. 262982 ID: 69bee4

If we decide against exploring, id suggest we head to the Land of Dragons, first thing: talk to Dulu if hes not busy, then go and see how Bang, Keddic, and hopefully Mahklargg have dealt with training (If Mahklargg has not been asigned to do this, then go ahead and do that.) Check how Oz's school has gone, how our Deep Spawn fare, and apologize to Oz about back when we spoke into his mind with Phohn without permission. Also, regale him (and his students) some about how much DRAGON ASS YOU KICKED if their not busy.

Also if possible, find Lubu and propose the teleportation box to the true mountains concept as a form of execution we had before. Also, ask the guy if he has any hobbies and likes besides combat, I mean really, we need an activity we can do with this guy without him copying. Maybe he likes art, tea, or races? look into that.

Text for conversation with Dulu:
Ask Dulu if you can speak to him alone, mention ahead of time it’s a bit personal, but you have no idea who else to talk to. Be silent for a bit, hem and haw in discomfort

“Dulu, this is a strange question to ask I suppose. However, I have no idea where else to turn but you. With the display you saw in the mountains, Im one step closer at last to leaving this crippled body and moving on… I had always honestly viewed it as a chance for immortality before. And yet, with the failure and randomness that occurred, I sort of… saw our conversation again in the teahouse while I slept… if you can call laying awake that. What is it like Dulu? It is, so odd to think of a life… never to taste? Never to drink? Never to feel the soft breeze or truly touch upon a woman’s flesh again…. OH! OH! Deep me, Im sorry Dulu, this must come off as horribly condescending. Especially as I’m the… I’m…. sorry”

Uncomfortable silence probably follows.

“I’m sorry to do that Dulu, that probably… brought up things I should never have broached. But really, I will say in this travel, I’m glad to have such a worthy rival by my side for the moment. Something I never expected I would ever say when you stood down Ozmand and threatened something I had been working for years on. Not just because of my questions now, but because you really do seem to do right Dulu, freedom and fame can be admirable or ignoble, but you never stood on the side of a more… evil act except as you were forced to. Some would abuse the power you have, but instead you indulge an old man’s folly and trials in a far off land, seeking adventure in its purest form. So please, let me ask properly Dulu, what is it like, in the words of Dulu the Golemslayer, to be a soul in a Golems body?”

Listen to Dulu intently, nod, ask relevant questions. At some point bring up if valid. As I assume there are some parts he will mention he hates/dislikes.

“ Thank you, I can only imagine what its like, at least for now Dulu, and I would not hold it against you if you harbor resentment towards me from what you have said. Whereas I have a chance to fear and prepare… I doubt you had such freedom in your decision of that body. I… I want to confess, the day I killed your body, it was filled with malice and hatred, a foolish fire of rage that would have demanded me take your Soul into this Soul Grave and enjoy in some perverse way the torture of the fire it holds. Being older and wiser is never fully true Dulu, and instead I did cause the events where you, the Golemslayer, are now housed in a Golem. I know your freedom was probably a big deal for you… but I’ve never honestly believed I can fully forgive myself. Nor could I reasonably ask you to forgive me. Yet…
*sigh a moment, mix between forced lightheartenedness, a grim but hopeful determination, and resolve*
I know we never met face to face, and so I never got to shake your hands as my equal and rival deserved. I hope… assuming that everything goes right, whenever or if I ever fully assimilate into this golem, in a way so close to what you are now… could a handshake then be considered the same as having met face to face? Could I then, assuming you would be willing to forgive an old man, and as you have fought beside me, call you my golem brother in arms? I don’t expect any real answer, but… thank you Dulu, for easing my fears I think in part of this. Its good to know even when I leave this body and house of mine, I will not be truely alone”
>>
No. 262986 ID: f247ab

You know, from the description of how Chaos Souls work (stealing time from other possibilities), and from the description of how True Blow, and Keddic's derivative, works (breaking the barriers between possibilities), that leads me to believe that, with sufficient Chaos, likely completely unadulterated, all possibilities would be pulled and merged into one possibilities. That would explain why Mordre, with the purely Chaotic soul, and Domintus, with the purely Chaotic body, don't exist in any other reality but this setting.

So, if that is true, then would it not suggest that Bang, with his soul becoming purely Chaotic (or is already pure Chaos), would then be obscured from Bobobo's and Figment's special nigh-omniscience, for they look into other possibilities for that nigh-omniscience, and Bnag doesn't exist, to a degree of existence (as Bang with his rapidfire Curatiomancy), in any other reality.

...I was going somewhere with this, but I forgot where. But, am I on a/the right track?
>>
No. 262998 ID: 98203d

>>262982

No, let's not do ANY of this. Forget LoD for a second, we need to focus on GIANT DoD INVASION.

Also Dulu is not 100% on our side, do not tell him anything that might give away that our soul is housed in this soul grave.
>>
No. 263001 ID: 445c48

>>262998
Agreed.
>>
No. 263002 ID: f247ab

>>262998
B-b-but Keddic! And Bang! They would want to have a part in the battle against the DoD!

...Though, on second thought, they are in the process of training our Rageglut platoon. Should we pull them from that duty? I don't think the Ragegluts can fit into the box, nor do they have regeneration on par with Bang (or regeneration at all)...
>>
No. 263003 ID: 9338f5

>>263002
ask them
>>
No. 263028 ID: f247ab

So, do the noted improvements to our shoulder mounts come with schematics we can use? If they do, perhaps we can spend our afternoon modifying our mounts.

>>263003
Ask who what?
>>
No. 263030 ID: a69afd
File 12918645324.jpg - (79.69KB , 480x555 , birth-of-a-super-villain.jpg )
263030

>>262830
>>262861
>>
No. 263032 ID: 9338f5

>>263028
Weather to leave Keddik and Bang training the ragegluts or have them fight along side us as we commit glorious slaughter on the DoD. We will probably start hunting the other armies in a day or two, after we nose around the ruins of the city and make the construction deepspawn and maybe a few other things. I would suggest heading to the Arcanoworks gathering up our troops and making our first air raid.

Also the Patchwork Creature is the Dukes body, not sure what to do about it. Killing it could do anything or nothing. If Kyorto finds it or learns of its connection to us it could lead to her suspecting something. I have a vague suspicion that it may act a bit like a horcrux or phylactery and that if someone to do the right thing(magic? killing it?) to the creature the MoS or our self could be crippled in some way.
>>
No. 263055 ID: a76809

>>262885
[NOPE. You have the capacity to LEARN all Deep Spawn magic. Currently, you don't know shit Deep Spawn can do, you have their innate timelessness and regeneration, that's it.]

>>262831
[198]
>>262832
[762]
>>262834
[650]
>>262836
[937]
>>262838
[688]
>[3235/6=647. >458 PASS, >795 FAIL, PARTIAL BONUS]

-A set of missives. He hands them to me after noting all are in excellent condition, and I scan through them, compiling an assessment of their contents.... hm. They appear to be letters between Mordecai and several other individuals, I see titles attached to every name. Duke Elrindios of Athelens, Factor Feginion of the Golden League, General Rincewick of Duras.... High King Arcturo Fissykus of Castiliathen. The documents themselves... discuss the deployment of mages. The building of an encircling wall about the Mosmordren Empire.

These documents are about the Curse, and those involved in it. I now have names, people involved in orchestrating this event. ...But why would they be in contact with Mordecai, a Mosmordren citizen? ...I can't ask Kyorto, I can see the fanaticism in her.... so I snap the folder shut, and hand it back to Arkus.

"Some saved letters. The names involved could be of relevance, So keep that with the rest of the recovered material, alright?"
"Yeah sure, no problem."

I keep a careful eye on Kyorto, but she shows no further interest in the find-having not seen the documents themselves, she has no reason to mistrust me. ...Still, I consider the impact of all I discovered in this room... the means to flight pyromantic, the actual rune schemes for saw-rings, multiple potent gems... and now this. To hide my deep thought, I turn to the Small Tomb, and speak to Thomro.

"So, are you capable of speech?"
"Not this one. It's just one of the dozen fragments of Thomro's soul, donated on his death, it's just raw power, no thought or form to it. Saw Thomro and Merrack's monument at the chapel, then? ...Paying your respects to the empire that forged you and its heroes, I can respect that."

...New mental note: NEVER let Kyorto see the chapel, where the semi-rotted corpses of Thomro and Merrack are broken on the ground, souls in my belly.

>>262840
I walk to the marble doors on our way out, the room scoured for anything to salvage. The remaining statues are cracked and broken, the paintings peeling, the mosaics falling apart. With the room and building as a whole so dilapidated, I think nothing of claiming the several hundred pounds of Black Steel bars embedded in the doors. Broken to rubble in the process, I remove the massive doors-while happily feasting, directing what I consume towards my right arm. I feel the Sable Executioner climbing, unwinding past my elbow, blade ribbons lengthening. Twenty feet becomes twenty five..... then thirty... the ribbons top out at forty feet in total length uncoiled, the Black Steel having climbed midway up my upper arm. ...Nearly there.

>>262847
[Aehroahquia is reserved to be the Deep Spawn implanted in the Edge of Oblivion once Del Rogo and Arkus finish touching it up/inspecting it.]

>>262883
As we start walking back down the stairs, the inbuilt runic mines too well-warded for me to shift them even indirectly with Geomancy, I speak to Kyorto again.

"Has this golem been in real battle? Before the Curse I mean."
"In border disputes, yes. Four engagements, as I recall, two of which were joint with another Soul Grave.... I forget which one. The disputes happened over a five day period, and are somewhat jumbled together to my recollection."


>>262998
>>263001
Ultimately, I find my thoughts turning to the State, and curiousity consumes me concerning the status of the Domintus invasion. I find that such consumes my attention far too much... and with the Duke's rooms looted, I feel now an excellent time to return with Arkus to the Azelhaedran State, to check on Eisenhardt, the Air Cavalry, the Blue Knight, the State as a whole... so much to track, I barely note myself getting in the teleportation box with Kyorto and Arkus as Burduko shifts us away. It is only when I step out of the teleportation box in the Azelhaedran State that I realize I brought Kyorto with me, a new mage to the eyes of all my other followers.... I must establish her cover here and now. Beyond that... I do not see Eisenhardt, and when I try to speak with him through Phohn I am given no response.





With eyes on me upon my sudden arrival, what should I establish with the Arcanoworks staff as Kyorto's cover, and position in my organization?
How should I check on the current status of the war?
Now that I am back in the State, what should I do here?
What message should I send to Bang and Keddic while they work to instill discipline and respect in the Metal Skulls of the Indelible?
>[Also, if someone is brave enough, I need: a 1d100 roll, a 1d1000 roll, and a 1d10000 roll. ONLY one of each, please.]
>>
No. 263056 ID: 9338f5

>>263055
Ask phone about Eisenhardts status(is his mind still out there?) and make the builder deepspawn.
>>
No. 263060 ID: af8af2

rolled 7309 = 7309

1d10000 Rolled
>>
No. 263061 ID: 21e57a

rolled 550 = 550

Gesture around to Kyorto. "And this would be my Arcanoworks, I named it after you, actually. One should always respect one's teacher, should they not? Well, come along, I'll show you around. This is the place I was Telling you About," old man cough. "So lets not play that age illusion on everyone. Currently at war, don't want people on edge and all that."
>>
No. 263062 ID: af8af2

Hey Mordre, notice how you word your thoughts like a human now?
>>
No. 263063 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 60 = 60

d100 up in this bitch
>>
No. 263066 ID: 9338f5

>>263055
>How should I check on the current status of the war?
Ask the Blue Knight, find out whats happened to Eisenhardt and as a last resort find one of Quintin's aids and get a update off of them.

Don't forget to check on the core being and set a few of our militia and possibly Derkin to watching/investigating weather or not the mages in the camp are really trying to get rid of the core being. have we asked Kyorto about it yet?
>>
No. 263067 ID: 46c430

Considering the Paradox Knights seem to kinda be the peace keepers of the continent, keep the balance, I imagine they might have intrest in the curse and the fall of the empire... ...And we have a paradox knight in this base... ...And we have letters detailing names on people involved in the curse's making... ...Why don't we pay Reisenhardt a visit?
>>
No. 263074 ID: f6360f

>...New mental note: NEVER let Kyorto see the chapel, where the semi-rotted corpses of Thomro and Merrack are broken on the ground, souls in my belly.
When we get a bit a free time, we should go back there and make sure it looks like the place was looted by someone else. Everything else around there is looted, after all; it wouldn't be unusual for looters to have no respect. Then we can claim that we didn't want to bring it up and upset her, since so much has already been lost.


>With eyes on me upon my sudden arrival, what should I establish with the Arcanoworks staff as Kyorto's cover, and position in my organization?
Student is obviously out, teacher puts her in a position of nominal authority over us... the best option here is simply to say that she is a very skilled mage and one of our oldest allies. It's even literally true. She gets to outrank everyone except our top people.

See what each of our hero/officer types in the Arcanoworks have been up to in turn- all we really have to do is check in with each of them, get a quick report, see if there's anything they need or want, and then move on. Shouldn't take too long and will give us a better idea of our operations here. Personally, I am particularly interested in what Dregas has been doing with trade.

Contact the Blue Knight and/or his kids and get reports on what's been going on with his forces, those prisoners, and the war in general since we were last here. Hopefully things haven't progressed too much; it hasn't been long.

It is probably a good idea to look into the Core Being, if only because we'll want to have up-to-date information on it when our meeting with the Administrator here occurs. I would strongly prefer to at least personally extend our senses around the area where it is located.

>>263067
Until we have thoroughly read over all those letters, I don't want to spill the information in them to anyone else. Steal a moment or twelve to go over them carefully and figure out exactly how much coordination was going on and what Mordecai's motivations were if possible.
>>
No. 263100 ID: 252e1b

>>263074

One of our oldest surviving allies. Anyone who would sink decades into golem control systems when he and his associates were in their twilight years will be getting used to the idea of some of his friends simply dying of old age. And misadventure has always been a possibility.
>>
No. 263109 ID: 1854db

Hey, we can say we brought Kyorto here with us because we needed some help inspecting the golem physically, and finding out exactly what it was we just did to it.

Stick with her original backstory of course.
>>
No. 263111 ID: fd0da7

We should study the letters thoroughly.

Get information about DoD from your own people and the later from that dude who first tasked us with this mission.

Look how Air Cavalry is doing. Actually, just look around your holdings to see how the stuff is going personally.

Didn't Burduko scout the places where the DoD could cross their army?
If he isn't doing anything now, set him up with this task again
>>
No. 263214 ID: 903f16

>>263055

>With eyes on me upon my sudden arrival, what should I establish with the Arcanoworks staff as Kyorto's cover, and position in my organization?
We already established a cover for her back when she returned to life. She's a past acquaintance and colleague who's come to visit, but because finding our home is impossible and so she decided to settle for following our golem around. In the chain of command I suppose she's like Del Roga, Jezebel, or Dregas, the top of her respective division that reports directly to us.

>How should I check on the current status of the war?
Check with our men here, call up Carkiano and Eisenhardt via Phohn, and visit Quinton's keep and check with him. After that call up Ellayia on the rockie talkie and see if she happens to have any specifics on the enemy force and mainly to cancel the mage killing job, we managed to get the job done on our own. We may or may not still need the Leyline geyser depending on if Dregas is successful. If she's sunk time into the first job we'll compensate a small amount of cash as an apology for wasted time, but nothing more since she never officially took the job.

>Now that I am back in the State, what should I do here?
Aside from getting the report on the war effort we should primarily be concerned with the upcoming meeting with Weismahn. We need to be able to drop anything we plan to do in coming days in order to be at that meeting. So with that in mind I'd say we should not stray too far from the Arcanoworks unless on a specific task. Thankfully there's a wealth of things do around here, like getting updates on our many projects or upgrading ourselves with our new loot. For upgrades Arkus needs to add both the Small Tomb and mind shielding runes, Kyorto needs to network our Soul Nexuses, we need to integrate the jet pack/rocket boot and saw blade designs. Cautiously I'd suggest taking a trip to Gialgorra to acquire some robots to use in the war, but I'm hesitant because while we can leave at any time through the teleportation box we might get the call and rushing off on the guy wouldn't be too nice.

>What message should I send to Bang and Keddic while they work to instill discipline and respect in the Metal Skulls of the Indelible?
We're in the Azelhaedran State to continue our work here until Lubu has another mission for us, it's probably going to be a lot of logistics and diplomatic dealings so they don't need to worry about missing anything. We've left a little help for them in the form of Mahklargg, our new training Deep Spawn. If they don't feel like they need his help right now send him back here and we will use him on the troops in the Arcanoworks. Other than that they should keep in mind that these guys will need to be able to handle dragons and potentially legendary warriors later on, so focus on things like giant and hero slaying once the basics are down.
>>
No. 263244 ID: 35bba5

>>263214
This is all pretty sensible stuff, I agree.
>>
No. 263285 ID: 45be60

>>263214
I want to make sure we tell Bang and Keddic that this new training deep spawn is not there because we don't think they can handle the job job. He is there to pick up slack if they need to scamper off for a while. He is officially their subordinate in that hierarchy.
>>
No. 263289 ID: a76809

>>263109
>>263214
>>263244
"And here we have Kyogrock Arcanoworks, where I labor in the State. Please, feel free to make yourself at home, it's been ages since last we met! I won't squander a chance to pick your brain yet again, Kyorto!"
"You will have to wait, as even if you haven't noticed,
Your entire staff is watching me-did you even tell them I was coming?"
"..Ah... must have slipped my mind, To give them advance warning. Easily corrected though!"

I turn without pause or hesitation towards the amassed crowd, Dregas, Derkin, all those I call ally intermingled, as well as the two Paradox knights, warrior and mount alike, are all paying close attention to what I say.

"So, this is Mage Kyorto, an old colleague of mine. She agreed to come visit the Azelhaedran State, And will be assisting our efforts to restore justice and safety to the land. I would see her treated with every bit as much respect as Arkus, And assumed to have every bit the equal to his authority."

I assess the crowd as I deliver my act, looking for a response to my presented ruse.

>>263060
[7309]
>[D10000 roll for audience level of trust. Trust level: Liked and Respected. PASS]
>>263061
[550]
>[D1000 roll for Arcanoworks leaders (Derkin/Dregas/Ulzrick/Vespinto/Elorrika/Jezebel/Del Rogo level of trust. Trust level: Moderate. PASS]
>>263063
[60]
>[D100 Roll for Reinhardt/Kyrchesia level of trust. Trust level: Accepting. FAIL]

I see the delight on the faces of locals, that cultural heritage of respecting mages coming to my aid here, as nearly all of them start deferentially bowing in greeting, presuming her a master mage based on her association with me. With Air Cavalry, my smiths and clerical assistants, my cooks and farmers all so enthused, I have nothing to worry about there. Dregas simply nods thoughtfully, Ellorika seems violently pleased with the change, Vespinto disinterested and Ulzrick mildly confused. Del Rogo's gnarled face is still twisted in its perpetual scowl, and Jezebel merely huffs as she wrinkles her nose. Derkin is the only one that looks askance at Kyorto, but he glances my way and shrugs before bowing with the rest-I do not think I need worry about suspicion amongst my commanders. Yet while Arkus leads Kyorto into the huddle of people, making introductions and matching names to faces, I see Kyrchesia and Reinhardt still standing, still watching. Reinhardt raises a metal hand, and beckons towards me before he leaves with Kyrchesia for the stables. I excuse myself from the meet and greet as discreetly as I am physically capable of being (read: Not very). Nonetheless I shortly find myself secluded with the two Knights in the stables, away from prying ears. Reinhardt is as brusque as ever.

"Twas twaddle thou fed thine followers- That was no mage thou returned with!"
"Truthfully, Mordre told no lie, You know this as well as I, And that 'tis indeed a mage, Whatever else it may be."
"Which is exactly the problem! What is the nature of thine ally? Speak!"
"Someone dead for more than a decade, Finally given the chance to see the world again, To live again-would you take that from her? As she is now, she could not ward her soul: Rather than persisting as she did before, She would perish as all souls eventually must."
"Thou does not know this for certain."
>>263067
"Maybe. But had I not brought her, I would not have found what I did. I don't suppose the Order would be interested in the names of those involved, In orchestrating and initiating the Curse?"

I take satisfaction from the complete lack of response from either Knight, both agog at my nonchalant comment. Kyrchesia is the first to break the silence.

"...What would you ask of us, In exchange for the rights to those names?"
"Well really I want Kyorto to not have a hard time integrating here-"
"You canno-"
"Done."
"Well, Arkus has the documents, the letters in question. Ask him, and he'll let you read them-I do need to keep them, As I have research of my own to do."
"Acceptable. ...We will need to speak with you, After we evaluate the letters and communicate our findings to the rest of the Order."
"Yes... do not think this over... Anathema."
Kyrchesia simply shakes her head as she trots into a stall, while Reinhardt walks away, back out of the stables. After a moment, I follow after, thinking of my next move.

>>263056
Phohn, what do you know of Eisenhardt's status?
The Mortal lives, but is surrounded in so many forms of barriers a message cannot be sent. There is too much interference, much of which is magnetomantic.
Well, he's alive and well for the moment, so that's all I really need to know.

>>263062
...Again I find myself considering my act as Mage Mordre: I noticed before the affectations of human thought processes was beginning to bleed through, but it seems to have built momentum. It has been so long since I spent a sizable portion of time unfettered by the need to deceive that the concept of open living seems almost alien in comparison. ...I shall have to keep an eye on this.

>>263066
I speak through Phohn again, this time to Senth, still in the southern lands with the Blue Knight and his family. After checking in to find Senth perfectly happy monitoring the prisoners, he gives me an update on the Blue Knight:

-Carkiano, Vonjeen and Valiria are all doing well, currently organizing recovery efforts in the wake of the recently squashed southern invasion.
-The few thousand prisoners have ceased to attempt escape by any means whatsoever.
-The Blue Knight armor is performing optimally once more, something Carkiano is immensely grateful for.
-The Blue Devil armor is being thoroughly tested with its new safety buffer: Vonjeen has twice now been able to get the suit to hover for several seconds, with purely Orderfire providing thrust.
-Trade is beginning to pick up as the seized armaments of the Domintus forces are liquidated, and the currency put towards funding the recovery.

Next I commune with Lorgk, Mingsk, Jojo, Uggrokk and Oggroth alike, looking for a comprehensive analysis of their current status. I get it.

-Prior negotiations successfully completed, the now thousand strong Drazken clan sets its sights on absorbing yet another clan, Lorgk intent on making the Drazken Clan into a Grand Tribe.
-Uggrok's new arm has been proving incredibly deadly, and he has earned the title Reaping Thunder Shadow. His name quickly joined Lorgk and Oggroth's, those three forming a Trio that have become well-known throughout the mountains.
-Jojo has been spending a great deal of time with Heol, aiding her in learning to control her soul with applied Dream magic techniques.
-Mingsk has been stay in constant contact with Dorgrum, and reports the compiling of every known piece of Premen magic into the Universal Magic Language is finally complete.

Lastly I call on Bang and Keddic, explaining that an old friend came knocking at the State, and that I have much I need to attend to here for now. After assuring me they could use another day or eight to continue working with the Metal Skulls, they likewise give me a brief rundown on recent events after throwing in a thanks for sending the Deep Spawn training aide:

-Lubu has taken to wearing his modified armor that drains his strength all the time now, and refuses to carry a weapon anymore.
-Reports place both the Coalition and Goujar on the move once more.

Fully up to date on all my other holdings, I send a message to Arkus, both about my talk with the Paradox Knights, and my desire to implement the Soul Grave modifications I found. I see his steps falter for a brief instant as the message is recieved before I set to seeking out my individual commanders, and learning of how they fare while Arkus prepares, and Kyorto continues to build on her resoudningly positive reception, a natural actor.

-I speak with Dregas, to learn that shipping with Burduko has been drawing ENORMOUS profits, not just for being cheaper, but for being instantaneous. He has increased the pay to all Arcanoworks staff, and still continues to show massive profits. He says I should breach the million mark barrier in less than a month.
-Derkin confides that he would like some personalized magic weapons, throwing knives, machetes, or kukris preferred, with stealth-based armor. He admits he has been told he lacks the brilliance or drive to become a truly potent soul, and so would like some external assistance to bring his game closer to what he's witness from Keddic and Bang. He also says he doesn't really have anything more to teach the three commanders he has been training, and now delegates duties to them regularly.
-Vespinto and Ulzrick both don't have much to comment on currently, but Ellorika confronts me with several requests for modifications to her Golem Armor. I direct her to speak with Kyorto and Arkus about the subject, Jezebel and Del Rogo liekwise people to seek out.

Kyorto continues to draw attention, and I see Arkus finally making his way to the tower entrance. He shuffles inside with his armloads of papers and carefully wrapped gems, and nods towards me as he scuttles up the stairs. I follow after him, finding him already at his desk, carefully laying out the salvaged sketches, notes and schematics alongside multiple open books, all on runecrafting. I even see those few designs for Soul Grave cannon modifications amongst the arranged documents. Arkus speaks as he continues to shuffle and 'organize' his mounds of reference.

"Okay so you may recall me mentioning that after I modified your cannons that first time, any further rune-alterations to the armaments would take even longer because I have to erase runes? Well that applies here. If it weren't for the fact that I kinda have to do your right shoulder armament first, I'd say the comprehensive thruster package is the faster of the two, and that we should start with it. ...As is, yes I do think I can make this happen, but... a cycle to erase and reset your shoulder runes, at least two days to re-rune with Mordecai's mods, and another three days to inscribe all the thruster codes on your body. So we're probably looking at half a month here. Unless you have some idea to make this go faster. I know you pull ideas out of your a-....You come up with solutions in improbable situations. Now would be a good time, unless you LIKE being out of commission that long. You seem to have a few too many obligations nowadays to put that much time aside. ...So, what's the plan?"



How do I respond to Arkus?
Do I have any ideas on how to make the modifications more streamlined?
Should I even go through with it now (Is flight and mass-magnetic lens manipulation worth it)?
What should be my focus for the next day or so, if I don't start getting the mod now?
>[Any ideas for how to make the mods go faster can be accompanied by a d1000 roll, with higher than average rolls providing bonuses to effectiveness of plans. ...Bad rolls are not helpful, as a forewarning.]
>>
No. 263297 ID: a69afd

>>263289
No longterm mods right now, far too much stuff to take care of at the moment. I may have a gameplan for assaulting the disciples, but we need to find and invite the various Azelhaedran state units to discuss this at length. The most important thing to focus on at this moment is making sure Kyorto does NOT find out about what we just did.
>>
No. 263298 ID: d3dfb8

I may not have any suggestions for how to speed it up, but we may as well complete something else while we wait.

Head over to the plot of land we rented from Gialgorra and construct a fortress with geomancy. But only use our soul to power the spell. Encouraging growth and whatnot!
>>
No. 263300 ID: 45be60

>>263289
The ability to manufacture additional saw blades would be very nice, especially with a higher capacity storage canister. But independent flight seems much less important given the plethora of options at our disposal these days. For now, I don't think it would be worthwhile.
>>
No. 263302 ID: d0d015

I say we should get the mod, starting RIGHT NOW.
>>
No. 263305 ID: d4f98d

rolled 121 = 121

>>263289
"I can make my body more malleable utilizing Blood Magic and magnetomancy, but I fear that would do nothing to erase the magical signature of the current runes, correct? I could then attempt to annul their magics myself.

Or, perhaps I could create something to help in this task. Or perhaps I already have."

Nihilino's domain involves negation/erasure, correct? Couldn't he serve to aid in erasing the runes?

If not, we could try making the following:

Gantzio embodies the concept of MUTABILITY, it's form revolving around SHIFTING and NULLIFICATION.
>>
No. 263307 ID: d3dfb8

>>263298
Oh, and once we finish that we should make full scale statues of the runed golems we have seen so far, complete with accurate runes. Arkus should study these, and learn him some runes.
>>
No. 263309 ID: fd0da7

Summon Bobobo
Use him to his full extent to gain information to make modifications faster/better. Let Arkus use him too.

Since we have learned a bit about Rune magic, try to help as much as we can.

Also, summon Akeakam and use his abilities on Arkus so that he can work better. Tell Oz that we need him for a while, he should understand.

>-Derkin confides that he would like some personalized magic weapons, throwing knives, machetes, or kukris preferred, with stealth-based armor.

Since we don't have time to personally go and search for artifacts, give him permission to acquire these stuff himself with our funds. He can travel to Gialgorra islands and LoD if he wants to (Phohn will provide translation)
Tell him to get funds from Dregas. I suggest he get enough funding for very high quality products.

Also, about the mods:
I am more interested in new Vanguard mod. And not for its increased storage, mind you but for the ability to forge those runed blades ourself. Tell Arkus to focus on that (again, use Bobobo for maximum effect)

Also, get the Shade of Soul rune inscribed on our scalp.
>>
No. 263311 ID: 35bba5

rolled 237 = 237

>>263305
That wasn't a great roll, and I'm concerned that if we go with that plan Nihilino will erase all our runes or something rather than just the ones we want erased. The AA is partially rune based. So here is an alternate and probably not nearly as good plan, which hopefully will roll better.
We postpone the modifications for now, and start gathering stuff we can trade to Weismahn. Hit up Gialgorra for as many different technological doodads as we can get from him. If after doing that Weismahn still isn't ready for the meeting, we hop on Nidhogg and strafe the DoD, try and grab some prisoners. Anyone wearing metal armor would be a good target. Stick em all together and fly off with them. When we meet with Weismahn, we ask for Deep Spawn help with getting the modifications done in exchange for the prisoners/technology.
>>
No. 263312 ID: fd0da7

Also, tell Dregas to start investing money in various different ventures in different regions.

Like, making factories and manifacturies.
Buying up and setting up various mines throughout the regions.
Setting up massive plantations of different cultures.

etc...

[I can't think of more for now, maybe some other players could suggest something proper?]
>>
No. 263315 ID: ef70d7

>>263305
>>263311
FFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUU-
>>
No. 263320 ID: 445c48

Pay Del Rogo to make some neat stuff for Derkin.

Flight's not quite as important as the magnetic lenses, would putting off the thrusters get us the magnets quicker?
>>
No. 263356 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 976 = 976

Well, we formed runes on ourselves before but they didnt work. Maybe we could try it now and have Arkus do whatever it is that needs to be done to activate them or something.
>>
No. 263380 ID: d4f98d

>>263356
That was a method of testing unknown runes, and could only be done on the chest area as I recall.
>>
No. 263387 ID: 903f16

>>263289

>How do I respond to Arkus?
"When you find yourself in as many improbable situations as I do you must learn to find improbable solutions in an improbable amount of time. Speaking of such situations, it strikes me that we have not traveled together in a long time. Considering we will be spending a lot of time idle here would you care for me to regale you with tales of my recent adventures?"

>Do I have any ideas on how to make the modifications more streamlined?
Well since we seem to be on a kick about using allies to help us, why not try Jojo? As I recall we know Souldreamers can add runes like the one's added to Bang by Figment. It stands to reason they can also remove runes. Jojo has considerable skill with his magic and while he stated previously creating things with Souldreaming was difficult, this is more of an alteration. Considering he has been making progress with his Staff of Dreams and has likely been mostly altering existing materials like he did with the wood he used as a base he should be both more powerful and practiced at technique I am suggesting. This isn't so much a way to work around the problem so much as it is a way to speed up the mechanical process of removing the runes and readding, though if Jojo has the skill maybe he could find a way to allow Arkus to add the runes without needing to remove them first.

>Should I even go through with it now (Is flight and mass-magnetic lens manipulation worth it)?
Are you kidding me? Of course it's worth it! What we've done with the magnetic lenses prior to this is simply spectacular. Imagine what kind of things we could do when we had a replenishing source and dozens more to command at a time. And flight? There have been many a time where flying could have made our tasks so much easier and in combat it'd give us more mobility and speed. If we've learned anything from fighting it's that mobility and speed are rather important to have.

>What should be my focus for the next day or so, if I don't start getting the mod now?
You're getting those mods, but if you have free time during the process keep memorizing books. That and by practicing any magic you can while they work on you or assisting them in any way you magically can.

>Predictions I am going make after creating the summary for thread four.
Digging around the attack on Gialgorra's mansion you notice a couple of things. For one both Mordre and Gialgorra remark at the oddly high quality of the attacker's materials that contrasts with their poorly orchestrated attack. This means that the people who carried out the attack had an employer or employers with access to considerable resources. Then there is the odd case of the Small Tomb operators soul, which was destroyed upon his death rather than being reclaimed or being eaten. There was no evidence Sofiazza's weapon did this and in the times we've seen Geodiaz attack his weapon did not seem to zap Dregas of his soul. This leads me to believe that the Small Tomb operator was under the employ of someone who could utilize Soul magic and did not wish his soul to escape. This of course leads one to think Weinsho. This is supported by the fact that Weinsho is known to have access to small Tombs or the ability to create them, which is quite believable considering he is both a Soul mage with no regard for law and a war hero who could have taken many as trophies. Gialgorra believed this to be the work of two parties however, and the runed Clay Golem and it's operator did seem like separate from the Small Tomb's. So who else stands to gain something by attacking Gialgorra and has a large amount of resources? Well I can only think of one other, Diomand. Perhaps it was a deal forged between the two employers or even the hire-es, but whatever the case it seems as if they attacked perhaps because they thought we would be dueling the Steam Golem at the moment and could take out Mage Wendelin and her golem before finishing off the survivor of the duel. From this wide tapestry of very shaky speculations I predict that in the future Diomand and Weinsho may collaborate again to attack us or that with Gialgorra's penchant for keeping thieves away he may have routed out Diomand as a corrupt official and when we return he will no longer hold office.

The leylines have been described as the blood vessels of the Caged One. We know that leylines are essentially the system, where the Caged One's power and energy bound within. What we observe in thread four is that leylines are only located in large landmasses, leaving islands like those that Gialgorra inhabits devoid of them or maybe as Keddic stated only have withered ones. We've also learned since then that the Caged One subsumes the souls of those who die allowing him to grow in power. So with this is mind I hypothesize that leylines require large and continuous amounts of death to occur over an area to sustain themselves. Islands have very weak to no leylines and oceans absolutely none because they are not conducive to creating a regular amount of death on that scale. In an island there is a limit to the amount of population it can sustain, this means that there are only so many that can die within a period of time. Leylines do not exist at all in oceans due to the storm and if one passed it, it would require large scale naval battles to occur over areas of ocean repeatedly, a rather unlikely prospect. So I predict that should a massive and continual conflict arise on the island between two multiple large collectives, like Gialgorra's nation and another, that the leylines about the area may grow in strength.
>>
No. 263389 ID: ddd48d
File 129198034139.jpg - (160.05KB , 1130x1686 , DuluRapper.jpg )
263389

>>263356
Its..its so simple! Even if this doesn't work on the parts with runes already, we can try it elsewhere I suppose, see what happens and all that.

I don't think we need rocket boosters at this time, we can teleport and we have a giant dragon, I think we can manage for awhile, until we think of some way to speed it up, or to get us a surrogate body to use for command while our "fighting body" is out of commission.
Hey! What if we get a little surrogate body built for situation like that, meant only to continue contact between "Mage Mordre" while his main Golem is being modified or something? A little humanoid that allows us to still meet people "in person".
>>
No. 263390 ID: 903f16

rolled 283 = 283

>>263387

I suppose I should roll for this idea too.
>>
No. 263393 ID: 252e1b

rolled 121 = 121

Runes are magic writing, sometimes inlaid with precious metals. What if Mordre inlaid his current set of runes with morphic metal so that, with his blood magic, he could force the runes to rest under his skin? Then he could have multiple sets of runes and could switch between them as needed through blood magic.
>>
No. 263394 ID: 252e1b

rolled 155 = 155

In fact, instead of using morphic metal for the inlay why not use it to make an entire skin for Mordre? Other Soul Graves have layered defenses too, there's no reason why Mordre shouldn't have several layers of skins, morphic or ferrous, each with their own set of runes.
>>
No. 263395 ID: 69bee4

Before we do anything involving the rune making, WE NEED TO FIND AND HUG OUR PET TREE CONGLOMERATION MOSS (or something less lethally equivalent)! I mean it must be lonely.

During this potential incapacitation time, we need to send scouts out to explore the area, preferably with Moss. As Bobobo put it for Leyline Geysers: "The more land-locked, and the more war-torn, the better. Maximize chances of happening upon a recently sprouted geyser to claim"

Well, the state is actually a rather war-torn area, and its land locked (I believe), with not being exactly at the sea near the islands.

In addition, when making the Chapter 3 Summary I came across alot of info on Moss, and can make a prediction now.

Consider Morde and Moss, both are relative unknowns as to what they really are, both seem to consume the things they are 'made of' (Morde is a Soul Parasite, Moss eats 'World magic' and kill plant matters). As Such, I think Moss is a form of World Parasite, similar to how Morde is one of soul. It explains the bonding of the two, and also, if chaos biased, why Moss feared the Immortal Genocide upon meeting.

Furthermore, It then follows that if this is correct, why only World and Soul parasites? There are likely to be parasites for other 'fields' of magic, Blood probably being nearly a literal leech upon blood, and Will... well, being a bit harder for me to think of.
>>
No. 263397 ID: 9338f5

dont forget to make the construction deepspawn
>>
No. 263450 ID: e5b1bf

rolled 311 = 311

Um, since it seems like that damaging the rune doesn't exactly destroy the rune instantly, but causes a cascade failure, perhaps use Magnetomancy to erase the runes and then activate FEASTING VESTMENTS to consume the free magic formerly bound to the runes floating around within our form.

Also, use the time while Arkus is runing to learn some runecrafting; perhaps Mordre could dedicate all the casting points to generate magic energy, binding that to the runes and thereby empowering them beyond what Arkus can do alone?
>>
No. 263451 ID: f2e624

>A lot of bad rolls

We might want to drop the idea of modifications till we have a lot of free time to do them (like the time when we spent weeks on AA)

Major things we have to deal with:
-Lenryts LoD quest
-DoD invasion
-Weishiro/Eisenhardt
-"Timmy"
-Trollzaru

We should be careful not to put more stuff on that list till we deal with them.
>>
No. 263466 ID: 35bba5

>>263395
mind worms.
>>
No. 263480 ID: f2e624

Oh, let me try a shot at getting a PS.
It's fairly short and obvious but I think it hits the criteria:

Since we learned of Bangs tale in Despardos we can predict some stuff of it.

So, when Bang rescued those two Masked warriors we learned that his father, Boom, has been causing a huge racket in the land, by killing and taking Masks from Fallen Warriors and Masked Warriors alike.
During the conversation in the bar we deliberately let everyone around hear it and even participate a bit. As the contolled minions were from all over the place and now that they all returned to their homes no doubt the tale of Bang and his exploits has spread through all of Despardos(especially how he killed several Fallen Warriors and took their masks).
Eventually this will get to the ears of Boom. He will do doubt will want to get those masks from his son and as soon as Bang returns to Despardos, confront him about it.
No doubt, Bang will refuse and this will lead to battle. I am sure Bang would love to test his strength against his old man, and from what I hear about Boom, he wouldn't mind also.
Though I am alarmed by the fact that Boom never leaves his foe alive. Ever.
While Bang is pretty much awesome, his trek to his homeland could potentially be his last.
So we should go with him the next time, to make sure that he doesn't die.
>>
No. 263495 ID: f247ab

>>263395
Yes, I agree that when we go for attacks on DoD, we take Moss with us.
>>
No. 263508 ID: 69bee4

Some thoughts:
#1

the Sqoat from way back in Thread 1 seemed to disappear and turn into the rock we eventually fed Moss, and seemed to have affected Arkus.

In response to 'is this your native form' it tapped three times. To me this means either: The question is meaningless, or its part of something larger. However, by its leeching World magic constantly, I suspect it may have something to do with the Caged One. Or maybe even moreso, be a shifting part of it sent to help us when we needed it. As such, I predict that if left unattended, this could go very poorly for Moss (even possibly possession), as the rock likely still retains some form of control from the Caged One.

#2
We have messed up alot of Weinsho's plans; however, one we may haver overlooked was that Weinsho was supplying the Arcanoworks at first before we took over. Consider the Hand Cannon as a gun with some properties similar to the Anti-Golem cannon, the Morphic metal being similar to Soul Grave metal and being used to make Dulu, and that Weinsho with Dulu essentially made a custom tailored golem (that is essentially a Small Tomb) in very little time. Weinsho was also very involved on the attack against Mosmorden on the Castellan side.

Consider that Weinsho seems to have stolen alot of the Soul Grave and Small Tomb technology, but that the Soul Furnace is probably the most elusive part that divides Small Tombs from Soul Graves.

Does it not follow that in fact Weinsho, as a Soul Mage may be attempting something quite large for Eisenhardt a powerful mage,and probably nobility to join in for a form of greater good? What if we are not the only ones annoyed with how inept and cruel the state could be? Why was there so much death caused by Balboa the Butcher for so little reason?

Particularly, why would Eisenhardt betray a friend who gave him his first set of armor, through Verther? However, if Eisenhardt is nobility, and Del Roga is as big as they say, this axe of his may have the profile of many Noble and Political houses.

How about if left alone, that Weinsho plans on large scale government assassination, and to eventually reclaim the production of Soul Graves as part of his army? (plus use of their tech on smaller scale)

#3
We know that Lerynt eats souls, and we know that primarily she seems to be waiting for Maginova to occur (likely with the intent of eating this planet). However, if the Waunderer is a planet eater, why is she causing war and eating such relatively puny souls?

It could very well be, on the cosmic scheme of things, the Waunderer is in an extremely weak state and near death. Although likely finding some amusement in the politics and games she can play, she seems to be willing to go through alot of effort to make sure things play out here way through indirect means, to try and not upset or kill as much of the Coil except when she must, and not be directly involved. As a trans-dimensional entity of such enormity, this seems odd.

And so, if this is the case, it seems to follow in the broader scheme of things, whatever we are doing with Lubu via Lerynt's commands will likely play out to hasten the destruction/Maginova of the World. As if her need is desperate enough to be forced to use such indirect means, including possession of a small girl (not a forced possession even, but a seemingly willing one), this means her needs are dire.
>>
No. 263544 ID: 28c688

Need time?
Fake a heart attack.
>>
No. 263545 ID: a76809

rolled 39 = 39

>[Bunch of good plans, grea-]
>[THOSE ROLLS (barring one good one)]
>[Alright then...]

>>263298
>>263302
>>263307
>>263309
I tell Phohn to have Akeakam and Bobobo moved to the teleport cage on the Gialgorran Isles, before speaking to Arkus.

"We shall move to the Gialgorran Islands, I have tasks I can attend to while you work, Building a suitable outpost on location. Deep Spawn will join us to aid your efforts, One to recover your stamina, magical or otherwise, Another to act as runic reference material, A living compendium of information. It will also give Kyorto time to settle in, Without potentially butting heads with you."
"Well consider me sold. So I guess I'm getting in that box outside? Seems to be your Tractomancy base item, for that wind guy-by the way, what was up with that change, it-later, later. Okay, lead the way, I have to gather up these documents anyway."

>>263320
>>263387
I speak through Phohn to Dregas, telling him to aid Derkin in acquiring high quality magical equipment as I wait a few moments as Arkus partly finishes gathering things, starting only when he is seconds from completion. Before reaching the first floor I call upon Phohn yet again, this time asking for Burduko to bring Jojo to join Akeakam and Bobobo in awaiting our arrival. We march down the stairs as I have Phohn call Burduko once more to the State teleportation box, and as we exit the tower we are met with distorted, mutely whipping winds coiled vortexes meeting in Burduko's hollow form as he patiently awaits us. I see more than a few of the staff turning to look again upon my creation, intrigued as they see the scope of his change. I swing the doors shut behind Arkus and I with Magnetomancy, and the world shifts in a fractioned instant as I re-open them almost immediately. Arkus simply quirks an eyebrow as he looks at our new surroundings, then sighs as he begins picking out spots to lay down paperwork as he spots Bobobo and Akeakam, clearly connecting them with my prior mention as his eyes linger for a moment on Jojo's surly presence. ...Arkus does NOT see Heol, who seems to be accompanying Jojo... interesting.

I leave him to his preparation as I begin casting out my senses innate and magical into a detailaed analysis of my surroundings, trying to draw only on my new soul as I slowly begin sending out Geomantic and Magnetomantic feelers into the environment, as I plot transforming this cave into an impregnable bastion. Ideas whirl in my head of how to best assist Arkus in his work, as I likewise realize I will be in much heavier contact with Phohn for the coming days as I monitor my empire. Still, the sooner I do what I plan during my absence, the sooner I can benefit from it. ....If I can accomplish this before my impending clashes, with Weinsho, Domintus, the Pure Lady, the Anti-Lubu Coalition and Goujar to name a few, I will be in a far better position.

I take a moment to consider some final issues that have been bothering me for a time. First I consider that attack I helped vanquish in my first trip to Gialgorra's manse. The place I found Wootz steel, my sword, Zagrath's soul... the attack held several things of note. For one, the equipment of the attackers did not match their displayed competence, suggesting they were likely part of an organization, or under the employ of someone with considerable resources. Further, what happened to the attack leader's soul seems suspiciously like Soul magic in my reflection, and could easily be something a Soul Mage would be capable of. Lastly.... the attention they paid to my COULD have been due not just to my being a Soul Grave... but because they represent someone I've encountered before. A Soul mage I've butted shoulders with considerable resources and an inclination to tactical use of subordinates.... Weinsho. This in and of itself is not that surprising, and I feel as if I already half knew it. What matters is the impact it has on how the second set of opportunists are evaluated. Before I had taken them as part of a collective attack. ...Now, I must think them seperate. The Clay Golem does not match what I know of Weinsho, and the two groups seemed oddly too capable at playing unaware of eachother before the ambush. I suspect they may genuinely have been a second raiding party. On an intuitive leap, I presume them to be funded by Diomand. His position of relative wealth appropriating seized goods from the port stores and established negative relations with Gialgorra would certainly make him a likely suspect... as would Gialgorra's wrathful retort. If Diomand yet lives, he is either imprisoned or has fled the islands.... but if he DID flee, I feel Weinsho would be sure to pick up on a resourceful individual likewise inclined to wish me dead. ....I foresee Weinsho and Diomand working in concert against me, and in that moment I feel a third Pristine Soul join the remaining two in my Soul Furnace. ....I am correct, then.

[+1 PRISTINE SOUL-----TOTAL PRISTINE SOULS REMAINING:-----03]

My thoughts then turn towards the nature of leylines themselves, and their relations to landmass. Perhaps their connection is just a facade, the landmass a byproduct of the real cause. I have been considering what I learned, that the Caged One feeds on the unclaimed souls of the dead as they unravel over time.... but how does he feed? Could it not be done through the system itself? This would perfectly explain why leylines are not to be found beneath oceans, and only withered examples seen on the islands: The amount of death claiming soul-bearers is simply not high enough to support a larger System. ....But it would more pertinently mean that if Gialgorra continues to expand as Dregas has informed me, he could well become involved in large enough amounts of bloodshed that the local System could be empowered.... I feel there is more to this thought, but I cannot find that Moment of Inspiration just yet.

>>263389
[FANART BONUS TO COMING MORDRE DOWNTIME]

>>263395
I recall how happy Moss was to see me... and how quickly I left, and returned only to leave before even stopping by to see him. I likewise consider those times he ran off on his own, and his connection to World Magic... I wonder if he is so designed to live off it that he could be classified as a World Parasite.... making me a Soul Parasite. Could that explain our bound? More importantly, could Moss sense Leylines are I sense souls? I speak through Phohn, instructing Derkin to organize long range patrols with Moss taking the lead, and to explain to Moss my desire for him to find Leylines.




And so I take a step out of direct contact with the busy world, and let those that serve my interests carry on without me.

.....................................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: OGGROTH THE MOUNTAIN EATER] .....................................................................

It is dusk, and I prowl.

Unlike my brethren, born and made Drazken warriors alike gathered about me, I have no need for heavy furs, for shelter from this biting wind and dense hail we are subjected to. Save my loincloth nothing protects me from the elements save my own strength.

And I am the stronger.

I calmly survey the snowy landscape below, where Ugrokk is meeting with another clan Lorgk, Delroy and Mingsk wanted to consider for assimilation... their name escapes me. I see the glint of Ugrokk's southern armor, his marvelous metal arm spotless. He gestures, he shows the appropiate levels of respect in his stance....

And I see weapons being turned upon him and his escort, the Sons of Mordr, likewise garbed in gleaming armor. The alien gleam they carry that has worked so well in making powerful first impressions seems to backfire on them now, as even under the turbulent weather's pall, the whole tribe begins to turn out, armed and howling in instants.

Well then.

I open my mouth and suck in a deep breath, my belly bulging further and further out as my spine arches back, before I snap forward and roar my challenge, the snow before me quaking and shivering as I lead the charge, four hundred of the Drazken Clan's warriors at my back in our frenzied charge down the mountainslope. Our trampling footfall and my thundering howl turn our assault into a pellmell avalanche, with us both riding and running from the snowy waves in our wake. We smash into the tribal village like the implacable military force Lorgk wishes us to be, as we come to Ugrokk's aid.

I heft my wrecking ball and hammer, muscles knotting as I toss the orb high with one hand, sweeping an arm back wide as I look for a target. Hmm... I see a smattering of elders, senior warriors and mages with the look of authority I could put a hole in... I see several igloos that bear the look of being difficult to build that could do with a solid smashing.... I see warriors all about Ugrokk and the sons of Mordre, and while I know them capable, our combined assault could strike fear unparalleled in them.





What should I target with my wrecking ball?
How brutal should we be in our retaliation against this village?
Once we're done here, what should we do, report back to Mordreden or seek out another candidate for joining Drazken (Ugrokk does have a list of names memorized)?
>[I need someone to roll for Oggroth, a 1d120, and someone to roll for Ugrokk, a 1d110. These are to be pitted against my 1d100 roll for the village.]
>>
No. 263547 ID: 9338f5

damn it, right before the time skip would have been a perfect time for the construction deepspawn.
>>
No. 263548 ID: 28c688

>Local System could be empowered

Make it know that you are interested in being an Admin over this region in the event that the system grows to require one.

You are going to be an admin my boy

-----------------------------------
Oggroth
---------------------
If it is assimilation you seek, it would be good to not destroy anything of importance or anything hard to rebuild.

Instead I suggest that you place a giant, magic-hammer fueled hole in the enemy lines, taking out anyone who begins to attack.

If the elders make no move to strike or prepare, leave them.

As you attack, you can call out something along the lines of 'you will pay for this insult against us. If you stand against us you will fall, if you wish to live then surrender your arms, etc'

Though knowing the Preman sense of honour, that will only make them fight all the more, and we do not want to replace Goran as a tyrant.

Hmmm
What would make a Preman stop fighting sans death?
Insults? No
Threats to family? No
Threat of death? Unlikely
Beating them into submission without slaying them? Difficult, but yes.

So here is what I think.
Retaliate, strike those who make to strike you and if they can be dispatched without death then do so.
That way you have more left alive to assimilate.

If the battle drags on, you can always do the 'let your champions fight each other' deal so that you do not destroy each other.
>>
No. 263549 ID: 69bee4

rolled 37 = 37

Ugrokk, I believe in you, and that awesome new arm you have! show them the power of a magnum opus WITH 3x Power temporarily power!
>>
No. 263550 ID: a69afd

rolled 74 = 74

>>263545
Give em hell Oggroth. Attack the warriors surrounding Ugrokk. Once a team, always a team
>>
No. 263552 ID: d3dfb8

Taking out the elders means they have no leadership. If a clan has no leadership, it is no clan. Once the elders are dead the warriors and makers will have no choice but to join another clan, or die with a dead one. Meaning they will join the Drazken clan.
Kill the leaders, expand the clan.
>>
No. 263553 ID: 4a996f

the senior warriors obviously, you can assimilate souls and need to compete with the Uggrock.
>>
No. 263554 ID: 4a996f

What should I target with my wrecking ball?
the senior warriors or elders to break their leadership.

How brutal should we be in our retaliation against this village?
do not damage any useful structures and reward loyal villagers once this is done.

Once we're done here, what should we do, report back to Mordreden or seek out another candidate for joining Drazken (Ugrokk does have a list of names memorized)?
go back to Mordreden but only after securing this village
>>
No. 263556 ID: f247ab

>Death/souls empower the System
Huh, does that mean part of the reason why Eldghodd wants living mortals is that he can shore up the part of the System he oversees and maintains with the living flesh and souls of the mortals. I'm not quite sure that is correct, with the dead flesh (though flesh, living or dead, as Bang proved, contains magic that can be used, though of much less quantities than living or freshly dead) inclusion to the deal.

>Oggroth the Mountain Eater, not the Hungry Mountain
That must be just another title that basically equates to the same thing, and not another untidy appellate that should be added to the wiki...

Onto more relevant matters, the targets, I suppose would be more fear than anything else. The more Premen that survive are the more Premen that can join the Drazken. Therefore, fear-evoking actions are best (though I don't know exactly what to suggest; the only concrete action I can suggest is that perhaps striking the snow upon the ground with the ball to create a wave of snow, relatively harmless, but also concealing - use Phohn to alert Ugrokk to our intentions; silent and almost unblockable communication is awesome - for Ugrokk and the Sons of Mordre to attack, with all-but-Ugrokk screaming at the top of their lungs as they emerge charging, along with us and the warriors behind us, from the wave of snow. Ugrokk would be felling, invisible and using electrical attacks to evoke lots of fear with the invocation of his title, charismatic people who might be able to inspire the warriors to withstand the charge, and we would be sucking in the floating snow, as a demonstration and reminder of our title). Though it would fit more into Premen behavior to just kill and eat all the warriors (if that happens, make sure to eat the souls; if Oggroth can't do that, then why hasn't he approached the shamans already to learn how to see and affect disembodied souls, as that would drastically give Oggroth's capabilities a boost), and force the makers and surviving shamans, I guess, into joining the clan.

Also, be on the watch for Yetis; even if they have been quiet of late, it is not surety that they shall no longer trouble us; especially now with Kyorto gone, as she is not here to utilize her experience with illusions to identify when Yetis are near and to break them.

So on pretty much a complete tangent to the current pov, does the fact that Mordre's soul is comprised partially of Deep Spawn, and that Mordre is a budding Administrator (how does that work out? Phohn was addressing Mordre as Administrator before Mordre made the soul...), mean Mordre, whether it is the soul or the body, is producing Blood and World energy naturally (like as observed in Dorgrum) and therefore the body is becoming saturated with Administrator Blood Iron (i.e. the existant Blood Iron is being converted into Administrator Blood Iron because of the energy saturation).
>>
No. 263593 ID: f2e624

Can we get status update on Oggroth?

What are his new capabilities and strengths?

[what were the old ones?]
>>
No. 263601 ID: d4f98d
File 129205851851.jpg - (359.69KB , 987x1347 , NihilinoWSpawn.jpg )
263601

Well, here's something to hopefully help our Combat Spawn out. Shame we haven't seen most of them in action, especially Mothbern and NIhilino.
>>
No. 263658 ID: f2e624

Hey, we can ask questions, right?
I love asking questions.

SO, Oggroth, how have you doing my boy?
What do you think of how things have been going lately in Mordreden and Northern Mountains in general?
Do you miss travelling with Mordre? Would you want to go on adventures with him again? Speaking of him, what is you opinion of him right now?
Why don't you wear armor anymore? You look to much like Goran these days.... we had even custom armor made for you and all...
Did you visit you home tribe? How was it there? Were they happy to see you, and how did they take the news of Goran defeat and that you participated in it?
How are Sons of Mordre doing? (always wanted to hear their thoughts and how they stand in society these days)


Concerning the attack.
Don't make it too bloody. The perfect would be to beat them into submission without killing anybody.
If they don't want to join, then they don't. We never set out to make another Dictatorship. We must deal diplomatically.
They will come around sooner or later.
Makesure there are no casualties on our side, take Ugrokk and try your luck with other village.

Seriously, I want unite the Northern Mountain through peaceful means.
>>
No. 263672 ID: a76809

[Titles are interchangeable, Hungry Mountain/Mountain Eater]

>>263593
[Check wiki for old Oggroth abilities, none have been lost, only new abilities added as a result of the shift. New abilities introduced in this post.]

>>263601
[What's this? Nihilino's soul is evolving! Nihilino can now create CHAOS ANNULMENT CORES, Order spheres that sacrifice their existence to unravel Chaos in all its forms.]

>>263548
I roar out a challenge that quakes through the air as I swing my hammer forward like inevitability.

"IF YOU TRULY THINK YOURSELVES STRONG ENOUGH TO LIVE ON YOUR OWN STRENGTH ALONE-PROVE IT!"

>>263550
[Oggroth: 74]
>>263552
>>263554
My hammer swings home as I make my choice. The wrecking ball rockets forward as snow vaporizes near me at the sheer weight of the resounding, ringing impact of metal on metal. of the seven tribal elders I spotted, three simply vanish, their misfortune at being in the way of my onslaught leaving them with crushed and ruptured bodies, the last dregs of life draining out of them as their mangled forms continue skidding and tumbling away even after I begin withdrawing my attack. ...Such paltry strength, to think themselves powerful enough to resist us. I see the fear, the uncertainty: They expected Ugrokk and the Sons to be alone, our presence and our swift, vicious response has given their attack pause. The four hundred at my back spill into the village as a ravenous wave, implacable in their violence as they cut down any that resist. ...There is no challenge here.

>>263549
[Ugrokk: 37 vs 39]
Ugrokk seems to be facing the brunt of the enemy tribe still, as while those still moving to fight were cowed by the slaying of half their elders (and the subsequent scattering the surviving leaders), those already swarming Ugrokk and the sons are undaunted. I see clubs and war picks swinging home, I see dents and dings rising in armor as it slowly warps-and I see three charred bodies locked in a deathgrip on Ugrokk's arm, weighing him down and keeping him from using his most able weapon.

Ultimately it matters not. I turn my strength, prodigious to begin with, towards wrenching a stone my size from the ground, and hurling it into the mass of warriors pressing towards Ugrokk. I see snow fly and flurry from the impact, just as I see Ugrokk taking advantage of it to fade from view as I see his free hand going to his pistol. I almost laugh as a few warriors muster up their courage to attack me, their clubs and spikes no more effective on my skin than they were against the armored Sons of Mordre. In a display of strength, I flick a finger forward with such force I knock the head off a would-be assailant. At my casual dispensation of death, the sheer scale of the power gap becomes more apparant to our foes, and coupled with the rapid casualties they are suffering after having downed all of one of our warriors....

It is one minute after our coutner-ambush that the remaining elders come forth before me, and offer themselves to save their tribe. ...I find my desire to feast on them waning as I respect their dedication to the burden of leadership. Ugrokk re-materializes as he scrapes off the burned corpses still dragging on his arm, and quickly sets to organizing the Sons and other Drazken warriors into leading our 'prisoners' This is not the first tribe we ended up taking by force... nor do I think it shall be the last. As Ugrokk organizes the exodus of this tribe to Mordreden, the Drazken clan's home ever-growing home, he spends time informing them of the bountiful supplies to be found, both in armaments and in rations. As Ugrokk begins to lead away the prisoners-soon to be clanmates-I set to gathering up corpses as the village is stripped of everything of value. I am still piling bodies when Ugrokk and his group leave, my form now the sole living thing in this village. My stomach rumbles as I labor, and I consider the one I've termed god: Mordre.

Even though he has been away for quite some time, his influence continues to pull as all down the path of strength. His Deep Spawn removed our frantic need to constantly hunt food, as Mordreden now yields enough food to feed thousands just with crops. Likewise, the southern shaman that stayed with us briefly was able to lay an enchantment on several herds of mountain goats and mountain lions alike_ We have two types of livestock now, and Delro has made sure we do not overharvest. Currently, we are the only tribe to benefit from such opulence, and this does not even count the benefit of our ruby mines.

With no one around to see, I begin feasting on the scores of dead, eating several times my body weight without gaining a pound as I convert their vestiges of life into more fragments of my power. I consider the changes I have undergone: The initial transformation, when Mordre first laid hands on me, was harrowing, with crippling dreams haunting my sleep. But after the modifications were made, after I had time to grow into my new existence, I have no complaints. My skin is like iron, nothing seems capable of fatiguing me, I can go weeks without sleep, and I possess the strength to rip apart a mountainside with my bare-hands. ...The counterbalance to my strength is hunger unending, a stomach that is never full for long. Still, my new appetites seem to bring me even closer to Mordre... closer to my personal pinnacle of strength. I know I serve him well, a thought that brings me satisfaction as I finish crunching on the last body, slurping down its spinal fluid thoughtfully.

>>263658
I have to admit I am most pleased with life in recent days. I get to fight almost every single day, I get as much food as I want, and the Drazken Clan is midway to becoming a grand clan, one with stories to be told of its current generation. I find solace in the fact there are tales of my strength, of Ugrokk's skill, of Lorgk's power. I do find myself somewhat saddened by the fact I can no longer wear the armor Mordre had forged for me, but considering I have grown another two feet in height and put on several hundred pounds of extra muscle, even if the armor wasn't still shredded from the fight with Goran I could not wear it. Besides, my skin provides comparable protection now, without weighing me down. ...While my home tribe is far away, I still desire to go there soon-on that note, I realize they are only two days journey from my current location. I had wanted to show them the Sons of Mordre when I finally go to them, to show the warriors that have quickly taken their place as a well known and feared fighting force, their expertly molded armor superior to all but the garb of chieftains.

My head whips to the side as I stare at a nearby mountainpeak: I saw it.

For just an instant, there was a patch of white fur visible before it ducked out of sight.

...Lorgk will expect Ugrokk and I to return together, not just to report but so that he can rely on our stature to sway negotiations further in our favor. ....But a yeti.... I have grown leery of their decreased presence, and agree with Lorgk that they are up to something.




What should I do?
Should I go after Ugrokk to return to Mordreden with the captives as I was ordered to?
Or should I eschew orders and hunt down the yeti I saw?
Or should I do something else?
>[Disclaimer: Attempting to be savvy diplomat or non-violent in approaching threats with Oggroth will FAIL. He is not that kind of character.]
>>
No. 263692 ID: 69bee4

Those Yetis are completely untrustworthy, were found in this area, and even once attempted to kill your god! THIS MUST NOT STAND!

You are the mountain! show that Yeti your fury, bash him till you get answer, then kill him anyways! NO YETI MUST SURVIVE! THEY WILL ALL BE CONSUMED FOR THE GOOD OF THE PREMEN.
>>
No. 263696 ID: 9338f5

>>263672
catch up with the others and warn them of the yeti, then see if there are any highly skilled trackers in the group. If possible we will head out with them to hunt and kill the yeti, if we get a skilled guide they can also double as a messenger incase we find anything important.
>>
No. 263706 ID: f2e624

I wonder if we can do something about his unending hunger.

Something that can increase the efficiency of the food consumed.

I remember Oggroth should be able to digest everything, from trees, rocks to metal. Everything.
But I do not think he has teeth, mouth and tongue that can chew everything without hurting him or giving him discomfort.
Maybe we should amend that in future? Ask Figment to give Oggroth some runic enchantments in his mouth? Or find someone who can alchemically alter people.
Or maybe learn that shit ourself?

Or we could claim some very fertile land in southern regions. Make a huge-ass farm with the sole purpose of providing for Oggroth. [food would be teleported by means of tele-box]
We'll call it "Oggroths Banquet" or something.


Having Oggroth eat people is kind of .... creepy.


The yeti.
Well, don't go there alone, that's for sure.
I think you should alert Uggrokk.

This is most certainly a trap. Yetis are not as careless to make themselves seen. Keep your head cool and don't rush in there.
Don't let your power get over your head. Trollzaru is a potent enemy, not only that he might have the similar capabilities to you and Goran.

>I do find myself somewhat saddened by the fact I can no longer wear the armor Mordre had forged for me

Would you like Mordre forge you new, even more impressive armor for you? With enchantments that make you faster/lighter (or anything else, what would you prefer?)
>>
No. 263708 ID: 21e57a

Mhm. I agree with this. The great hunger of Oggroth is unending, but the trickery of these white devils put even a god's strength to test. We must be careful - only in the sense that charging blindly towards liers and beasts that can alter the very fabric of space and time are devils not to be dealt with lightly.

However, speed is a factor here. Mhm, an idea. Take a large rock. Carve the words 'yeti' and 'Oggroth' into it. THROW it in the direction that the Sons of Mordre and Ugroth went before charging after the yeti.
>>
No. 263709 ID: f6360f

>>263672
Don't be a fool, Oggroth. If you saw that yeti, it's a decent chance that it let itself be seen to try and lure you into a trap. They're tricky bastards. Tell Ugrokk about it, and perhaps when you've safely escorted your newest recruits to Mordreden the pair of you can persuade Lorgk to let you really go yeti-hunting. Heading out alone or with a small force of warriors against them, when you know that they have strong shamans with subtle and frustrating magics to deploy against you, would be foolish.

It's a bitter conclusion, but you need to gather up a force that can actually deal with their tricks before chasing them down.
>>
No. 263710 ID: 1854db

>Having Oggroth eat people is kind of .... creepy.

It's been established that Premen are cannibalistic. It might be impolite at worst I think.

We MUST hunt that yeti. However we should at least tell Ugrokk what we're doing.
>>
No. 263715 ID: f247ab

>>263708
Alternatively, use Phohn; communication, which is what this situation falls under, is the main purpose for Phohn's creation, after all.
>>
No. 263716 ID: 9338f5

>>263708
Funny thing the "throw rock with yeti writen on it" idea occured to me too but I didnt mention it because I am fairly sure Oggroth is unable to write and that if a stone was thrown that far it would probably shatter
>>
No. 263732 ID: ef70d7

>>263716
The Premen don't even have a written language yet, so I doubt the plan would've ever worked even if the rock didn't shatter on impact.

Judging from the previous encounters with yetis, I postulate that this is probably a distraction so that a larger Yeti force can attack Ugrokk and our new Clanmates without Oggroth's support. Phohn Ugrokk and warn him of Yetis in the area. Let's sprint after Ugrokk, before it is too late.
>>
No. 263740 ID: 903f16

>>263672

>What should I do?
Do not attack, not just yet. The Yeti are known for their deceptiveness, it's likely this one let you see it. It's trying to goad you into following it while you are alone. Instead shrug your shoulders as if dismissing what you have seen as a trick of the eyes and catch up to Ugrokk. Wait until you get home and then tell him what you've seen, that way you can report this to Lorgk together. Then suggest a plan to Lorgk. In this plan you would pretend to go out alone into the mountains to investigate what you thought you saw, the Yetis will likely see this and come down to attack, but what they won't know is that you have Ugrokk and other Premen wearing mounds of Yeti furs following you in stealth to aid you.

>>263716
There are more problems to the idea than just that. Premen do not have any form of written language. So not only can't Oggroth write, no Premen can write. And beyond that there wouldn't be a point because the Yetis couldn't understand what was written because they don't speak Premen, let alone any newly formed written variant.
>>
No. 263744 ID: 903f16

>>263740
Another thought, perhaps Trollzaru wants Oggroth for a specific reason. He took Goran's arm and is trying to make himself as powerful as Goran once was, what if he recognizes what Oggroth has become and wants to use him to expedite the process?
>>
No. 263752 ID: a76809

>>263692
[IMPULSIVE OGGROTH ACTS ON FIRST SUGGESTION]

There is no time. Hail bombards the mountains, if I moved to intercept Ugrokk first I would have no chance of tracking the yeti . With Ugrokk armed, accompanied by the Sons of Mordre and several hundred Drazken warriors, he should be fine. I bound across the snowy landscape, great one-legged leaps carrying me through the snow without needing to slog through its weight. I reach the mountain peak I saw the yeti about in a single minute, and as I crest its peak in a breathless rush. Immediately spears thud into my exposed form, dozens smashing into my body-

And breaking against my iron-hard hide as I cast my gaze about, seeking my foes.

There, before me, thirty feet down the slopes, yetis. Two dozen at most.... and I do not see Trollzaru amongst them. My mouth splits wide in an ugly grin as I finally get the chance to try something I've considered for a time. I charge down the slop as implacably as an avalanche, the unready yetis attempting to flee. I see the runic tattoos of yeti shaman: Perhaps if they had stood and fought they could have accomplished something. I shall never know.

They cannot outrace me, and I can pick them up one per hand. Only one survives to make it to the bottom of the mountain in her frantic flight as I consume her companions one by one, not even bothering to kill them before hand. Finally the last survivor stumbles panting to the snowy ground amidst the hailstorm, rabid fear painting her furred leathery face as she looks up at my looming, gore covered form. I pick her up and march back up the mountainside, reclaiming my hammer and wrecking ball as I crest the peak. It takes me little time, but I make my way back to the village, then set to catching up with Ugrokk and the others, only having to threateningly squeeze my prisoner three times before she seems to resign herself.

...This was too easy. The yeti have proven themselves careful opportunists in the past-yet as I crest another ridge and see Ugrokk's party unmolested, I wonder, where is the bite, the pain? Hopefully, the captive can yield some answers. ...A pleasing bonus to compensate for the less than stellar recruitment attempt. ...And another chance to show up Ugrokk. With dusk turning to twilight, I continue onward, back towards Mordreden. ....I will prove to Mordre we are strong enough he need not shelter us...


............................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: VONJEEN] ............................................................



[DAY 156: DAY 6 OF WEEK 1 OF MONTH 5:]
[Lorthday of the First Cycle of Libiturnius (Summer)]


I get up at dawn as I am wont to do, taking a moment to carefully regard my face in the mirror, as has become my morning ritual. ....Still no need to shave. My razor remains unused.... for now. I wash myself with a bucket of water, toweling myself down before I put on my normal vestments, leaving my sword and armor within the room. Twenty minutes after waking I open the door-to immediately be set upon by one of father's men. I am told I am needed in the golem storage facility. I do not speak, not trusting myself to refrain from overt stuttering, but simply nod and set out, checking the dagger at my side in its sheath. When I make my way to the building in question, it is to find that ally of Mordre, the red-haired Senth, lazily sprawled out on top of the Blue Devil. Staff unsure of how to proceed look to me for guidance. ....This is not the first time he has been caught napping here.... does the innately warmed metal appeal so as a place to rest?

The issue is that this man aided in saving my father's life. He is also an ally of someone I feel certain father has decided is his friend for life. Lastly, he has been instrumental in maintaining the volatile prison population in check, which led to the revenue from selling their armaments. ...To counter balance this he has blatently and consistently shown a lack of respect in his interactions with any and everyone, and does not restrict his shenanigans to the prisoners, frequently caught mildly terrorizing our soldiers when not otherwise occupied. He seems to find it funny, and likewise thinks nothing of the multiple requests made to him concerning curtailing his behavior.



How should I approach this situation?
Would a hard-line approach or a conciliatory approach be more advantageous?
Given my tendency to stutter, what exactly should I say?
>>
No. 263754 ID: 21e57a

>>263752
Just ignore him. Go about your business around him. Although, do you enjoy his antics?

And other then that, hows life been? How's dad, how's sis, what do you think of Mordre, and Bang and Keddic? What are any local trading partners you have other then Mordre's group? You got a girl? What do you do for fun? How goes the war? Stuffing or Potatos?
>>
No. 263755 ID: f2e624

>>263754
2nding on questions.

If you need the Blue devil then we'll have to ask him to make place other than that there is really nothing we can do about him.
On the subject of Blue Devil. What do you think of new upgrades that Mordre did? Have you had to to test it?

What are your capabilities bu the way? You are not as weak as it seems at a first glance.

Also, why do you stutter so much, dammit!?
>>
No. 263756 ID: 21e57a

>>263755
Nah, if you need the Devil, just get in and start moving with Senth atop.
>>
No. 263757 ID: 9338f5

>>263752
Stop a troll trolling but without insulting or greatly displeasing them?

Mabey find them a more entertaining target?
>>
No. 263760 ID: 45be60

>>263757
Why hasn't Senth been assigned to the yeti problem yet?
>>
No. 263763 ID: 9338f5

>>263760
good idea but then who would tramatize the DoD prisioners into submision?
>>
No. 263764 ID: f2e624

We have paid Senth, right?

How much we'll we need to pay him/have paid him?

Either way, we should have Dregas deal with payment, I'm sure he'll negotiate a better deal. Even though we are pretty damn rich, I don't want us to throw money away.
>>
No. 263765 ID: d4f98d

Senth doesn't seem to respect authority much in any form, so a hardline approach is likely to backfire, or not work at all.

Think of him like a cat. Go hardline ranting, and he'll just be sneaky about what he does. And spiteful. Or ignore you.

ON THE OTHER HAND, you can choose to not give the cat attention. Y'know, I'm pretty sure you haven't got the full hang of utilizing the new and improved Blue Devil. Now's as good a time as any for some precision maneuvering testing. How fast do you think you can make it go, eh?
>>
No. 263796 ID: a76809

>>263754
For the moment I ignore him as I start accepting my morning stream of reports as I have the crew start preparing the Blue Devil. As I confirm that nothing of note has changed overnight, I spend some time considering life in recent days. Senth's antics can at times be amusing this I freely admit, but he is incessant. It is hard to genuinely become irritated, as finally the family is back together again, sister Valiria home as well. ...While only recently met, I find myself in turns suspicious and supremely grateful of the tremendous aide we have received from these chance met allies. ...I also note their castellen to by all reports be a shrewd trader. Yet not once have I heard of any name in that party save the fourth Keddic Harksburton, who I know only through knowledge of his family. Magnum Bang? Mage Mordre? Senth? I do not question their talents, but why have I heard of none of them? Bang can be explained by clearly being of Desparden origin, where I do not have any contacts, but what of Mordre or Senth? ...Questions for a more peaceful time.... though such can be frustratingly difficult to find nowadays. I shall have to resign myself to following my father's example, and taking them at face value. ...Besides, they beat out Swohein's AND our few State underground connections in terms of total trade, we seem to be stuck with them.

I consider sending for Shanly, but realize I have booked myself too tightly. Already too busy to participate in a genuine relationship, I am finding it difficult to meet with my maid on a regular basis to clear my head. Still, these reports from the northing are interesting to say the least. Massively torn up landscape, thousands of Domintus soldiers dead, warped armor with crushed bearers, massive metal shards and crystal blocks jutting forth like mass tombstones. At least ten thousand are confirmed dead-and for two days this battle has been proceeding. My contact in Swohein charged a hefty fee for it, but I consider it inconsequential. ...So, Mordre comes down here, and helps end the southern front, while at the same time some similar fate starts to befall the northern front. ....Something to investigate.

The war, if these reports from the north are accurate, is going well from our perspective. The northern army can't sweep straight south and around the state capital to come at us with whatever it is that assaults it, while the main force has only just begun to lay siege to the capital. I have had reports that they were also armed with hand-cannons, and so for now can actually provide cover for limited supplies and messages to get through while the army sets up. The Pale Lady and Domintus where witnessed, but as of the last report had not taken part in the battle yet. I have been told they have the supplies and armed forces to comfortably last months like this.... assuming those two stay out of it, letting their Knight Captains do their jobs.

>>263755
I climb into the Blue Devil's open chest, patiently waiting as the assorted clamps and restraints are locked about my body, and the suit prepared. I seal the access hatch in the chest as I begin running through the list so far on what has changed in the suit since modifications... again, a boon from Mordre.

-A buffer exists between my soul and the suit itself. Its existence is obviously an example of Soul magic. ...Dad told me not to worry about it, and said he just re-activated a preexisting ability. Regardless of the truth, the fact remains that I can manipulate a respectable amount of flames without any risk to my soul for an indefinite period.
-I can reach up to forty feet from the suit in any given direction with flared spike of Orderfire, and disintegrate whatever it touches. This flaring creates quite a kickback.
-I can create an all encompassing aura about myself of Orderfire that acts as a reactive shield.
-The buffer seems to provide enough passive power that the metal of the suit, a dark black with a hint of red in its worn and pitted surface, seems to have woken up. It now gleams as if freshly polished, and emits a passive heat-and has proven horrifically poisonous in direct skin contact, the staff now using modified steel gauntlets to provide a non-living barrier. ...For reasons unexplained, Senth has proven completely immune to this contact poison, and refuses to answer any questions as to why.
-The suit has become more responsive in general.

>>263756
>>263765
I confirm the last readout, and channel the Will trigger into the bypass lock of State design built into this suit's interface-

And it moves. Senth blinks and grumbles as I shift and he slides, teleporting himself by increments in a mad bid to stay sprawled over the suit's shoulder. He still has not opened his eyes as I finish standing and stomp out into the open testing ground, twenty feet tall. I decide that those thoughts rumbling in my head of turning recoil to flight can be indulged, and will be an excellent way to shake off Senth. If he wishes to play this game... then I will play.

I crouch and leap, flaring Orderfire from my back and my feet, trying recklessly for flight from the clearing-In truth all I end up getting is a massive leap-that carries me outside the outpost walls. ...That was several hundred feet. ...A useful trick, but no flight, and that was the maximum output possible without tapping... other sources. I suppose flight is still not an option. As I flare Orderfire again before landing, searing an ashy crater for my impact mid-deceleration, I note Senth to STILL be sprawled on my shoulder... and sporting a grin as, eyes still shut, his hands move to pull out his pipe and pouch... he plans to smoke the moment he awakens then? ....This one, I swear.....




Well, I have established massive jumps that last several seconds and cover hundreds of feet are possible, what else would I want to test?
>>
No. 263798 ID: f2e624

So... Northern and Souther DoD army defeated.
Where there any other armies except for the Main one?
How big is the main army, again?

>what else would I want to test

I dunno.... what were you planning on doing today, anyway?

>, I note Senth to STILL be sprawled on my shoulder...
Seriously, just leave him alone and ignore him.
Do whatever you want to do like he's not there. If your actions inadvertently threaten him, he will no doubtely teleport away.
If not.... well, he doesn't impede you in any way, right?
>>
No. 263800 ID: d4f98d

Don't flare your orderfire shield or anything. There's being a rascal, and then theres being a callous dick. Find a nearby tree or something, and try this:

If you can flare orderfire from just about anywhere on the Blue Devil, try jetting it from the back of your elbow as you strike. A rocket punch.
>>
No. 263801 ID: d4f98d

Also, Shanly, eh? Public or private relationship, and any reason for it being private if so?

How old are you, anyway?

What's Valiria been up to in this downtime? She seems like the sort that likes to be doing something all the time.
>>
No. 263803 ID: 445c48

Ask for a puff. I'm sure he can magic you some, even inside the suit, Spacebending and all that.
>>
No. 263808 ID: f2e624

>>263803
I wouldn't recommend it.

Seriously.
>>
No. 263810 ID: 8e8318

Trying to move a highly focused tractomancer is a pretty futile task. If you really want Senth to leave then pay him to go do something somewhere and not come back.

Rather than flying, how about directing the thrust horizontally? If you form a small buffer under your feet and propel forwards can you slide across the ground to move quickly and efficiently?
>>
No. 263816 ID: 69bee4

Consider that there is more than one way to deal with a person like Senth, there is always both carrot and stick. Seemingly so carefree, the stick of course is ineffective.

However, what if instead of being a mere mild annoyance, he was instead hurting a friend? this seems less in his character. If a deepening of the 'feel' of alliance, or a feeling of friendship was to foster, he might listen on grounds of kindness instead of orders. Also, considering you once again know nothing about the guy, it would solve that issue. Plus, if he is under the employ of those others, he may know things about them.

Besides, he may be genuinely useful or knowledgeable, you never know.

Oh, also, have you always had that stutter? what is your sister like?
>>
No. 263818 ID: 445c48

Nah, man, ask for a couple puffs. You're stressed out man, need something to relax a bit, clear your head.
>>
No. 263839 ID: a76809

>>263800
I hit upon an intermediary use of the Orderfire spike recoil as I pull back a fist, setting my elbow as the origin point. Blue flames jet out as the massive metal arm rockets forward, carrying my entire Golem Armor forward several steps with it. My punch was at least thrice as swiftly accelerated as any I have observed in all prior incidents. I try something similar with a point on the back of my heel, my front kick whipping through the air so swiftly I only barely avoid overbalancing, my arms pinwheeling. ...I can designate any surface of the armor for one of those Order fire pillars, and the recoil it brings... I could make all movements swifter, with an appropriately shifting set of thrust vectors. It would be highly intensive and situational in application, but there is no time like the present to begin learning. I spend several minutes getting a feel for how the suit's weighting and aerodynamics affect its movements.

>>263801
I consider how my sister has been so busy with interrogating the prisoners, looking for scraps of information about the main force. The Pure Lady, Domintus, three knight captains and fifty thousand soldiers, this she delves into for specifics. She seems to plan to interview each and every prisoner, to insure no fabricated tales slip through. ...She is nothing if not thorough.

>>263810
No flying.... I may have to act properly so as not to spoil the hard won respect I have garnered at the age of seventeen, but I wonder, could I still have a bit of fun with this suit? I have ample evidence that recoil can considerably shift the suit-have I not also seen that exuding Orderfire from the suits feet atomizes what it stands on, making anything seem as slippery as ice? Would this not mean I could slip and slide about the ground, burning a path as I propel myself with recoil? ...Shortly enough I am putting theory to the test, as I leave ash-filled furrows in the ground where my feet pass as I jet about, sliding with considerable speed, having to keep my stance low and adaptive to avoid issues when cornering. ...I believe I am reaching speeds around seventy miles an hour like this. As incredible as that is, not just for mibility gains but for general evasiveness, I find my enthusiasm curtailed as I note Senth happily puffing away on that old wood pipe, still pretending to snooze on my shoulder.

I spend my morning carefully logging all the results of my numerous tests, all while Senth resolutely clings to his smokey perch, still unfazed by the poisonous metal. Lunchtime rolls around, and I bring the Blue Devil back in, leaving it in the care of its meticulous staff as I disengage myself and move towards the main hall. ...Surprise surprise, Senth is coming to join us, muzzily rubbing sleep out of his eyes as he theatrically yawns while following me. I can hardly believe he near my age with how irresponsible he is.

In short enough order father, sister, Senth and I are all seated at a curved table before several long tables where officers and Hounds alike take advantage of our ample food supplies. ...Dining conversation, lovely.




Is there anything I would like to discuss with Senth, Carkiano or Valiria while we eat?
Or should I simply enjoy my meal in peace?
>>
No. 263843 ID: a5b5fa

Ask Senth what he's smokin and if you can have some.

See if you can make friends with him.
>>
No. 263845 ID: d4f98d

Hmm, Im not so sure that trying to convince Vonjeen to get high is ever going to bear fruit, given how...regimented and responsible his mannerisms make him out to be.

"Sister, I just realized I've heard little of what you've been up to since you left. If I may ask, what have you been up to?"
>>
No. 263849 ID: 7e74f1

ask your sister how she feels about working with Mordre.
>>
No. 263897 ID: 903f16

>>263839
>Is there anything I would like to discuss with Senth, Carkiano or Valiria while we eat?
Prior to this meal you expressed concern at not having heard of Senth. Stir up some conversation and ask him why a skilled Tractomancer like himself isn't more widely spoken of in these parts. Then you can ask him about how he met Mage Mordre and of any other adventures he's had. You could swap stories. Doing this could ingratiate you towards Senth and perhaps curtail his pranks.

And if talk of the war is allowed at the table you may want to see what your father and sister think of certain topics, like what has occurred at the northern front. Do you or they know anything of the Pale Lady and Domintus? And what of the three captains they have along with them in the main attack force, know anything beyond their names? Finally what do they think of the Aurockoth sighting Mage Mordre had outside your lands?
>>
No. 263905 ID: a76809

>>263849
"S-s-s-so, d-dear si-si-s-s-s... sister of mine, how d-d-do you like w-w... working with M-mordre?"
>[Valiria]"I cannot complain. He is not an unreasonable taskmaster, does not engender dislike among his subordinates by demanding more of them than of himself, he has yet to hit any periods of stagnation, and has been doing an excellent job building his position in the state."
>[Carkiano]"Sounds like he's got his head screwed on right!"
>[Senth]"Hah..... sounds like it, but what would you screw his head on? Got no neck."
>[Carkiano]"HAH! ...This guy... oh man. So how large is his armed force anyway?"
>[Valiria]"I ask leave to answer circuitously."
>[Carkiano]"Granted, and color me intrigued."
>[Valiria]"As far as I have seen, he has less than a thousand soldiers to his name. The issue arises when considering indivudual combatants to his name. His own Soul Grave, one of the Harksburtons, Bang and Senth, those strange Life Golems of his... he strikes me as a quality over quantity type. It also makes it a nightmare to try to estimate his collective military strength, since it hinges on a great deal of individuals, rather than on a cohesive armed force."
>[Carkiano]"Hrm, sounds like he may have started with a hand-picked problem solving force, and it snowballed from there."

>>263845
"S-s-s-sister, w-what have you b-b-b... been up to, p-p-per-p.... personally?"
>[Valiria]"Well, I was taking on the roll of a senior trainer for the locally recruited militia... who currently are being trained in how to ride enormous, magic-manipulating flying beasts with scales like iron. Mordre is building an air cavalry."
>[Carkiano]"Now don't that just beat all! Hell of a lot you can do with air-superiority, especially considering usually its what, maybe a couple mages airborne? Should be useful-that's right, the capital is under siege, he could just... fly supplies in to them, couldn't he?"
>[Valiria]"There is also that Tractomantic life golem of his-"

>>263897
"On th-th-that subject, S-s-senth, y-"
>[Senth]"Mmmmmmyeeessss?"
"...I have n-n-n.. not heard of y-yo-y-you b-before."
>[Valiria]"That's right! I was wondering how it is that we never heard of such a Tractomancer! You are clearly from these collective lands, not somewhere excessively to the south, and we certainly can't question your competence. Still, considering how rare Tractomancy is, it does smack of strangeness, that not a one of our contacts have heard of you?"
>[Carkiano]"Especially considering your age, one would assume such a young talent would be very commonly talked about."
>[Senth]"Trollingwood."
>[Carkiano]"Well obviously, where else do most Tractomancers come from?"
>[Valiria]"So are you saying you are fresh out of Trollinwood then, that's why we never heard of you?"
>[Senth]"Something like that."
>[Carkiano]"And how did Mordre happen upon you?"
>[Senth]"One of his dudes ran into me at a tournament, made a job offer, I accepted. ...Wow, this is good bread, what's the berry stuff in it?"
>[Carkiano]"Boysenberries. SO!"

Father's tone is switching into business mode: I perk up.

>[Carkiano]"So what do we know about whatever it is that is slowing and killing the northern force?"
>[Valiria]"On that subject, I think I know it's cause, now that I've had a chance to order my thoughts."
>[Carkiano]"Go ahead."
>[Valiria]"Well, the Mage Mordre happens to know Eisenhardt-"
>[Carkiano]"The Metal Titan? Really, they are friends?"
>[Valiria]"I would not go that far. It seems Eisenhardt has a grievance against Mordre, something about a past apprentice, I am unsure of the details, but Mordre was able to convince Eisenhardt to put that aside for now as they jointly focus on the invasion."
>[Carkiano]"An interesting one to call foe... and even more telling of Mordre, that he could manipulate him so. Okay, that explains the northern front. What about the main force?"

I push forward my report, unwilling to take the time to stutter through its paragraphs. Father takes a minute to scan through it, familiar with my writing style and darting to the juicier bits of data.

>[Carkiano]"...So, Pure Lady and Domintus still hanging back, Oggjud, Siode and Farrogut spaced about the capital to keep tightening the siege.... no estimates on how many hand-cannons Mordre has traded to the State?"
"None of our c-c-contacts c-c... could get c-c-c-c-close enough."
>[Carkiano]"Bah. Well, they aren't going to starve any time soon... well, if those two are hanging back, they aren't in any IMMEDIATE threat of being overrun.... just wish I knew WHY they aren't participating yet."
"An-n-nother topic: Th-th-the Aurockoth sighting."
>[Valiria]"Yes, since he was witnessed fighting those Domintus soldiers-we did salvage their gear by the way, in the process of being sold-no further sign of the Reaper Made Flesh has been noted. Wherever he went from there, it looks like he travelled away from our land."
>[Carkiano]'Sounds good, but I want to know where he's going."
"W-w-we are w-w-working on it."

From there the meal lapses back to more benign conversation as father more deeply reads my report as I mentally review what I compiled. I finally got some more detailed reports on Knight Captain Farrogut the Red Knight-turns out he does NOT, in fact, have Red steel accoutrements as I had been informed, but instead some form of brassy, yellow metal. His skin, however, is noted to be crimson, and seems like it is the source of his title. As to his abilities, it seems he can create short lived copies of himself, temporarily becoming an army of one made many, with reports of any limitations to this trick still pending. Oggjud the Devil-Lance has a Mosmordren-make lance forged of Black Steel, and seems to have a great deal of charge and mobility based combat magic to his name, reported as the fastest of the three captains present in the main force. ...I still have no data on Siode the Ravager, and that bothers me. I finish my meal in silence from there, before I excuse myself to attend to my duties. ....It never ends.....



.................................................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: ULZRICK] .................................................................................



....Oh? Hey, I feel you, the other voices are back! That.... that's not really great, but it's of note, at least. Uh... are you gonna make me do something instead of my afternoon nap?
>>
No. 263909 ID: 252e1b

>>263905

A nap is cool but don't you get a lot of sleep anyway?
>>
No. 263910 ID: 69bee4

Hey! Ulzrick! hows it going man? last I heard, you seemed to be shutting Jojo out, which made me feel kinda sad because though brash, he seems like a nice enough guy.

I mean, I don't really feel like making you do anything right now. Though we may steal some of your time. Hows the hivemind of yourself treating you, bet it never lacks in people you feel you can agree with! ha.

Meet any nice ladies at the Arcanoworks? any new and nifty powers you've been finding yourself capable of?

Also, you can totally sense us directly now as separate, thats awesome, a little scary maybe, but awesome.
>>
No. 263915 ID: 9338f5

>>263905
We probably wont bother you too much, just ask a few questions then wander off again.

On that topic how are things going with the milita? Everyone happy healthy and doing their jobs? Hows that new mage settleing in? Any trouble with the inventor woman and the grumpy smith? Ever see Derkin doing anything interesting?

Also what are your thoughts on that core being the state mages are trying to destroy? A few of us voices are worried that the state mages might be screwing around with it.
>>
No. 263933 ID: f2e624

Oh boy!
Ulzrick! How have you been my friend?

You wouldn't know what great things we have unraveled about you and your ... peculiar state...
It's just amazing Ulrzick! you have to hear this-
Should we?.. Should we tell him? Huh?
It would certainly put his mind at rest .... but maybe we could tease him a bit?
Oh well.... suffice to say that Mordre knows about you .... maybe even more than you know about yourself... *cough*


Anyway -I did not put you off, did I?- how are you doing Ulzrick?

How has your life been recently? Are people treating you well? What do you think of them? Especially Arkus and other the lieutenants. What about Kyorto? ... Doesn't something seem just a bit "off" about her? Don't you think?
Do you like it here in Arcaneworks? Have you heard any news of you brother?

What do you think of Mordre? Do you like the guy? Doesn't he seem a bit suspicious to you? .. Oh well, probably just your paranoia talking, don't pay it attention.


Hmmm... lets talk about you.
Is there anything you need? ... like, maybe, some magical trinkets, armor or ... something entirely else?

What is your goal in life, Ulzrick?
Oh, that might be too hard of a question, I'll let you dwell on it on your own leisure.
A bit simpler question: is there any personal objective (quest) you wanted to do for immediate future?
Just want to know a bit about you, friend, don't be alarmed.
>>
No. 263936 ID: a5b5fa

Ah, we are here to make you sane again bro, though not really.

what I want you to do is dream up a proper mind, no not heal your current one, dream a new one, and keep it in the dream.

that way you can have a proper mind without losing your skill.
then simply train yourself in the art of sleepwalking and talking so you can interact properly.

HINT:Think of reality as a very lucid dream.

Holy crap, Inception fuel
>>
No. 263942 ID: f2e624

>>263936

We should try to make him a bit like Figment.
Figment has presence in several if not all settings.
Ulzrick voices are just him from other settings, if they dream up a proper super-mind in the Dream, they might become really powerful and even use their collective brain-power like one whole. Heck, they might even start sharing their magical stamina or magical power.
>>
No. 263943 ID: 445c48

No, not really. Take a nap.
>>
No. 263945 ID: a5b5fa

>>263942
ssshhhhh, I'm trying not to make Bob notice
>>
No. 263965 ID: 9338f5

>>263942
Might be a tad too crazy for Ulzricks liking.
>>
No. 263967 ID: f2e624

>>263965

>too crazy
>Ulzrick
>laughinggirls.jpg

In fact, have the girls actually laugh in Ulzrick head lest he starts getting used to us.
>>
No. 263969 ID: a76809
File 129219425090.jpg - (137.53KB , 605x850 , Arcanoworks Vespinto Out Of Armor.jpg )
263969

rolled 11 = 11

[Rolling for a certain someone's starting move]

>>263909
>A nap is cool but don't you get a lot of sleep anyway?
Yeah but sleep is... different now. I swear, whenever I sleep I dream that... I'm me, just different. Where's the fun in that? Besides, when I'm actively Souldreaming, I don't really get rest from the process. I've found short naps remain dreamless, and I can squeeze in sleep easy like that. A bit jarring waking up, as I sometimes have to spend a good bit of time verifying I am in reality and not one of the dreams.

>>263910
>Hey! Ulzrick! hows it going man? last I heard, you seemed to be shutting Jojo out, which made me feel kinda sad because though brash, he seems like a nice enough guy.
Things are going good. I shut Jojo out because I couldn't really find words to describe this whole issue of 'Is what I see real' thing to him because he's a corporeal Souldreamer, as opposed to myself, a mental Souldreamer, referencing our respective impairments. I don't think there is all that much more he can teach me, as his power seems to come from sending himself into the dream on some level, whereas mine seems to come from imagining power in the dream for me to use... I'm still having trouble quantifying it, but I feel pretty confident he can't really teach me any more. He was a grump, but hey, I can seek out the dreams of those I have met, watch them, manipulate them, carry messages. Can do the dream healing stuff too, which is real handey. I even had my first successful Dreamwalk two nights ago, when I got to one of the Air Cavalry member's dreams. ...She was not happy when I popped into existence and fell on her while she was asleep. Have not attempted since. But anyway, I seem to have a solid grasp of Souldreaming's basics... where I go from there, not really sure. Counseling myself on this doesn't seem to yield much, as how different can my own ideas be?
>I mean, I don't really feel like making you do anything right now. Though we may steal some of your time. Hows the hivemind of yourself treating you, bet it never lacks in people you feel you can agree with! ha.
...Okay, stop there, hold on. Hivemind? What? ....Okay, now you're messing with me right, trying to make me paranoid and everything?
>Meet any nice ladies at the Arcanoworks? any new and nifty powers you've been finding yourself capable of?
Well, I HAD a thing going with Frella.... but after that Dreamwalk incident, I don't know.....
>Also, you can totally sense us directly now as separate, that's awesome, a little scary maybe, but awesome.
Yeah, I guess I recognize the additional levels of 'otherness' about you? Not really sure, haven't had anything else to reference against.

>>263915
>We probably wont bother you too much, just ask a few questions then wander off again.
...Now you're making me nervous.
>On that topic how are things going with the milita?
Really good, everyone's had time to play dragonrider, and wow, bigger badder Nidhogg can manifest a full sixty spawn now, each of which can seat five soldiers, or a pilot and a golem armor. No one's been slacking in their normal training, and I'd say we have a reasonably competent force on our hands now.
>Everyone happy healthy and doing their jobs?
Vespinto has been down in the dumps since I beat him yesterday in sparring. I've been working on Magnetomancy, and while I don't have much to go on I have figured out how to really feel in tune with my weapon, get its balance just right. Vespinto's still sulking I beat him with blades, doing drills against ten foes at a time as he grumbles.
>Hows that new mage settling in?
Really good, actually. She seems real laid back, pretty unflappable... strange thing is sometimes my dreams as other mes she seems a whole mess scarier, but so far as I've seen, no issue. Really been taking to organizing things here well in Arkus' absence-and the troops feel more comfortable with a real mage doing the day to day, not just an apprentice.
>Any trouble with the inventor woman and the grumpy smith?
Del Rogo seems fine, We've shared nods in passing but not really talked. As for Jezebel.... I don't know. We were at dinner once, and I happened to be sitting next to her. Not really sure how it came up, but we were talking about dreams, I guess. I talked a bit about dream magic, she seemed interested. When I mentioned I could see inside dreams she blushed-
>Jezebel blushed?
I know right? Then she ran off, and has been an ASS to me since.
Ever see Derkin doing anything interesting?
Um, he's been getting in a whole mess of practice throwing knives, working with Vespinto. The two seem in a thrown weapon rivalry of sorts.

>>263933
>You wouldn't know what great things we have unraveled about you and your ... peculiar state...
>It's just amazing Ulrzick! you have to hear this-
>Wait!
>Should we?.. Should we tell him? Huh?
>Not now, way too long term a thing!
>It would certainly put his mind at rest .... but maybe we could tease him a bit?
>Teasing is always allowed.
>Suffice to say that Mordre knows about you .... maybe even more than you know about yourself... *cough*
Oh that is NOT FAIR, working with the normal voices in my head. What the deep, guys, I mean come on.

>Are people treating you well?
Yeah, actually. Wouldn't you know it, working for Mordre, being the guy who hears voices does NOT make me the odd man out.
>About Kyorto: Doesn't something seem just a bit "off" about her? Don't you think?
...Okay, REALLY making me worried here, do those dreams mean anything?
>What do you think of Mordre?
What about-
>Do you like the guy?
Yeah I guess but-
>Doesn't he seem a bit suspicious to you?
Oh COME ON.
>.. Oh well, probably just your paranoia talking, don't pay it attention.
NOW you say that. ...Nuts, the lot of you.
>Is there anything you need?
Like what?
>Some magical trinkets, armor or ... something else entirely?
Well.... would like to work with Del Rogo, Arkus or Kyorto, get some easily concealable stilleto that was morphically treated, able to expand into a long handled dueling sword? Could sneak that sucker in most anywhere, a handy tool and if enchanted beyond that could really pack a punch. ...Really the only idea I've had on the subject.
>Have you heard any news of you brother?
Yeah actually, got a letter a week ago. Turns out he joined the state army, made captain, has a hundred heads under his command. Didn't say where he was stationed, but I guess that's military doctrine or something. He's been doing well, but I wish I could send a return letter, but no address.....

>>263936
>Ah, we are here to make you sane again bro, though not really.
Exceptionally reassuring.
>what I want you to do is dream up a proper mind, no not heal your current one, dream a new one, and keep it in the dream.
Just... just MAKE my own mind, in the Dream? ...Uh, HOW?

>>263942
>We should try to make him a bit like Figment.
Who is Figment?
>Ulzrick's voices are just him from other settings, if they dream up a proper super-mind in the Dream, they might become really powerful and even use their collective brain-power like one whole.
>Stop telling him that, it does him no good!
...Starting to get a headache here....

>>263943
>No, not really. Take a nap.
THANK YOU.


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

I awaken to a prodding foot. I blink and look up to see Vespinto standing over my cot, tossing me a padded iron bar.

"Outside."

I don't spend much time thinking about it as I grab the weapon and stretch, yawning as I follow the smaller man outside, scratching at my curly beard. ...Need to shave. Once outside, Vespinto takes a stance ten feet from me, a metal baton held in each hand, tips perfectly still pointed at the ground.

"I would ask a rematch for yesterday. .....I did not respect you as an opponent then. I will not make that mistake now."

....Uh, I don't like how he's saying that....




What should I do?
I can get uncanny in using the weighting of my sparring sword, but Vespinto's so fast..... I could use some ideas, voices!
>He could also use some d20 rolls to go with the ideas
What?
>>
No. 263972 ID: 69bee4

rolled 1 = 1

Well, for better or worse I do think I know whats up with Jez. She may have had the misrepresentation that you've been going around her dreams and messing with them.. because some of those dreams involved you, and maybe varying states of undress and...

BLOCK THAT ATTACK!

oh, ok, so with that handled. id say you need to open up with some attacks that try and gauge what his 'style' is going to be. There's a tendency for people to have habits they go back to every time something happens as long as they work. So try striking about... twice in a similar area, and making note of how he responds. To hide this is what your doing though, strike different locations you want to observe in mixtures. something like low left slash, right high thrust, right middle, low left slash, etc.
>>
No. 263974 ID: d4f98d

rolled 20 = 20

>>263969
Reactionary tacticion mind, reporting! Don't think I'll be much good, but here's my two bits:

If he's faster than you, you want to be on the offensive, because reacting isn't exactly your strongsuit, and coupled with his better than normal speed, you're looking at a losing battle there.

If he's packing shortsword equivalent ranges, use your extended reach to prod him and goad him into a movement you can PREDICT. Watch out if he uses his smaller size to try to duck your swings and thrusts.
>>
No. 263975 ID: a5b5fa

How to dream up your own mind in -i^0.5 easy steps.

Because forming a mind out of nothing is an incredibly difficult task since most cannot fathom the scope of the human mind, this is what I want you do do.

Dream, not soul dream, just dream. (well maybe half-soul-dream, you probably can't dream normally anymore anyway)
Dream about yourself.
Don't get caught up about specifics, your subconscious will fill in the rest.
Then make '2nd' you go to sleep and enter his dreams with 'dream you'.

Look around, copy what you see and then model your mind after that.


Hmm actually this might just him him a second crazy mind, so to augment this, view the minds of as many sane people as you can, people that you admire for their levelheadedness and/or wisdom.

Then create models of their minds and hack the models together.

[For the life of me though, I can't figure out how to do this without the second mind being fundamentally different from his normal one. Maybe Figment had this problem too.]
>>
No. 263978 ID: 21e57a

Hey, just ignore any dice rolls that aren't over ten, Ulz.

Anyway, gonna suggest we do this. Get up, nod, smile, shake his head and possibly fist bump, because you're cool, and it's not your fault he's trying to be the bigger man, you know? So, just make it up to Frella. Check out what she's dreaming of, or don't be creepy and just get her some flowers or something.

Also: See what Jez is dreaming about.

Oh yeah, oh yeah, guy fighting! Right! Erm, get a feel for him, magnetically, and possibly try day dreaming about what he'll do in the future. See if that works. Other then that, hand out to, and go tot he sparing ring.

So, yeah, I think we can help you but you know, don't tell anyone about us, right? We're gonna be your secret until you're bad ass enough to know all about us.

Hey, someone see if they can get a small wiki going so we can just link it to for Ulz. You know, characters, locations, all that stuff.
>>
No. 263979 ID: 445c48

>>263972
>1
>>263974
>20

haha oh wow
>>
No. 263981 ID: a5b5fa

rolled 19 = 19

Ok then, tactics time.

You like tricky, here's some tricky.

Get low, as low as him if you can, holding the baton in your left hand.

Rush him, hopping from side to side and make to swing the baton from bottom right to upper left.

Halfway through the faux swing, release the baton and grab it with your right hand (using magnetomancy to make this process as smooth as possible), then lunge or swing depending on his reaction.
>>
No. 263982 ID: 21e57a

rolled 11 = 11

>>263978
Eh, rolling a dice for your thinking. Don't ask why, man, just heh, roll with it.

Anyway, if you're having problems with being awake and being in a dream, just make something only you know the properties of that you'll have on your dream body. If your dream reacts differently to them, it's not the real you, see? Stole that from Inception. Another idea, start getting some better defenses other then 'wall'. A secret mind - not like the two-minds idea, but craft a sublayer to you mind. One you can retreat to if someone attacks you, mentally. And some attacking defenses.
>>
No. 263983 ID: d4f98d

Also:

D'AWWW, Jez's crushing on you. How cute.
>>
No. 263984 ID: f2e624

Just a concealable stiletto?
Really Ulzrick?
Thats the only thing you want?

I mean, it can be easily arranged, sure. Just pitch in the idea to Mordre, or we'll tell him to do that oursel-*COUGH!* Did I say that? don't pay attention to that part.
You do know that we are rich? Like extremely rich? We have like, over one million Marks now and still rapidly growing.
You didn't know that? Oh... don't tell anyone then.
Also that Mordre doesn't shy away from using much of his resources to improve his allies every conceivable way possible, especially the loyal ones? Loyal ones, who would never turn their back on him no matter what, no matter what the future might hold and whatever their will be uncovered about him. People who- I'm trailing off again.
You can ask pretty much anything money can buy Ulzrick. Maybe some kind of bitching leather armor(or metal? You know Mordre can produce unique type of steel nowhere found in the world, right?), or enchanted ring? The possibilities are endless [just make sure it is buy-able or commission-able from someone or at least make-able by our own people without taking too much of their time]

Just take your time thinking what you would like for yourself. Make sure it is something that can greatly improve your abilities and not something vain like a new sports chariot or a villa near the beach.

Oh, about your brother.
Did you know that he worked for a while for Mordre? He was in a mercenary group led by Ozmand back then, unfortunately Ozmand died and your brother took over.
Well, here it gets interesting. Mordre, when parting with him, gave his group a lion share of the bounty they got for killing the bandit lord. I think it was about 300 Marks.
Pretty sure that is what enable your brother to get so far.
So yeah, you should that Mordre for that... Well, not actually, verbally thank him. He could become very suspicious of you. He wouldn't be friendly to people who might have uncovered his secret-
Oh man, did I tell something I shouldn't have again? Forget what I said, will you Ulzrick?


About the battle.
I am not an expert so don't really rely on me, and without seeing a little bit action from Vespintos side its hard to make plans yet. Really I prefer to fight with Mordr-

Anyway.
Keep in mind that he is going to fight much more serious right now and take you on like a real threat so don't expect him to fight like that previous time. He will probably use different approach now.

One thing you could do. You know magnetomancy, right?
So, when you are parrying, try to attract his blade to yours (this will increase your chances at blocking) just when your blades meet, repel his ablade by magnetomancy burst, this should create an opening for you to strike.

Use your superior flexibility for your advantage, twisting and turning your body and attacking from irregular angles.

Hmm... I'm also thinking how we could use your Dream magic in combat application. The only time we saw it in action was from Figment, while he is a superb at combat (especially defending) I am not sure if you can manage it.
Hmmmmm... Imagination is Power. Tell that to your self, Ulzrick. Your power heavily relies on you imagination. So, when he attacks you and goes by your defenses imagine that the spot he is hitting is iron strong, or an invisible shield to block his attacks while you counter-attack. Heh, this might be hard, imagine that his weapon if but a flabby rubber stick, this will be funny if you manage.
>>
No. 263986 ID: f2e624

Also... listen to your normal voices for this fight.
The might have undergone .... "similar" experience themselves and give you a bit of valid information about the battle. If not predicting the actual fight, at least they can tell you about Vespintos style.
>>
No. 263987 ID: e43bfe

A note: Wander into Jezebel's dreams sometime.
>>
No. 263988 ID: f2e624

Oh, about your normal voices.

I don't want to give away too much.

But rest assured that you are not insane like other people who claim the same.
Try to be levelheaded with the whole thing and use it to its fullest without it impeding your own life.
And... umm... someone help me with this
>>
No. 263992 ID: f2e624

Also
Now that I think of it, most of >>263984 can be told after the battle since these can be distracting. Unless the time stops when we mentally converse.
Though I really want these things to be said. It is not often we get to control Ulzrick [I might not be here when the battle ends and we'll have another round of suggestions for Ulzrick]


On the other hand, we don't [i]really[i\] have to give out fullest as if this is a mortal combat. If Vespinto winds, then he wins and you don't have to worry about his grudges anymore.

Also, another idea for new equipment, Ulzrick.
Del Roga made armor for Uggrok that can make him invisible. Wouldn't you want something like that too?
>>
No. 263995 ID: f6360f

>[Kyorto] seems real laid back, pretty unflappable... strange thing is sometimes my dreams as other mes she seems a whole mess scarier, but so far as I've seen, no issue.
Look, Ulzrick, you've caught on by now that your dreams are you looking through the eyes of alternate possible yous. Worlds aren't usually THAT different. If she's scary in most of the alternate worlds, odds are she's just as scary here, and is just being friendly/hiding her scariness at the moment.

Which isn't a terrible thing. I mean, as long as something scary is on your side, it's all to the good, right? Maybe she'd even be willing to give you a few magicking tips.

>When I mentioned I could see inside dreams she blushed-
Wild guess: Jezebel was having erotic dreams, possibly of you. She now isn't sure how much you know. I recommend spying on her dreams to confirm, possibly followed by aggressive movement on the romantic front if evidence bears it out.

>He's been doing well, but I wish I could send a return letter, but no address.....
Could you track his dreams down and contact him that way?

>Who is Figment?
Figment is a mind-bogglingly powerful dream user from the Land of Dragons. He's a mental type, like you but way, way more gone. His alternate dream selves basically run him, as I understand it. You can ask Mordre or Bang about him next time one of them drops by if you're interested.
>>
No. 264001 ID: d4f98d

>>263992
If we suddenly fight worse than we did last, I doubt it'll be hard for him to pick up on it. Then he'll be REALLY pissed.
>>
No. 264006 ID: 9338f5

>>263969

Two things Ulzrick first is that it might be a good idea to throw the fight, Vespinto seems like the sort who will relentlessly come after you untill he beats you and that would just be a pain in the ass.

Second is that a key point of magnetomancy seems to be Ownership and...I am unsure how to explain it except that "owning" the metal makes it harder to affect unless its you that owns it, and that to affect the owned metal you need to overcome the sence of ownership which seems to be a magic vs magic strugle.
>>
No. 264011 ID: f2e624

>>264006
Hah!
It seems to me that Vespinto just took couple of metal bars as weapons, meaning that he shouldn't have any ownership of it, or really weak one so manipulating it with magnetomancy should be easy.

Also, about the magnetomancy.
Ulzrick, you have seen what Eisenhardt can do with it right? Wouldn't you want to be as powerful, you certainly have the potential. Actually you have the potential for being hundred times stronger than him due to your Dream magic and if our "Dream Mind" idea works out.

The trick for becoming stronger at magnetomancy (or any other discipline for that matter)is to cast the strongest spell you can and keep casting it till you fall over from exhaustion, then recover and do it again. You'll be pretty damn strong with it in no time.
Also, you might want to go to library and study magic there. If for whatever reason you aren't allowed there ask Phohn (just think "Phohn", he'll appear as another voice) to ask Mordre for permission, he will certainly give it to you.
>>
No. 264012 ID: f247ab

Huh, even though that also falls under Magnetomancy, as it involves metal, your tendency to manipulate the weight of things might allow you a path for which to expand your Will Magic into Gravimancy.

And you don't need to shave; you could just send the beard into the Dream and perhaps exchange your ability to grow a beard for more power in Souldreaming, maybe.

...Or you could let it grow out nice and long, the better to store lots of metal and attending magnetic fields with which you can get up to much Magnetomancy shenanigans. And you could store that stiletto you want, along with any other small and portable pieces of metal, in your beard.

>>263995
>>263978
Don't spy on Jezebel's dreams, Ulzrick, unless you can spy on dreams without entering the dream, and therefore waking the dreamer to lucidity, which allows the dreamer to remember the experience in waking, and thus, give Jezebel reason to be angry at you. And you do not, do not, want Jezebel angry at you. Those electrical shocks of hers really hurt!
>>
No. 264014 ID: d4f98d

>>264012
Agreed about the spying thing.
>>
No. 264018 ID: 9338f5

On the topic of Jezebel it might be a good idea to explain to her that you have not entered her dreams at any point.
>>
No. 264020 ID: 252e1b

rolled 3 = 3

Vespinto shouldn't ever not take an opponent seriously, that's just rude in a sparring match. Anyway since he's going to be so focused on you, why not use your magnetomancy to use junk laying around to hit him from behind? It's not sporting but if it's a serious sort of fight then the only thing disallowed is permanent injury, right?
>>
No. 264049 ID: a76809
File 129220718440.jpg - (105.93KB , 727x1000 , Arcanoworks Ellorika surveys troops.jpg )
264049

>>263972
>Well, for better or worse I do think I know whats up with Jez.
What's that?
> She may have had the misrepresentation that you've been going around her dreams and messing with them.. because some of those dreams involved you, and maybe varying states of undress and...
Okay, so you think she's dreaming about me? That little spitfire? Hm....
[1]
>BLOCK THAT
?
OHSHI-

I slip sideways as Vespinto stabs forward with both batons, batting the one before me away as I stumble forward, away from the one I'm sure is rushing at my back after the missed thrust. I feel it lightly brushing my tunic as I tumble forward, rolling into the wall, where I come to a stop upside down. I see Vespinto already darting forward, one baton already extending in a lunging thrust... aimed at my throat. ...Uh....

>>263974
>Reactionary tactician mind, reporting!
Oh thank god!
>If he's faster than you-
He DEFINITELY is.
> you want to be on the offensive, because reacting isn't exactly your strongsuit, and coupled with his better than normal speed, you're looking at a losing battle there.
...Okay.

I stab forward with my larger, longer metal baton, the awkward angle negated by its size as I brush aside Vespinto's thrust, then flick the baton towards his chest. His off blade darts into place, shunting the blow aside as he tries to correct his original thrust, still mid-lung. ...Dang.

[20]
I plant my free hand against the groud and shove, throwing my body into the air and above Vespinto's restarted attack, limbs pinwheeling as I whip myself upright while bringing a viciously spinning overhead blow down with both hands. Unready for my display of agility, Vespinto cannot dodge and is forced to take the full force of my blow. With both weapons crossed and taking the impact, he is still driven to his knees, his balance destroyed.

>>263978
>Erm, get a feel for him, magnetically.
How? I'd have to touch him for that, and it'd take me several long seconds to map out his current state... I don't think he'd give me that time.
>Possibly try day dreaming about what he'll do in the future. See if that work
Why not.... okay, spacing out... and I kinda feel like I should-WOAH!

I barely lean back in time to avoid Vespinto's lunging upward slice, the tip of a metal baton passing inches from my chin. ...Fast recovery time, faster than usual for him. I see his other baton swinging into place, a far deeper horizontal slice designed to catch me still reacting to the uppercut.

>>263981
>You like tricky, here's some tricky.
>Get low, as low as him if you can, holding the baton in your left hand.
I drop down, my flexibility letting me duck what was already a below-waist level strike, grimly clutching my baton in my left hand as I see Vespinto's eye's narrow, arms whirling as he moves to react.
>Rush him, hopping from side to side and make sure to swing the baton from bottom right to upper left.
I dart forward, skittish and crablike, low and lurking as I press my foe, forcing him to retreat lest we collide as I begin a series of alternating vicious backhanded diagonal slashes, putting too much force behind each blow for blocking to work. Vespinto has to put all his attention just into dodging, his eyes going flat as they dart from attack to attack, calmly tracking my assault-and barely staying a step ahead.
>Halfway through the faux swing, release the baton and grab it with your right hand (using magnetomancy to make this process as smooth as possible), then lunge or swing depending on his reaction.
[19]
On one of the leaps I would use a lefthanded slash with, I transfer the weapon to my right before striking, magnetomancy making the shuffle smoother than it normally would as my weapon approaches from the wrong side. Vespinto only spots it a half foot from his shoulder, and by then it is too late. With a crunch the weapon swings home, and Vespinto drops a baton from a numb arm, gritting his teeth. I back away as he simply stands they fuming, refusing to meet my glare.... and walks away.

>>263984
>Just a concealable stiletto?
>Really Ulzrick?
Excuse me?
>That's the only thing you want?
Uh... yes.... I am kinda the infiltration dude, you know, so concealable is good....
>I mean, it can be easily arranged, sure. Just pitch in the idea to Mordre.
>You do know that Mordre doesn't shy away from using much of his resources to improve his allies every conceivable way possible, especially the loyal ones, right?
Yeah, picked up on that.
>You can ask pretty much anything money can buy Ulzrick.
Well all the other kinds of magic items I hear about are flashy, I couldn't use them most of the time. I mean, if you all have ideas on something I could hide on my person, wouldn't make noise or sound, but would otherwise be a great thing to have, sure, I'll consider it, but have you seen how strong some people are? Doesn't matter how cool your gear is if they decide to paste you. Hence why I'd rather not get noticed to begin with, seems much safer.
>Oh, about your brother.
Hm?
>Did you know that he worked for a while for Mordre?
Yeah, he mentioned it in the letter.
>Well, here it gets interesting. Mordre, when parting with him, gave his group a lion share of the bounty they got for killing a bandit lord. I think it was about 300 Marks.
...He DIDN'T mention that part, though he did soud like he held Mordre in real high esteem. ....Huh.
>Pretty sure that is what enable your brother to get so far.
Would make sense, he wasn't THAT charismatic, not last I saw him.

>>263988
>Oh, about your normal voices.
>Don't go talking about us!
>I don't want to give away too much.
>As well you shouldn't!
>But rest assured that you are not insane like other people who claim the same.
Um.... ok? I'm not?
>Try to be levelheaded with the whole thing and use it to its fullest without it impeding your own life. And... umm.... someone help me with this.
>...Fine. They are right you know, we aren't insane, just... we have many opinions, moreso than normal folk. Doesn't make you crazy.
I know that's supposed to be reassuring, but really, the cloak and dagger stuff from VOICES IN MY HEAD is a bit hard to swallow.

>>263995
>Could you track your brother's dreams down and contact him that way?
Maybe, but that would take Dreamwalking, and I only have one, VERY minor success to my name. Might want to hold off when I don't know where he could be. Then again, I could add this to my to-do list, great way to get more practice Dreamwalking, finish getting some experience with the third aspect of Dreammagic I've been taught.
>Figment is a mind-bogglingly powerful dream user from the Land of Dragons. He's a mental type, like you but way, way more gone. His alternate dream selves basically run him, as I understand it. You can ask Mordre or Bang about him next time one of them drops by if you're interested.
...Bullshit. How would you even know that?
>There are times when you could have met him.... FIgment is real, the description accurate.
..Uh, fine. Okay, so there is another mental Souldreamer I could learn from? Great, fine to know.... might look into that sometime.

...Well, shit, I'm tired. I swear, every time you extra voices pop in, I get tired way faster. ...Still, the headaches are sometimes worth the knowledge you bring. ...Not sure why my voices didn't want you talking about... something, but maybe some other time then? EIther way.... back to that nap, I have a feeling tonight I'll be prepping for another Dreamwalk attempt.

................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: ELLORIKA] ................................................

[DAY 157: DAY 7 OF WEEK 1 OF MONTH 5:]
[Castiday of the First Cycle of Libiturnius (Summer)]


...Morning.

Hate mornings. Nights are fun, something's always happening, but only boring people are awake in the morning. ...Still, I got a job to do. I haul myself out of bed, knotted muscles crackling as I loosen them with catlike stretches, whipcord muscle moving under my skin. I feel myself touching my feet when I bend over even if I can't see it...... these things are supposed to be fat, why are they not getting smaller as I exercise? ..Well, they give me an excuse to fight people ogling me, so whatever.

I barge into the kitchen, hair messy and draped in poorly fitted clothes, grab some cheese, some meets and some ale, and make my way back to my room. After getting some grub in my belly, I finally adjust my clothes, strap on my armor, heft my mace and shield... and walk outside, the faces of two hundred soldiers on me. Right, time to lead today's morning drills..... hm, I don't stick with a set plan, I wonder what I should have them do today. While I ponder, I see Vespinto doggedly avoiding Ulzrick... I saw that space-case's win the other day, not sure where he got that deft touch with a blade but damn I'm impressed. ...Finally lost that pudge too, so he's just a big guy, plenty of muscle. ...You know, I had never really considered it because he's always off doing his own thing and more on the subtle end of things, but he can more than hold his own. Dream stuff he can do is fancy shit too. ...Maybe I should pay more attention to him. ...On the subject of things worthy of attention, the mage we got now knows her craft.... but I find myself missing Arkus. Sure he's a stick and doesn't fight, but guy's unflappable, runs this arcanoworks like clockwork.... not too shabby at all. ...Ugh, just wish Keddic or Bang would come back.... mm, would not mind to have some of either of those manwiches, but Keddic's a player, I've lost count of how many girls here he's been with..... Bang though.....



Alright, how should I set up training today, what should our itinerary be?
And who do I think has the best prospects about them, Ulzrick, Arkus or Bang?
>>
No. 264056 ID: 21e57a

>>264049
Well, how have the rank-and-files been handling so far? I know you're getting more new troops, so whipping them into shape might be a good idea.

Mhm, other then that, lets try some mix-tactics too. What good is an aerial force if you can't have your infantry, mounted units, or heavier units don't work as a cohesive whole.

Also, lets try working you and some of the stronger people into the mixed arms guide. Lets not write one, too wordy and it could get out, but start training with the idea of all the strengths of the Arcanoworks working in tandem.

Romantically? Well, first thing they should do is fight over you. Who ever comes out on top will be the best. Of course, lets weigh the betting odds. Who's the best fighter out of those three? And remember, there could be a stronger guy to come along, so don't limit yourself yet.

Other then that, what do you think of Mordre? He's been a solid warrior as you've ever seen. that Blue Knight chick? Oh, what about the 'Red Knights'? Siode? What did you think of those big alchemicals Mordre brought in when it first came here? Keddic is a player? Why haven't you gotten a mage to reduce those breasts of yours, if you think they're so big? What do you think of the State?
>>
No. 264059 ID: 69bee4

YOUR GOING TO MAKE THOSE MAGGOTS SWEAT!

I mean seriously, their an embarrassment! improvement has been made, but that does not suffice, this is an army, not a dance party! good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better and better best!

Its time to pull a classic that im sure you heard Morde likes to pull at times. IT IS NOW 200 VS 1! AND YOUR GOING TO SHOW ALL OF THEM WHAT ITS LIKE TO FIGHT FOR THEIR LIVES!

Also, Arkus is of course the best, a mixture of personality that is as strong and admirable as his potential. I mean, think of what he must have put through to have a Mage Mentor who has a Soul Grave? and seeing Morde's style of management, you have to wonder what hes deal with. If you ever ask him about his history and progress in such a short time, you'll be impressed. Keddic may have his ups, but in the end he will unlikely respect the strength you hold. Bang on the other hand is interesting, but no sense of command, only power through fists, no understanding of power through such things as mind, one needs to have access to all avenues of power!
>>
No. 264064 ID: 9338f5
 

Try getting them to practice something like this. If they get this down quickly, try races and shifting the numbers of the groups.
>>
No. 264071 ID: 903f16

>>264049

>Alright, how should I set up training today, what should our itinerary be?
Run them through some heavy training and drilling to start them off. See how well they do at some sparring against each other, both one on one and in groups. Then you can have them go into a march while you quiz them on things they need to know and punish any wrong answers. Wind it down by seeing if Ulzrick and Vespinto will give you a hand in training these guys for encounters against more powerful opponents.

>And who do I think has the best prospects about them, Ulzrick, Arkus or Bang?
Ulzrick is pretty well rounded and with his skill set you could do anything, but it'd be hard to get close to him. He spends most of his time in his head or delving into someoneelse's. Arkus is a nice and he's a guy that can get things done, which means you'll probably never find yourself wanting for anything. He also has a really bright future as Mage Mordre's apprentice and I'm sure you know by now how scary powerful mages can get, for example his master or Eisenhardt. Downside with him is that he's very busy, nearly all the time, but I'm sure you could distract him. Bang, well he's certainly got the physical element. But you know how that guy is with fighting, it's doubtful anyone could ever surpass his love of battle. He's also got a bit of a wanderlust, so don't expect to settle down.
>>
No. 264076 ID: 5ecc4e

ARKUS!!! :V

Training:
WARTIME SIMULATION! (it would be good if you could get some of the other commanders to help)

Divide the men into four groups and assign a leader from among them (promising ones).
Tell them to carry supplies because they will be out for the day, including regular and training weapons and arrows. Training items because that's what they will be doing and real just in case you meet up in real trouble out there.

First we march. March and march and march, fast pace, no stops, as long as you can. See if you can end near a river or in the forest. Preferably in the forest but close to a river.

While they rest(if they need it), set markers around the forest as group meeting points, try to make sure no-one can see where you put them, there you will leave a set of instructions for the groups(more detail later).

When you return, tell them that they must find the marker for their group and follow the instructions.

Operations:
-1st group must set up a base and protect an item you left until the end of the day.

-2nd group must infiltrate enemy base and retrieve the item. They are not allowed to hurt the other group short of self defense (i.e. you are not allowed to engage, and no leeway will be allowed for 'excessive' self defense)

-3rd group is assigned a point that they must reach. Every person in the group must arrive. If they are short, they fail.

-4th group is told to defend that point, any way they deem fit, but they are not to be told what they are defending from.


THE DEATH OF SOMEONE IN THIS FIGHTING FORCE IS UNACCEPTABLE!


If you can't do this today, keep it in mind and try to work it out for later, if you can, for multiple days, maybe a week(but ensure that the Arcanoworks is not left defenseless)
>>
No. 264087 ID: 5c517f
File 129221976322.png - (1.24MB , 812x1110 , MixmasterMordre0001.png )
264087

Alright, seems there are a lot of good training ideas so I won't add anymore.

>>264071 seems to have it right with how the guys are oriented, and I put another vote towards trying Arkus :3. I mean, with all that wandering, Bang probably has someone out there! (dohohoh)and since Arkus is around more often he is easier to keep track of and it will be easier to find time with him, to see if he is compatible.

late picture present :O
>>
No. 264094 ID: a76809

>>264087
[Man I don't even know what this bonus could go towards. ...How about it takes whatever complexity and depth of training you start now with Ellorika, and applies it passively as perspective continues to change to optimize Arcanoworks Militia growth?]

>>264056
I consider the preformance of the Arkanoworks staff recently... not bad, actually. They demonstrate good unit cohesion, they have seen enough irregular things that while not as seasoned as I'd like, they don't seem prone to freezing up. ...Still, none of them could hold a candle to Bang. On raw power, none other comes close... but wild though... maybe even too wild.

>>264064
Even thought the standard battle gear for Arcanoworks armed forces includes personalized plate armor designed so that a single person can outfit themselves, I have a bit of trouble getting the trainees to gather up some massive tower shields, and huddle together. The ones in the middle think they have it easy, watching as I badger their comrades into lifting their shields.... they stop laughing when I have them lift theirs above their heads. Once they slot their shields together, creating a metal curtain to protect each individual plate bearing soldier, I explain my purpose.

"Now, all you lot know how dangerous magic can be, and how magic is often the only real response to magic. But Mordre can't do everything-what if someone tosses some magic your way? Say a fireball, to cook you in your armor? Now you have an arm's length barrier to ward it off. Might not stop everything.... but it can stop alot more than just armor. We are going to drill on going from standard combat formation to this new defensive formation, and if you don't get fast enough for my likings, we can be out here ALL DAY to correct it. NOW, LET'S GET GOING!"

>>264071
after two hours spent on the shield wall drills, I decide to switch gears as I get a different cycle of soldiers to train. This time I focus on simple drilling for a half hour, fast and furious to get them all to break a heavy sweat, before pairing them off for sparring. I add an important caveat, which is that any time they bump into another dueling group, they must then fight whoever they made physical contact with, in addition to whoever else they are fighting. It's mean to be hectic and confusing, and it is. The point is to really make the soldiers focus on their situational awareness, and it seems to work perfectly.

>>264076
After a break for lunch, I take command of a third group, second to last of the day as I consider what to subject them to. I decide to order them to march with full gear and a week's rations, each soldier horrendously weighed down and made to jog in plate, sweat starting to filter out the cracks in their armor. After a solid hour of this, I lead the exhausted troops back to base, and assign them a complex point defense match to run, and harshly correct any who forget or falter in their fatigued state. As the afternoon wears on I eventually tell them to stop, and send the exhausted trainees on their way. Derkin seems to be having fun with the groups I sent him, and has likewise been getting creative, though I can't tell much more beyond battles with multiple sides beyond two.

>>264059
As I get my fourth and final group to train today, I decide to go for something a little different. I set the trainees to doing sprints in gear around the Arcanoworks with individual sparring matches each revolution as I set about my business. I find Vespinto and drag the surly midget out to the field, just as I find Ulzrick and get the spacey lump of muscle moving. I explain my goal to replicate Mordre's training with us, by exhausting the staff then subjecting them to fighting the three of us, fresh and fit, full of vim. Vespinto seems reluctant at first, but when Ulzrick expresses similar reticence Vespinto immediately pledges his aide. Ulzrick sighs before offering his help as well, and the three of us await the return of the students. Two hundred exhausted, bleary eyed warriors, forced to fight their own teachers, energized and waiting for them. Two hundred face three.

By nightfall the grand melee is over. I was eventually overrun, unable to keep each attacker from me, and I was removed an hour in. Vespinto and Ulzrick both are still untouched, having danced and dodged, struck and spun their way through foes without pause. Of two hundred soldiers, only forty two remain standing.... with Vespinto and Ulzrick looking every bit as exhausted as their foes. Pushing through fatigue and pain, Vespinto manages to drop twenty two of the remaining trainees, supporting his wobbling legs by using his batons as canes. Ulzrick topples the remaining twenty himself, and looks about ready to collapse.

When he turns to glance at Vespinto, he stops, slowly turning to face him. I see Vespinto slowly pacing towards Ulzrick, panting, as much supporting himself with his weapons as holding them ready in his lax stance... and in his eyes I see a fire that refuses to die. ...The two are going to fight.




What should I do?
Should I try to go with it, and yell out something to the troops about 'this is how to fight when exhausted'?
Or should I try to prevent this, as Vespinto seems to be getting a bit fixated on this?
Or should I do something else, like possibly join in to make it a three-way and thus attempt to defuse the tension?
>>
No. 264095 ID: f2e624

Some general questions.
Love getting things from other perspectives.

How has your life been? What do you think of Arcaneworks? Do you like it here? Where are you from and do you have family/relatives somewhere?
How is the region faring these days?
What is your opinion of Mordre? Do you like the guy?
What do you think about other notable figures in Arcaneworks, like, Dregas, Del Roga, Jez, etc.

You said something about golem armor improvement. What improvements were you thinking about? Speaking of g-armor. Do you like it?
Is there anything else you'd like? New, bitching weapon or armor? You can ask pretty much anything, you know?
>>
No. 264097 ID: f2e624

Nah, just sit and watch. This might be interesting.

Interfere if the things become too serious though.
>>
No. 264099 ID: 9338f5

>>264094
Watch but be ready to step in incase one of them gets too into it or misjudges a blow. By step in I mean stop the fighting and smack the shit out of both of them.
>>
No. 264100 ID: f2e624

Hmm..
I wondered about Arcaneworks army.

Ellorika, what do you think about their standard equipment? Is it good, better than normally seen from standard forces?
Could it be improved? How do you think we can improve it?
I was thinking putting minor enchantments on each and every armor (or making new, much better, armor altogether), what do you think they should be?

Basically, what I'm asking is how can we improve our militia even further (excluding training and actual fights)

Also, how is the morale within our troops and other personnel? Are they satisfied with how the things are?
>>
No. 264101 ID: f2e624

>>264097
>>264099

Also have the students gather around to watch.
They might learn something.
>>
No. 264102 ID: 5c517f

Tell them they are both hotheaded idiots and they can strike the fighting up again later. Grab them by their ears if you have to.

Made any new friends recently? Who do you hang out with when you aren't busy with your leader duties? What is there to do for fun around the Arcanoworks anyways?
>>
No. 264103 ID: 69bee4

Walk over as if to be nothing more than a bystander, as soon as Vespinto makes the first shot, punch him in the face and leave him down.

Announce to the soldiers that personal feelings are to left the moment the battle enters, that the most important thing is to fight, survive, and thrive. No matter your feelings of a person off the field of battle, you are putting your life in their hands the moment you enter one, add that attacking dishonorably against an allied opponent who never agreed to fight is also for weaklings, and true duels are decided a person's best against a prepared opponent.

Proceed then to demand a damn good dinner after having to do all that, drag Arkus from whatever hes doing, and enjoy yourself. Also consider that in cases of mass versus few, speed and agility, the inability to be hit is important... something apparently these two had a better grasp of for that particular combat. Once again, consider power in all its forms.
>>
No. 264104 ID: f2e624

Hey, what about dem dragons, huh?
Thats pretty cool, no?

I mean, Mordre goes away for a while to do some something and comes back with a real freaking Dragon!
I bet you people didn't even believe in dragons before this, though of them as some kind of fairy tales.
And not only does Mordre come home brandishing one but also asks you to form a significant air-force with it! How cool is that?

How is the Air Cavalry doing btw? What are the troops reactions to it? Do they like ridings dragons?
>>
No. 264123 ID: 5ecc4e

>>264102
This.

Also, you can't afford to fall behind them.
Gotta get into some serious training.
Maybe you can ask Arkus or Mordre to teach you some magic stuff.

Arkus would be better because he's around more often.
>>
No. 264124 ID: f2e624

>>264123
I agree.

We should really consider starting training all of our forces with some Combat Magic. We might ask our shamans to come here for that task though. We should have a lot now.
The lieutenants will get better lessons though.
>>
No. 264125 ID: d4f98d

>>264123
Good idea! I support this. Lessons in magic will do you good.
>>
No. 264128 ID: f2e624

The tower-shield idea was pretty neat.

I think we should mass-produce anti-magic tower-shields by inscribing some runes on them.
>>
No. 264129 ID: 35bba5

>>264128
Black Steel has that inherent anti-magic thing, right? We should get some runed Black Steel anti-magic shields made, yes. Assuming Black Steel can take runes.
>>
No. 264130 ID: d4f98d

>>264129
It's also violently poisonous to anything that isn't a soul grave
>>
No. 264148 ID: 9338f5

>>264130
that and it was only made by the mosmordian empire and its created by having augmentive magicks forcibly infused into it by spilling the blood of those actively harvested for Soul Grave fuel onto the Base Steel while it is forged atop enchanted anvils, the souls of thousands ground to dust during their forging to give them a strong connection with death.

using a lot of this stuff for anything other than our body would probably make a few people suspicious as to how we "found" so much of this stuff
>>
No. 264212 ID: 21e57a

Only after an hour? Drag yourself upright and go in and kick their asses! One v One v One.

>>264095
I agree, and also about notable figures not at Arcanoworks at the moment.
>>
No. 264285 ID: 35bba5

>>264148
When was this stated? Because I definitely would have remembered that part.
>>
No. 264287 ID: 445c48

>>264285
>>/questdis/316646
>>
No. 264288 ID: 35bba5

>>264287
Yeah, never read that bit, thanks.
>>
No. 264299 ID: a76809

>>264095
>>264100
[Her Golem Armor hopes were to get some sort of cluster barrage cannons for shoulder mounting, as the suits can support more weight, and it could allow independent units to act as small-grade artillery blisters. Other than that BIGGER GUNS.]
As they spend a few seconds steadying their ragged breathing, eyes solely for each other, I watch the exhausted recruits pulling back, forming a ring of sorts for their teachers. ..Smart buggers. Have to say, employment under Mordre is excellent. Best gear I've ever seen for the common woman, customized plate fit exactly to me, all for letting a crotchety old man nick my thumb and swear at me? I'll glad put up with that and the undisguised ogling he provided, in exchanged for this. So, to begin with, I'd argue we likely have the best non-magical equipment to be found. And that's NOT counting our hand-cannons, revolver or otherwise, the lightning guns, the injection spears, the DRAGONS... magic and technology both yield incredible things to let us reach farther... drag down more powerful foes. Derkin, Valiria, Bang, Keddic, Myself... so many have put in effort to hone these warriors, and I believe they can utilize the many gifts at their disposal...I feel like we can actually make a difference, no matter our numbers, and I no longer think myself foolish. ..Soon, we shall be called to battle, to the aid of our beloved State. And so until Mordre deems it time, I will dedicate my everything to making us all as ready as possible. ...I don't want to lose another family.

>>264097
>>264099
>>264101
I decide to let them be, have their fight. It would be better to have this settled now, and if I stopped them it would only delay any possible resolution. Nevertheless I march forward, idly cupping my mace as I take up the position of judge, my intent to prevent any serious harm from coming to one or the other. The moment I cease moving, they both lurch forward. I worry that Vespinto will simply fall, his body getting so close to the ground-before he dashes forward, face lit up with manic, frenzied focus, both hands tightly gripping metal batons. Ulzrick, who had only been jogging, exhales sharply as veins raise tautly over once more-rippling musles, pupils dilating from sheer change in blood pressure. ...Or at least I think that's what it is, sounds like what Bang described...

The darting Vespinto meets the solidly braced Ulzrick. There is no initial attempt to smite Vespinto in a single blow, and the smaller warrior slinks ever closer without any reaction. Finally Vespinto begins twin uppercuts as Ulzrick begins his own downward slash, his larger metal baton like a guillotine to my eyes. Yet no matter how daunting, Vespinto must be-

Ulzrick's feet shift, his stance slides, and Ulzrick's swords slip past either side of his body while his bissecting swing completes its arc. Vespinto's shoulder is sure to be crushed-were it still in the way. He threw aside his baton and wrenched his body about so forcefully he rumbles to the ground, just barely avoiding the metal rod that now buries itself in the ground. Yet scraped and dirtied, the panting Vespinto immediately leaps to his feat, grits his teeth so harshly I see blood on his gums-

And dashes back into the fray.

This time a leaping, spinning slashes with his own remaining sword loop and hook at Ulzrick, the irregular mid-air paths pressing him back. A foot is lifted by the bearded giant-

And Vespinto's hand snaps down on Ulzrick's mid-parry, as he brings his baton smashing home, a horzontal strike to the neck. Muscles knot and bulge, the blow resisted-but his balance is shot, and Ulzrick topples a Vespinto drunkenly throws himself aside, bearly avoiding falling to his knees as he stands there, quietly shaking and breathlessly panting. He does not seem to hear the smattering of applause from the other trainees, nor does he seem to react to Ulzrick sitting up, yawning as he twists his neck about. He simply walks away.

>>264104
One of Nidhogg's spawn flaps down, another Arcanoworks warrior finishing his flight practice, as he dismounts the spawn, slowly undoing the straps as a few trainees run to help him take off the saddle. The tension of the moment is broken by the ever-busy Arcanoworks, and life goes on. ...Amazing, those dragons. I had thought them legends, tales of flying beasts to the south... yet here one most certainly is. The means to reach the sky, to be free.... to rein death from above, to be unblocked.... powerful, militarily useful, and personally enjoyable: That would be my description of dragons, at least the ones the grand dragon Nidhogg makes. ...This is what made me change my mind, not the growing aptitude of our warriors, not their excellent armor, not their multitude of weapons... it is the dragons that make me think that even against a true army, even against scores of thousands... we can make a difference, with Mordre to lead us. ...He's been the best thing to happen to the State that I have ever seen, and I am happy that helping him allows me to personally pursue self improvement and gratification at the same time as being patriotic. Not many careers offer that AND are lucrative. I'd imagine the rest of the soldiers feel the same way.

Ulzrick shakily gets up and starts the staff drilling again, leading them in some comprehensive stretches and exercises. He buys me the time to go and check on Vespinto-who I find not in his room, but slouched to the ground in a nearby alleyway, panting as he wipes vomit from his mouth. He looks up at my presence but says nothing, simply glaring as he tries to quite down his wasted body. ...Just how hard did he push himself there? ...Seeing him alive and well, and clearly NOT in the mood to talk.... I walk away.

..............................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: KEDDIC HARKSBURTON THE FOURTH] ..............................................................

[DAY 158: DAY 8 OF WEEK 1 OF MONTH 5:]
[Enduday of the First Cycle of Libiturnius (Summer)]


It is two hours before dawn, and Bang and I are perched in the rafters of the building we have come to call the 'Metal Head Refinery' where the 17th Imperial Giant Brigade is housed. Each of the twenty individual Ragegluts slumber, their fifty foot tall forms creating ground shaking snores. We see Mahklargg tromping into place, taking up his stance in the middle of the sleeping forms, his chest slowly expanding as he takes in one massive breath. Bang and I share a Look, I wonder if my face shows as much mischief as his....

And we let go, beginning to drop towards the sleeping forms just as Mahklargg bellows.

"RISE AND SHII-IIIIIIIIINE YOU MAGGOTS!!"

After two days of this, still most of the soldiers move slowly, blurrily trying to make sense of the world. In one, however, our constant mayhem has finally conveyed its message, and from a dead sleep, he leaps into action, pulling his massive sword free from beneath his titanic bedroll, eyes already darting about-he spots us from his crouched stance and his massive blade leaps towards us. ...It's [i]Torruga[]i, the one that got a solid licking from Bang on the very first day! I bemusedly note Bang giggling like a child beside me, his sheer anticipation palpable at giving the enblessly boisterous soldier ANOTHER beat-down..





The Metal Skulls of the Indelible continue to have issue absorbing the point 'A true warrior should always be ready', so how should we go about beating this lesson into them this morning?
What sort of 'reward' should I give Torruga for being so attentive-how should I react to his attempt at a lethal response to our arrival?
Or should I let Bang again deal with this one, and focus on the other, still-drowsy Ragegluts, and if so, how should I best go about 'teaching' them?
After getting them all up, why kind of training sounds good today for superhumanly large, strong and enduring Life Golems tied to blood?
>>
No. 264300 ID: d4f98d

>>264299
"VERY GOOD, Torruga! You're getting the point! And I'm sure Bang appreciates your bravery in inviting him to yet another fight! You may graduate from Maggot to INSECT sooner then we thought."

Give the others a chance to assemble and witness the fight. When they're thoroughly enthralled by the combat, without looking to them, say:

"...as for the rest of you..."

Surprise beatdown.
>>
No. 264303 ID: 46c430

Go after the sleepyheads first. Sir hothead, for all his disrespect and boisterousness, seems to be the most competent in this. The slowpokes are the ones that truly need the lesson.

As for his reward... Hrmm... ...Maybe send a one or two quick attacks his way to double check he's at full combat capacity already, then just leave him alone (Except for maybe a few more light strikes to make sure he's still paying attention) until the next lesson?
>>
No. 264305 ID: f2e624

Keddic, how is Mahklargg doing?
Do you think that he's he effective enough?
>>
No. 264306 ID: e43bfe

>>264300
By beatdown, he means wallop them with clubs of blood on long tentacles. :3c
>>
No. 264308 ID: d4f98d
File 129231321841.jpg - (145.13KB , 842x1002 , Mothbern.jpg )
264308

Mothbern.

Do remember that Ragegluts are very resistant to blood magics, though.
>>
No. 264309 ID: e43bfe

>>264308
We're not attacking them with blood magic directly, we're hitting them with big old clubs. What they're made of shouldn't really matter unless they disable blood around them.
>>
No. 264324 ID: d4f98d

Also: How's progress on the Dragon Knights Omni-Sheath?
>>
No. 264329 ID: 35bba5

At some point we should send Kyorto, Burduko and Phohn down to Morgren lands, to set it up so we can later transfer them all to a new home once we've terraformed part of the Cursed Lands. For anyone who doesn't remember, the Morgren are Life Golems built by the Mosmordren Empire based on Premen. They are like bigger, fightier Premen, with rock skin, basically. They also would obey orders from Kyorto, her being basically the only existing Mosmordren citizen.
>>
No. 264331 ID: 5ecc4e

PILE EM UP! :V

Shift with one
Jump on him
Rinse-repeat until they are all in a big pile.
>>
No. 264341 ID: 9338f5

>>264329
A fine idea, send Kyorto and a few deep spawn over to prepare a another base it could act as a backup incase things in the state go sour. The builder deepspawn would be very good for this.
>>
No. 264353 ID: f24eb1

Ragegluts blood magic resistance could come from a deeper innate ability. It might be possible for them to make something more of it. Land of Dragons blood magic seems to be feared so perhaps this isn't something that has been looked into a lot.

Torruga's reward will be an extra (guinea pig) lesson with Keddic and Bang where they will test him and try to discover and foster blood related talents. Keddic can provide the motivation and guide the process while Bang can examine Torruga's body during the lessons to sense any physical or magical reactions and provide creative input that way. Together the combat blood magic expert and curiomancy genius might be able to find some hidden ability or create a new combat boost that can be passed on to the rest of the squad.

Keddic just needs to think of it as unlocking the Ragegluts potential rather than revealing Harksburton secrets...
>>
No. 264364 ID: 079266

Forget about training!

Keddic, have you and Bang been sharing your discoveries in white blood and possibility cells?

I hope you two can teach each other as much as possible.
>>
No. 264368 ID: 9338f5

>>264364
keddik cant share with anyone hes not related to.
>>
No. 264385 ID: 079266

>>264368
I mean the stuff he can share.
>>
No. 264388 ID: e5b1bf

>>264368
Keddic won't share anything of the Way of the Harksburton Combat magic style to anyonw not part of the House of Harksburton, you mean.

In any case, Keddic can share non-WotH derived information about white blood cells; white blood cells are not specific to WotH. Besides, the only information Bang needs, I think, is that white blood cells are Order aligned, and that stealing the blood of others can help with saturating one's blood with white blood cells. Not that, I think, Bang needs to steal blood; he can just use Curatiomancy to make the cells, can't he?
>>
No. 264427 ID: 21e57a

Keddic! My lad, you found the Lined One! Wonders upon wonders! I wonder what he taught you. And, hah! Let us inflict our new knowledge on these slugabeds!

>>264300
Ah, I do agree with this. Torruga gift will be another one-on-one with Bang! As for the others, let us beat these sleepers with each others!
>>
No. 264446 ID: a76809

rolled 6683 = 6683

>>264324
[Completed, at Arcanoworks, awaiting Mordre's return. Note that it straps to Nidhogg.]

>>264300
I slap out a tendril of blood from my now-Rageglut-blood soaked cloak, my own blood only present as White to manage the new sanguine fluids. I've found that Any Blood-repelling effects of the Ragegluts are completely negated when faced with itself. So even though I have by now had a chance to claim some of each Metal Skull's blood, I continue to use their blood, not only because they end up shedding it in training anyway, but because it still holds mysteries for me to unravel... I shall peel apart the magics woven within, given time.

But the important part, as far as I see in my reactive adrenaline surge, is that my almost idle slap is all I need to strike at Torruga's knuckles. I both impact and anchor the extended tendril, and pull myself past while throwing off his swing. Bang keeps grinning as the now misaligned blade flies his way, whipping his hands free of the officer's uniform he now wears, each extending some twenty feet, before his hands come flying back together, words ripping from his lips.

"CHAOS OSMOSIS!!"

Reality crumbles as Bang's body blooms in Threat to my senses, his now bone-armored form still shedding the last of his shredded uniform (to date the twelfth he has done so to. He gets regular deliveries of any supplies as needed... uniforms included. I am offered the same thing, but I am not so wasteful. I relatively discretely reach the ground amidst the waking other Metal Skulls, saying nothing as I watch their actions.

Bang's body is obscured by Torruga's blade-

Moments before the blade instantly reverses, peeling itself out of Torruga's hands. Without hesitation he clenches his heavily gauntleted left hand (bless the rascal, he's learned to sleep armed) into a fist and puts his hole weight behind the blow, his claw-bearing right hand swinging back as counterweight. This time, without the sword obscuring things, I see what Bang does. His feet brace against empty air, and given proper bracing he is able to fully express his strength, dead-stopping the fist as I feel Threat burning off his Scarf, the Forever Rising. Again Torruga proves himself learning from past failures, and had already shifted his feet, balance preserved as his right arm whips back on the force of Bang's own counter. I see the Metal Skulls watching the fight lean in, watching the hardened blades that rush towards Bang's bone clad body.

I speak, making all heads turn my way and obscuring the clash of Bang and Torruga.

"An EXCELLENT job Torruga, you may yet graduate from maggot. ....As for the rest of you..."

>>264331
I leap towards the ground, and lock my body onto that of the nearest Metal Skull. In a blur of distorted sensory data and burning blood, our bodies switch places, the much larger warrior rebounding from the floor roughly. Sanguine Kinetic Pugilism activated, I've already thrown myself at the pile again. The world shifts and skips, senses distort and waver as I throw every one save Bang and Torruga, the thunder of their impacts drawing some of the support staff from their auxhiliary building. As the pile works to disentangle itself, I turn back to Bang, now standing atop a concussed Torruga, smugly dusting off his shoulders. He notes my attention and turns my way.

"Bang and Mahkargg shall have to instruct you again, it seems. Maybe you shall rise more promptly next time."

I pass by Bang and Mahkargg as they march towards the pile of soldiers who have only grown more frantic, rather than productive, in disentangling themselves. I draw up Torruga's spilled blood, easily replenishing my coat as I thread a sanguine feeler into one of his scrapes, doing what I can to assess his condition. The moment I touch him he stirs, groaning as he tries to brush me away, eyes not yet focused. I decide to test his awareness even dazed like this, and cover my body in razor sharp spikes. Torruga's groping hand slides towards me-and dead stops after but one spike pierces his skin.

Good.

>>264353
Torruga has shown an excellent performance this morning, clearly having taken even last night's lessons to heart. Like a sponge, this one. Well... perhaps I can learn more about Rageglut blood and its properties while 'rewarding him'

"Excellent. You awakened in a sufficiently prompt manner, faced Bang without hesitation yet again, you lasted longer than your last bout against him, and you even demonstrated decision making skills when under duress. I do believe you have earned a reward."
"THAT BEING?"
"To learn from a Blood magic practitioner, of course!"
"....YOU WOULD TEACH ME YOUR-
"I'll stop you right there and preface this by saying I will NOT be teaching you my style, as it is exclusive to my family. What I WILL teach you is how to sense and manipulate your own blood. From there, you may make of the ability what you wish."
"ARE YOU NOT AFRAID THAT IF YOU TEACH ME SUCH, IN ONE OF OUR BOUTS I MAY SLAY BANG?"
"Kill Bang? [YOU!? Well that's rich. Tell you what, if you end up killing Bang in a fight I'll make you head trainer-but you'll have to find your own time to practice what I teach. Is that understood?"
"....PERFECTLY."
"Very well. Blood is ultimately all about flow, the....."

As I speak to the red-maned titan, I note not once does his attention deviate to Bang and Mahklargg putting the other students through a grueling set of ordeals, several of which are quite comical from an outsider perspective. ...He knows how to focus when he must, another point in his favor. ...I suppose I shall have to invest some effort in this one then. We shall see if his brash personality persists.

Two hours later, the massive building filling with workers, we lead the Metal Skulls outside, and begin our morning routine: I set them sprinting up a nearby mountain-not one of the True-with Bang and myself chasing after. All they have to do is make it to the top, some fifteen hundred feet up with a forty five degree slope. Considering their size, the task is not difficult... unless you have pursuers only too happy to drag you back down. Another two hours of this pass before we finally bring them to the mess hall for Giant Brigades, giving them time to finally get food in their famished frames.

>>264388
I consider the conversation Bang and I had last night, where I shared with bang what generalities of White Blood I know and could share without compromising the new facets of the Way of the Harksburtons involving its manipulation. He seemed disheartened when he learned of White Blood's Order bias.... just as I was when I learned of Possibility Cells having a Chaos bias. It would seem are talents are mutually exclusive. Still, both of us agreed to tumble about ideas on each of our topics, to see if we can come up with some new insights concerning either of our newfound specialties... or each other's.


After five minutes Bang and I stand them up, once more cutting their meals to finely slices segments of time. ...Again, I note that Torruga has wolfed down the lion's portion of his meal, while others are lucky to have finished half. I consider that Torruga had not even been able to feel his own blood's Flow, though given I only instructed him for two hours, that is hardly surprising. Still, their meal is concluded, their brief respite terminated. Bang looks to me, no mischevious grin on his face-he defers to my judgement.





What should I tell the 17th Imperial Giant Brigade, concerning what the late morning practice will be?
Should I have another private lesson with Torruga now that he is no longer acting concussed, or should he participate with everyone else again as he did in the mountain sprints?
What should we do with the afternoon, the evening?
>[Roll a 1d1000000 for how much Torruga picked up from the first lesson. Just one. 1d1000000. Hi is good, low bad. If your roll is low but still exceeds my own 1d1000000 roll, there will be no penalty. However, if I roll very high and you do not beat my roll, no penalty will be incurred.]
>>
No. 264447 ID: d0d015

rolled 9029 = 9029

>>
No. 264452 ID: 21e57a

Ha! Keep him from training? NEVER! He will learn when he can not fight and run and train with the rest! This will harden his blood and make him ready for war!

Next? Well, I think taking these poor buggers to Oz's training might be quite the work out! Against Oz, and Deep Spawn, and Fuu and Figment and you and Bang. Ha! First training shall be stamina! Survive against you all for as long as possible.If anyone survives for more then an hour, they will be commended. Next, Speed! Once more, anyone against the seventh! However, this time the goal shall but not to stand to our fury but to attempt to land a single blow. Then practice combat and arcane magic, see if any have a natural talent.

And how has Bang's newfound strength changed him? And have you been speaking to the Lined One still? and what do you feel of Mordre and your recent adventure?
>>
No. 264457 ID: f247ab

Hmm, I just guessing, but can't Bang just feed the tumors that result from excessive Possibility Cell use (or just purposely create tumors) to his white blood cells, and thereby create a situation in which the white blood cells naturally produce in reaction to the threat? And, therefore, begin the long process of saturating his system with white blood cells specialized in fighting off his main danger to himself?
>>
No. 264458 ID: 5ecc4e

A true warrior must not neglect strength of the mind over strength of the body.

Have them solve a series of difficult puzzles, you can defer to Mahkargg once you run out of ideas.
>>
No. 264459 ID: 5ecc4e

>>264457
And on the flip side, could Keddic not use the chaotic possibility cells to produce white blood in an instant for anything he might need?

Then could he not weaponise the resulting cancer, using whit e blood to keep in in check until use instead of completely neutralizing it?
>>
No. 264462 ID: f6360f

rolled 3010, 3801, 1652, 4595, 6476, 7031, 4463, 5549, 9312, 9894, 6462, 6481, 3456, 6131, 5391 = 83704

>>264447
>>264446
The ridiculous lowness of both of these rolls makes me wonder if perhaps there isn't a cap on the die results on this board. I'm rolling 15d1000000 to test this concept; I would use the dis, but apparently there isn't a die function there. Please ignore except as an evaluative measure.


>Then practice combat and arcane magic, see if any have a natural talent.
No. No arcane magic use here... not where Lubu might see someone practicing it.

And frankly, I would prefer to avoid using Oz. He's got his own school to run, and it's not made of new-recruit giants. Our primary task here is changing the mindset of these guys so that they're something more like soldiers, not just making them stronger.
>>
No. 264463 ID: 9338f5

>>264462
good going thinking of that
>>
No. 264471 ID: a76809

rolled 3349, 3100 = 6449

>[Max roll is 10000.]
>[...Ah.]

>>264308
[FANART BONUS: MOTHBERN HAS LEARNED A NEW SKILL: ARMOR OF DESSICATION. ]
[ ANYTHING THAT TOUCHES MOTHBURN WILL NOW BEGIN TO AGE, WITHER, DECAY OR OTHERWISE ROT AT A VASTLY ACCELERATED RATE.]

>>264447
[9029:------->5000 PASS , >6000 PASS , >7000 PASS , >8000 PASS , >9000 PASS, >9500 FAIL, 10000 FAIL]

>>264458
[I am not going to make up puzzles for player characters to use on NPCs. That's your job.]

>>264459
[No actually he couldn't, attempting to contain cancer (Chaos) with White Blood (Order) is a mixing of condensed, opposed forces. Explosions would result.... in his veins, possibly in his hearts and livers. Once you tap one of the two(possibility cells/white blood), and use it enough it builds its respective chaos/order orientation, you can't really pursue the other path, it would saturate your body with too much oppose organic manifestation of the two forces.]

>>264457
[THIS, however, is a means of tapping White Blood cell properties without actively tapping the magic held within them, thus avoiding having both magically active.]

Before I make my decision, I have a flash of inspiration, and speak to Bang in Common.

"Say Bang my boy, I had an idea you may wish to hear."
>"Lay it on me."
"I think you could use White Blood cells without making them generate Order."
>"You have my full, undivided and genetically self-enhanced attention."
"When being hit with the cancerous recoil you've spoken of, could you not have your white blood target the cancer??
>"..Yeah... YEEEAAAAAA!! This should work! Oh man, I already knew white blood made new cells as threats were encountered, didn't even occur to me to manipulate them like that. ...Yes, that should really, REALLY work. I mean, I'll have to flag each cancer cell individually for my immune system, but once I've gotten a comprehensive sampling of every variation I can get afflicted with, I should be able to use Possibility Cells far more freely.... it would allow my body to better keep up with my calculating abilities, and the amount of equations I can run simultaneously. ...I dig it Keddic, nice brainwave. ...So, what's the plan?"

>>264452
"I'm thinking we should bring them to Oz."
>"Oh I LIKE it. Mahklargg, you heard?"
"WE SHALL TRAVEL TO THE BREAKER'S SCHOOL, IT IS UNDERSTOOD. THEY WILL LEARN MUCH FROM ALL PRESENT THERE."
I switch back to the Low Tongue, once more understandable to our troops.

"We are taking a field trip. Into the city with you all!"
>"You heard man, MOVE!"

Between Mahklargg's overbearing shouts and Bang's enthusiastically broken Low, the Metal Skulls hit their stride before we even exit the mess hall, Bang and I quickly leaping to the front to lead. I note Torruga enviously looking on at our prodigious speeds. We reach the entrance to Oz's school, and I finally see a reason to knock on the main entrance, before setting the Metal Skulls to pulling it open. As massive hinges groan, several students, ex-arena slaves, rush forward, and only relax when they see us with the Ragegluts. We are welcomed in as one runs to find Oz. We barely make it to the main grounds where Oz's growing school proper trains, Deep Spawn of Mordre's devising assisting training as Oz meets us. At our presence and that of a fellow Deep Spawn all of Mordre's creations turn to focus on us, Mothburn and Nihilino in particular possessing sharply defined Threats to their bodies. Oz speaks as the whole school grinds to a halt at our entrance.

>[Oz]"Was wondering when you guys would pop by. ....Military unit?"
"The 17th Imperial Giant Brigade."
>"[i]Newbies, I take it?
"
>"VERY YES!"
"Bang sums it up quite well. Do you have any interest in a joint practice? Your students get to practice fighting Ragegluts, our platoon gets to be tested by Mordre's minions and your own school."
>"All right, you have my attention. ...Yeah, some Ragegluts sound like a solid change of pace... I'd ask the one leaves the sword, and all doff the gauntlets and helm. Don't need all my students going splat thank you. What sort of idea did you have?"
"Relatively straightforward, individual or sometimes paired Ragegluts fighting a few dozens students and one of Mordre's minions. ...Been accepting further students, I take it?"
"Yup. Got enough acclaim some 'esteemed' families want in now, and are sending third sons, mannish daughters, what have you. Either way I think I'll have enough to refit the place, make it a bit more suited to what I teach. ...Sounds like a plan-you heard that, right Bagrom? Get it set up."
>[Bagrom]"Yes, master."


Bagrom leads the metal skull-less out into the main floor, shouting out orders to students while slipping into respectfully worded requests to the Deep Spawn. Everyone begins moving as Oz, Bang and I take a seat, appraising our respective student's performance. As the fights continue, I start to note the tide shifting, and Oz looking far more amenable to conversation.



Is there anything I would like to talk with Oz about?
Are there any conditions under which I or Bang should enter the fray?
>[Okay, I need 19 different 1d9000 rolls for each of the other Ragegluts. With each roll, I would like a name idea. Only prerequisite for Rageglut names is that any name must include at least one 'O', one 'R', and be two to four syllables long. Any additional info is taken if you want to take the time to write it, and potentially not be able to roll in time. Torruga's roll stored at 9029 better than max possible for other students. My rolls will be for the student performance, and the Deep Spawn performance, as modifiers to your rolls. ]
>>
No. 264473 ID: 6dd58d

Rastrako
>>
No. 264474 ID: 6dd58d

rolled 2619 = 2619

>>264473
...Maybe if I put the dice roll in the right fragging field...
>>
No. 264475 ID: 6dd58d

rolled 3757 = 3757

Zovikar
>>
No. 264476 ID: d0d015

rolled 7895 = 7895

Chuck Norris
>>
No. 264477 ID: 903f16

rolled 6077 = 6077

Orothogun, do me proud.
>>
No. 264478 ID: 6dd58d

rolled 2177 = 2177

Worpik
>>
No. 264479 ID: 6dd58d

...Well, fuck you too, dice.
>>
No. 264480 ID: 9338f5

rolled 6141 = 6141

Roknat
>>
No. 264482 ID: 9338f5

rolled 6174 = 6174

Korvan
>>
No. 264485 ID: 9338f5

rolled 4791 = 4791

Nirket
>>
No. 264486 ID: 903f16

rolled 4678, 1716, 3656 = 10050

Urigion, Yomir, Gungor.
>>
No. 264487 ID: 6dd58d

rolled 5684 = 5684

Terooj

One last time out of spite...
>>
No. 264489 ID: 9338f5

rolled 6860 = 6860

Joker
>>
No. 264490 ID: 1c651c

Oberon
>>
No. 264492 ID: 9338f5

rolled 8044 = 8044

Nortel
>>
No. 264493 ID: 69bee4

rolled 8756 = 8756

RageGlut Name: Goggalor

Even before full formation into a Rageglut, if there wasn’t one thing Goggalor didn’t enjoy more, it was dealing with enemies larger than himself. Even while being consumed by the growing rage, he always has taken it upon himself to act as some form of protector of the smaller people, smaller ragegluts than he, whomever, in some sort of larger hatred of those larger being bullies to the smaller. Dealing with some rather odd effects of the dragon and concoction growth, Goggalor has suffered a myriad of rather odd side effects. Even among ragegluts, he is excessively resistant to lightning magic, and actually takes pride in having been able to actively reflect lighting with nothing but his bare hands once. His ability to jump is staggering, which is only odd because Goggalor moves like a true lumbering behemoth otherwise. In addition, Goggalor seems nealy unable to fall while climbing. However, unlike most Ragegluts active resistance, Goggalor can actually seem to absorb a certain amount of magic thrown at him, and this can be in turn fired from the top of his head in a high speed concussive kinetomancy blast, making him the only one with known natural blood magic in the group. Goggalor also has an extreme fear of large bodies of water, and no ability to swim as a result, claiming it is often after him. Hates someone named Kochamara.
>>
No. 264494 ID: 69bee4

>>264493
Goggalor also is never seen without his custom made set of safety goggles (amazing what you can get when your 50 feet tall, no?) and refuses to let anyone see his hair, wearing it under a helmet or hat at all times.
>>
No. 264495 ID: 6dd58d

rolled 5168 = 5168

Errivo

Tempting Murphy again because hell with it
>>
No. 264496 ID: 9338f5

rolled 973, 3185, 8887, 3459 = 16504

Fjolnir
Gondlir
Hroptatyr
Sigfodr
(picked from list of names Odin is known by)
>>
No. 264497 ID: 9338f5

We have all the names now.
>>
No. 264499 ID: f6360f

>Is there anything I would like to talk with Oz about?
Chat him up about current politics and the coming war. What he thinks of Lubu as a person, and in contrast, what he thinks of Lubu as the leader of a nation. How he hopes or fears things will go. If he expects to take the field at any point, and if so, against whom. That kind of thing.

>>264471
>Are there any conditions under which I or Bang should enter the fray?
After everyone else is done fighting, Bang and you should flip a coin, winner challenges Oz to a friendly match. Let everyone else watch as a lesson in what badasses are.

Aside from that, only do any fighting here if someone is acting like a total dumbass and you need to slap them back into line.
>>
No. 264501 ID: 9338f5

>>264499
Fairly sure Oz could easily beat Bang or Keddic. Fighting both at once would be a bit more balenced.
>>
No. 264509 ID: 9a5057

>>264501
At this point? I'm not. Both of them have gotten stupid powerful in their last few fights, I'd like to get a measure of where they stand in relation to the nearest living legend at some point. Not that I particularly want to slow down the narrative for such a fight at this juncture.
>>
No. 264514 ID: f6360f

>>264501
Oh, they definitely should go in expecting to lose.

That said, they're probably a bit more of a challenge than Oz can normally get, so it should still be good times all around. The reason I suggested only one of them fight is that the other will be taking over all training duties for the evening, as the fighter pulls themself back together after being smashed into paste by the Breaker.
>>
No. 264530 ID: d4f98d
File 129241839762.jpg - (143.83KB , 921x959 , Vandgurd.jpg )
264530

Vandgurd (not as many details to work with from the description, so I tried to give it a more dynamic pose, Not sure if it worked. Looks like a hulking brute, at least).
>>
No. 264531 ID: 35bba5

>>264530
Are you drawing all the spawn?
>>
No. 264532 ID: d4f98d

>>264531
Seeing how far I can go.
>>
No. 264553 ID: 81f32a

Hey, wasn't Keddic the most suspicious of Mordre?

Couldn't we ask him questions about that?

Though I don't know how to properly compose them...

Keddic what is your opinion of Mordre?
Why are you so suspicious of him?
What was that you said about his golem? Paltry? Why do you think so? It has been highly effective as long as we know.

[maybe someone else ask him a better structured question?]
>>
No. 264555 ID: 2b8d27

Also, jump into the fight after a few minutes, scenario, 'you are flanked by a superior enemy force while in combat. WHAT DO YOU DO!"

!!!
Holy crap

Keddic Bang union could give the ragegluts practice with fighting Aurockoth and Aurockoth like beings (Caged one, Badass D.Spawn).

They should work on this immediately.

Besides, knowing more about your enemies ability gives you insight on how to stop it.

YOU MUST POSE THIS IDEA TO BANG IMMEDIATELY!
>>
No. 264601 ID: d4f98d

Just examine their duels and judge how they perform. No need to jump in this time, it's a performance test.
>>
No. 264731 ID: a76809

>>264473
>>264474
>1
[2619/9000=29.1%]

I note Rastrako having a hard time fending off the students and attending Deep Spawn, one of the more hesitant of Ragegluts simply being overwhelmed by unending assault. ...Well he will eventually learn to stop fearing the blows of little ones so much-

>>264530
[FANART BONUS]
[Vangurd possesses a new capability: The gargantuan, freakishly strong arms that already dominated its body can leap through perception, allowing him to ignore depth and reach even distant objects by folding space. Bystanders will see his arms lengthening and expanding conically from his viewpoint. Vendgurd's soul determines how far he can ignore depth, and currently maxes out at a depth of two hundred feet.]

...Except that Vandgurd there, one of the silent fellows of Mordre's ilk, simply... grows bigger arms, fists the size of the rageglut's torso rushing near. ...Well, at least I can say Rastrako is proving durable, if nothing else.

>>264475
>2
[3757/9000=41.7%]

Zovikar/[u] fairs better... but still not up to what I'd like from her. She's no slacker, but she can just be slow on the uptake sometimes-even with Zelgotho her opponent amidst the students of Oz, this is slowly proving her downfall. Still, she seems capable of getting a sense of foes, perhaps she will hold out long enough to stabilize.

>>264476
>3
[7895/9000=87.7%]

[u]Noborris on the other hand, is fairing excellently. He uses low sweeping kicks to great effect, staying close to the ground to make his attacks as horizontal as possible, maintaining acceptable mobility all the while. ...He is doing well, excellent.

>>264477
>4
[6077/9000=67.5%]

So is Orothogun at his side, the shorter, more portly warrior engaging Aggocrag, skin sizzling as it contacts the superheated rock-yet it does not blister. Considerably durable, that much can be said about him. He keeps the Deep Spawn at bay, but otherwise contributes little to Noborris' battle against student and spawn alike.

>>264478
>5
[2177/9000=24.2%]

Worpik is fairing even worse than Rastrako, facing Nihilino and being overwhelmed by a barrage of Order blasts. They vanish almost instantly, but each contact leaves Worpik looking more harried. ...She is enduring, and little else positive can be said of her performance.

>>264480
>6
[6141/9000=68.2%]

Roknat on the other hand is doing reasonably well. The tall and lanky Rageglut is practically prancing, writhing around and about in attempts to avoid Velada and its swarm of spawn. He has strange lumps of stiff flesh where he's been stung, but thus far only a few jabs have found their mark. Excellent spatial awareness on that one.

>>264482
>7
[6174/9000=68.6%]

Korvan Is also making a good show, pwerful axe kicks throwing up waves of sand from the arena floor. The resultant waves of sand hinder and snatch at the multitude of students, giving Korvan more breathing room than most of his comrades.

>>264485
>Invalid, no letter 'o' in name.
>>264486
>8,9,10
[4678/9000=52%]
[1716/9000=19.1%]
[3656/9000=40.6%]

Urigion and Gungor do well, the brothers constantly covering eachother's backs, while Yomir is having trouble with just students. ...That girl...

>>264487
>11
[5684/9000=63.2%]

Terooj, that overly hairy brute is doing fine despite his lack of finesse, simply breaking a path through any attempted net to encircle him. None too shabby.

>>264489
>12
[6860/9000=76.2%]

Joker, the miscreant that never signed his real name on his recruitment papers and always gives a new name when asked is nevertheless proving himself worth the headache as he makes a good show, surprisingly neat and tidy, leaving few openings or gaps for his assailants to take advantage of, managing the range gap with gusto.

>>264492
>13
[8044/9000=89.4%]

Some of the Ragegluts do not battle against students and Deep Spawn-they rampage. Nortel is one such warrior. She proves herself an excellent member of the Metal Skulls once she builds momentum, a fan of a sort of breathless rush, relying on her enormous stamina to overwhelm.

>>264493
>14
[8756/9000=97.3%
>[Modified]
Goggalor makes an even more impressive showing. I had doubts about the near-sighted Rageglut, but he bears some Imperial make variable lens contraption strapped over his eyes, and seems to find no issue with vision with such aid. I note several of the students paired against him using some form of Mass Connection involving lightning-combat Ignimancy then? Either way, it does NOTHING to Goggalor, who is brutalizing the warriors before him with a sad yet determined look. ...That's right, he was a scrawny one before becoming a Rageglut, must have some issues left. Eh, nothing that can't be beaten out of him. ...One last thing of note: He seems to have a skullcap he wears between head and helm. In and of itself it means nothing, yet he never takes it off. Another thing to address.

>>264495
>15
[5168/9000=57.4%]

Errivo performs somewhat beyond adequately, her solid blocking ability letting her ultimately weather everything thrown at her. ...I've never been a fan of defensive fighting myself, but it seems to suit her.

>>264496
>16,17,19
[973/9000=10.8%]
[3185/9000=35.4%]
[3459/9000=38.4%]

...I don't know exactly why, whether it be their lack of coordination or Mothburn's prowess, but Jolfnir, Gondlar and Sifgord are performing terribly. Every bit as much Goggalor and Nortel rampage, these three are being rampaged over.... once they lost control of the situation, they panicked and could not recover on their own. ...A pity.

>18
[8887/9000=98.7%]

Then there is Rhoptayr, the very picture of the dedicated soldier. I can practically feel his disdain for foes our size without the... impact... Bang and I carry. He has little trouble systematically swatting the student about, Phohn and his minions screaming their combined howl into his mind and doing nothing. No sense of humor certainly, but methodical, that one. ...Might need to keep an eye on him.

>20
[9029/9000=100.3%]

All pale compared to Torruga, who is almost idly knocking back the more adventurous students as he focuses on what must be Burduko, bundled within that screaming wall of wind. Skin is sliced and blood flows-to catch, like glue on Burduko's sword. More and more builds up, until not only is the sword so gunked as to be a mace, but many meaty tendrils anchor it back to Torruga. ...So he DID pick up something of Blood magic... and applied it quite rapidly.

Who grabs the tendrils and pulls.

Burduko and his weapon come flying into Torruga's fist as he punches the storm.


[3349: POOR, 3100 POOR]
I find myself noting Oz grumbling about teamwork, clearly not approving of his students performance, nor their ability to fight alongside the Deep Spawn. ...He seems to intend Words when this is over.

>>264499
"So, how have current events been? We've been practically cloistered training these ones, what of recent events?"
>"Eh. Not much. Figment's here, that's pretty good. So's Fuu. Mordre's out, but I understand he has a bit of a war going on in his own home, so pretty understandable. And shittily as they may be doing, this is good for them, broadens their horizons, and lets me smack down their egos. Recent... well, there's word that Goujar is getting closer, as it the anti-Lubu coalition. Honestly, the names in that shift so much I'm not positive just who's in it, beyond Dragons Diaoji, Okuga and Tienen. They got some big names that haven't shifted, Ozious the Iron Claw, Therigumo the Claimer and of course... the White Pheonix. Really, going to be one hell of a party when they get here. Sounds like arrival might be concurrent to Goujar showing up, so we all may get to really cut loose there. A chance to become legends!"
"A noble goal to pursue. So, your opinion on Lubu-"
>"I like the guy sure, but I'm not the serving type. If I feel like helping him, as I do, then sure I will do what I must. I just don't see me serving him happening."
"Your thoughts on how he is leading?"
>"Bit of a loaded question. He's not really leading so much as taking the one position with absolute authority and largely removing it from the chain of command, so councils ultimately govern everything. Nevertheless his word is law, and he has thousands willing to die for him. Beyond that... not much to say, really."
"And what do you say we spice up the joint sparring?"
>"Hm?[i]"
"Bang and I join your students and the Deep Spawn against the ragegluts... you join them against your students, us and the Deep Spawn. A two sided battle with exchanged leaders."
>"[i]...Heh. Now THAT, I like. Alright, let's do it.
"

Without a whit of hesitation Oz vaults himself from his seat, tendrils whipping out from his arm to ensnare each and every Rageglut, dragging all close as he speaks.

>"Alright now, it's gonna be US-[i]"

Bang and I finish rounding up the students behind an assembled line of Deep Spawn, only Bobobo, Akeakam and Nidhogg missing. The gap of sand between our two groups grows from mere feet to miles as hostility spikes.

>"[i]Against THEM!
"
>[Bang]"SO BE ROCKING OF FOES!!!

Our two groups rush to meet, and it's immediately clear Oz has chosen us as his targets, rushing towards us both as an expanding explosion of energy threads flit from his left arm towards us. Bang sums it up quite nicely just before our two groups meet.

>"It's GO TIME!!"



[b][VOTING INPUT REQUIRED][b]
-Choose a character [Oz, Keddic, Bang] and make a suggestion for them.
-Pick whichever character you want perspective to be on.
-Put the name of the person you are suggesting for at the start of your post.
-Please one vote per person.
-Highest votes wins, and from that the most audacious plans possible within the character's confines will be followed.

-tl;dr: Vote a char, most popular wins, I use coolest posts.
>>
No. 264736 ID: ff8889

How about the perspective of one of the Ragegluts or Oz's students? Could that be an option?
>>
No. 264737 ID: 62061c

Keddic, because he needs to fight some soul and punch some soul.

LETS DO THIS!
Ensnare Oz's tendrils with blood tendrils of your own and pull, he will no doubt beat you you.
Try to act surprised as you rush towards his fist, grabbing the Proud Lion as you flail.
SWITCH
Slash him in the back with a white blood coted Proud lion, getting as much data on him as possible.

Back up and let Bang get a chance while you analyze.

Jump back into the fray, wait for the soulhand to show up.

As soon as it does ADRENALIN MODE!
FIRE WHITE BLOOD BULLETS LIKE CRAZY AT HIS OPEN SPOTS!
Rip out proud Lion
WAY OF THE HARKSBURTON: STRENGTH OF THE SOUL!

aimed at deflecting his soul arm, not ripping his soul out. I doubt you could beat a legend in will of the soul, but maybe his arm.... just maybe.
And if you fail at least you won't die... I hope.
[If you know a way to go FULL ORDER in soul tilt, that would be good too]

What do I need to roll Bob?
>>
No. 264740 ID: f247ab

Keddic.

Just an experiment to confirm a hypothesis I have - plasma has (Soul) magic consuming properties; from that time when Keddic used pure plasma to absorb the unmaking Soul magic attack of Jeeba's - if Keddic is chosen, when Oz (or really, anybody) pulls out a Soul magic move, preferably not Ghosthand since that might permanently damage the soul I think, Keddic should form a shield or something made only out of plasma and block/intercept the attack. If my hypothesis pans out, the Soul magic should be disrupted, the energy dispersing and eaten by the plasma; I'm not really sure how to confirm the general magic eating properties of plasma though.

Also, make sure to gather as much of the blood that was/is spilled, possibly by setting up a network of blood tendrils below ground, so additional surprise-blood-spikes can be done.
>>
No. 264746 ID: d0d015

Keddic.
>>
No. 264749 ID: 81f32a

Keddic

maybe we'll have some MoI again.
>>
No. 264771 ID: 21e57a
File 12925278194.jpg - (79.83KB , 632x809 , 129079646963.jpg )
264771

Vote: Keddic.

Ah! Keddic! An idea we can use is the same we suggested to young Bang. We start using Probability Cells - but not in that chaotic sense that Bang favors so much, haha! We proceed to use that 'probability' and let them become the WHITE BLOOD OF HARKSBURTON so easily or, mhm. Most dangerous idea, but most intriguing. Let use many of these probability cells to turn the core of our bones to order.

Ha! Another idea, young Keddic! The deep spawn blood that coats the floor. Draw it to yourself, taste the blood of these students, these warriors, let their mysteries of their blood be added to our own, Keddic!

Of course, for the ragegluts, they should face the WAY OF THE HARKSBURTON: MICRO-MAELSTROM! Let your blood flow, open any would and have as many tendrils of our HARKSBURTON BLOOD SLAP ABOUT THESE IMPETUOUS FOOLS! Enough to distract and add insult to any injury.

As for Oz and his Godfist. He is strong enough to take out Korgotyo easily, and he is strong on his way becoming a dragon and his soul is almost Legendary. There is an idea that may be enough to take down Oz. You and Bang, you are allies, friends, and warriors together. Your styles conflict, but if you can combine your skills...Perhaps you, together, will be strong enough to take down Oz!
>>
No. 264772 ID: 21e57a

Oh yes, and Keddic! Your new armor, what does it do? Quite beautiful and covered in spines, makes you seem quite the predator in it, young Keddic!
>>
No. 264841 ID: 62061c

rolled 41 = 41

>>264737
Guess I'll go with the original plan and roll 1d100
>>
No. 264842 ID: 62061c

>>264841
NOT A 1 YES!!!!!!
>>
No. 264851 ID: 21e57a

AH! Yes! How goes the regrowing of your hair and beard, lad?
>>
No. 264852 ID: 69bee4

Keddic, this is vitally important, probably moreso than anything combat related.

FACIAL HAIR STATUS UPDATE!
>>
No. 264853 ID: 903f16

>>264731
>Keddic
Leap away from Oz's attack using Sanguine Kinetic Pugilism: Untouchable and continue to do so as you build blood defenses around yourself and a coat of white blood on the Proud Lion's edge. While doing this command your blood to consume the stray bits of Oz's student's blood scattered about the field and build immunity. While immunity to his student's may seem bit trivial to you at this moment, consider they have been learning his style and that defense against them ultimately means you're going to be slowly building defense against the style itself. After you've done this and readied yourself you can go at him, Bang should have kept him distracted well enough.

Chug adrenaline, draw the Proud Lion, and attempt to get into range with him. Hopefully whatever immunity you have built and your keen senses can allow you to keep up. Use the sand to your advantage and send several white blood tendrils snaking down and around him to go for a flanking strike on him. While preparing this trap keep attempting various sword techniques like the Sanguine Circle Slice and Sanguine Maelstrom so he doesn't catch on in time.

>>264737
Do not do the last portion of this idea. It would be foolish to try something so risky just to win a training exercise, that kind of move is a last resort.
>>
No. 264854 ID: 6dd58d

Keddic

Right, since you're one of the primary targets, open up with SANGUINE KINETIC PUGILISM: UNTOUCHABLE and see if you can duck around behind Oz while keeping clear of incoming strikes. If successful, follow the maneuver up with WAY OF THE HARKSBURTON: PROUD BLOW, two strikes in quick succession against the back of each knee. BRING HIM DOWN.
>>
No. 264856 ID: 62061c

>>264853
Well it helps to know how your last resort move works.

Keddic has never used it, and I fear he will be unable to when he actually does need it.

Not hitting out his soul though, just trying to deflect the soul hand.
>>
No. 264866 ID: 903f16

>>264856
I understand what you want to do with it, but it's still strikes me as a bad idea. Like you've said we've never used it attempting some finesse like deflecting an attack seems like we're trying to run before learning how to walk.

Beyond that this guy has a stronger soul than Keddic and your move relies on us having a stronger soul than our opponent in order to give us decent odds on the life or death dice roll. If we're going to test it out let's test it out on some petty criminal with a normal soul.
>>
No. 264867 ID: f247ab

>>264771
I'm not really sure if that particular picture is the best for Keddic's perspective, since it is Bang who is the primary agent, and Keddic only contributes the wings and flight; it was meant as a counterpart for another technique in which Keddic was the primary agent, with Bang as a bone sword and Keddic as the swordsman. If we are going to pull out those combinatorial techniques, perhaps it should be bonesword!Bang+swordsmand!Keddic one, instead of winged!Keddic+bonearmor!Bang? We are unanimous in desiring Keddic's perspective, after all.
>>
No. 264869 ID: a76809

[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT AVERTED]

>>264772
[Spines got removed during conversion to coat, were used to help make the stitching that combines it to the original Blood cloak.]

>>264851
>>264852
[His hair is still not a mane yet, but he has enough to sweep back in his normal fashion even if it still does not have the body it once possessed. His beard, while not a profuse as it once was, is regaining its six-pointed shape (two points for 'buttchin', two points directly below where mustache meets beard, and two points placed on the jaw corners.]

>>246736
[Not currently.]

>>26470
[Due to plasma not having any DNA for Jeeba's unmaking magic to unwind. That was how the magic worked, and simply lacking the mechanism by which it plied ruination circumvents its power. Plasma itself has no special properties beyond that.]

>>264737
I plot out a few scenarios in my mind. I lead with the most direct: Strength of the Soul, the theoretical technique I came up with and have yet to test. Oz's established skill with combat Soul Magic, with that Ghost arm technique of his, should be tangible to such an attack. It might allow me to circumvent the vast difference in power still looming between us by targeting just a fraction of his soul. ...Might, should... I like not this plan in a match of sport, to leave so much to chance.

>>264771
Another plan comes to me-transforming those Possibility Cells Bang utilizes so adeptly into more White Blood. The theory sounds solid... but in practical terms, I do not know how I would go about triggering a Chaotic change without upsetting the Order in my system, or how I would make that Chaotic change yield Order. The two do not mesh will in condensed form, as both organic power sources are.

I start considering the amount of power Bang and I have come to wield... perhaps if it were not divided between us, we could stand against Oz evenly... Bang's ability to restructure his body is most impressive, could he not become a sword, armor, in some way join his power to mine? ...If I had wanted to see this done, experimentation during a fight would not seem the place to learn. It would be unseemly.

>>264853
I play defensive and evasive, putting all my focus into the Sanguine Kinetic Pugilism footwork of Untouchable, opening as much room as possible between myself and Oz. His grasping glowing tendrils continue hounding me, weaving through the air after me. As I keep dancing away a hair's breadth from capture, I lance out dozens of wispy tendrils, gathering up every spilt drop of blood I can find, processing what I claim. Beneath the already known Rageglut blood, it is all Bang's students-and I carefully analyze it for two reasons. Firstly, each warrior's blood I fully grasp is demoted from minor nuisance to completely ignorable, my blood automatically reacting to their presence so well I need not even look at them. ...But the more important reason is more long term. Each warrior is a student of Oz... a student of his style. If I pick up enough fragments of his style from them... could I not give my blood some measure of immunity to him? The plan seems solid, and I grin while I continue following it even after the tendrils stop chasing me. I turn to flit and dart amongst the students I am alligned with for the moment, adding to the stored data I am analyzing, the sanguine secrets. As I do, I watch Bang fighting Oz, alone.

Each blow Ozmand hammers home blasts straight through the cancer barrage reflexively thrown his way, shatters the bone armor, rends flesh, sunders muscle. In the span of two seconds I see Bang's neck broken, his heart punched out through his back, and a section of spine pulled free. Through it all, his manic grin only continues to grow as his body blooms ever farther into Chaos. While Oz completely knocks off his right arm with a fell blow, sinew snapping like wet noodles, Bang's left arm rockets forward extending wide as it sprouts the familiar vibrating bone spurs, wrapping about the Breaker as they begin to keen. In that initial instant of contact not a drop of blood is spilt, no tears appearing in Oz's flesh as he plants his feet and pumps out a sharp breath. The bone teeth wrapped about him shatter as Bang's arm is blown apart, his now armless torso falling back, limbs already regenerating as his manic leer grows more wild, his eyes opening a fraction wider. A right handed palm thrust that blooms into Ghosthand creates a massive ethereal wall to slam Bang back into the arena wall, stone cratering and disintegrating from his tremendous impact. The ghostly limb dissolves away-

And Bang, still no forarms to his name, rushes back into the fray, leaping from the wall and collapsing it behind him as his maimed and healing body rockets towards Oz head first, maniacal laughter his only herald.

>>264854
I act without hesitation: How could my hearts not be stirred by Bang's unending, unflinching bravery? I move to aid him, building a mass of White Blood about my fist.... letting more and more flow into place as I build a Winding Way charge in my clenched grasp. ....I can only hope my preparation, the claiming of his student's blood will be of aid to me.

Bang stabs razor-sharp bone spears jutting from his half-way reformed forearms at Oz like a quartet of spears as I swing a fist covered in a sphere of blood two feet thick towards his left flank.

...Oz does not disappoint.

His right arm pulses as his massive soul arm takes shape, once more unwinding to blast back Bang-but this time, it is no open palm, but a closed fist. Rather than slamming him against the arena wall, this time Oz smashes him completely through the wall before his ghostly fist disintegrates. At the same time his left arm rises to snap a back-handed punch at my blow. He makes contact just as I trigger the Winding Way burst.

"WAY OF HARKSBURTON: PROUD BLOW!!"

The massive pool of White Blood about my hand unfolds, exploding into a filmy mist as it transforms into untold millions of shifting sanguine spikes, riding the vicious shockwave I release. I feel blood dying as it comes in contact with Oz's Lortoxite fist-

Yet all the same I manage to repel his idle attack.... and nothing more.

Now, rather than striking at me without even turning to face me, Oz begins to turn, a slow smile spreading on his face as his eyes lock on me, still in melee range.






What should I do?
>>
No. 264874 ID: d4f98d

>>264869
Oz must be layered in a ridiculous number of defensive combat magics. Bangs saws, while unparalleled at grinding through matter, have no method of mitigating such save through brute force. OUR blood blades, however, are very much Magic Piercing, and may provide a surprise for Oz. We need that Blood sample, so go for a leg wound. His fighting style revolves around his arms, his footwork may be a little worse.

Use your sight and dangersense, they should help you avoid OHGODTHEFISTS, and mingle your own white blood with the dead blood that's probably now pooling around both yours and Oz's feet. Use that as an ambush vector for your blood spears, and tip them with White. Try to catch him in the leg, and hopefully Bang will be able to capitalize while your do that.
>>
No. 264877 ID: 69bee4

now, Keddic, this is probably going to be a hard one for you to deal with, but I think you missed some important things last time...

so one, you need to really focus on your white blood cells, notice there is not really only one. There are actually different types within that, the B cells, that produce antibodies and actively help call in other cells to aid in disease. the T cell, who regulates return into the more 'normal' balance when after an infection takes place, and the production of the more powerful and specific B cells.

Beyond this, consider that your body behaves differently when sick than well, and when injured or in the presence of some things that cause allergies (maybe your sister has this issue with some things? An old friend or war buddy?). What if you could constantly make your body behave as if there was everpresent threat, and have it invoking these more specific and powerful, if more taxing habits? Control these more specific cells, and that potencial opens.

Also, there is an important thing you missed when augmenting your body Keddic. You hit almost every major organ, but you missed one of the most arguably vital to the male, your testicles! Just consider how chaotic reproduction is, the newness going so far as to turn two independent halves into wholes, to create even new souls in the end. If you were to shut that Chaos off during combat, your body would be much more welcoming to Order. If done correctly, this can probably be even controlled to the point where it is reversible, making yourself infertile only when needed in combat, and retaining it otherwise. Plus, the scrotum its so... VULNERABLE! you can't have such a massive weak spot, just floppin around there outside your body, especially with a secondary heart nearby. Using your white blood to temporarily kill the chaos off in that area, and then removing the white blood post battle should be a minimally risky way of interfering with that cycle, or maybe blocking the tubules the sperm use to travel? Or what definately works is overheating the area temporarily (just a few degrees hotter than it is normally), when it cools, the future of the line will still be safe.

Oh, also, near the bladder, down those tubes, square-ish shaped little thing where the seminal vesticle meets the bladder, something called the prostate. Yeah, that bugger likes to get all Cancer/Chaos-y when men get older, be on the lookout for that.
>>
No. 264888 ID: 62061c

>Bang's students
>Ozmand hammers home
hrm.

>a slow smile spreading on his face
You dead bro.

This man does not let up, anyone who is not Bang would have died several times over in those few seconds.

In any case, begin to swing the proud lion behind you and switch places with him immediately. Hopefully you will cut him.

THEN GET AWAY. UNTOUCHABLE MODE
you and bang have to synchronize your attacks.
>>
No. 264900 ID: 45be60

Feh. There is no practice required to weaponize Bang. Hold him by the ankles and swing him at people. He will just laugh maniacally, and the absurdity will confuse your opponents enough for it to work.
>>
No. 264903 ID: e43bfe

WEAPONIZE BRO BANG

BRO BLADE TECHNIQUE

BROLOCAUST BLADE
>>
No. 264912 ID: a76809

>>264888
[Yeah.... 'swhat happens when you type tired. Should be Oz's students, and Oz hammers home.]
>>
No. 264985 ID: f247ab

Oh yeah, what did you gain from eating the body of the Spined Lion, presuming that army actually returned the body to you?

Also, why attack from the Breaker side? From my understanding, Oz is teaching Ghosthand first, with the ability that leads to Breaker second; thus, the only defense White Blood, with only blood from the students, would give for Oz's style would be Ghosthand, which is on the right.

Anyways, sending tendrils into the ground (and perhaps try to saturate it with blood enough that Oz can't just cut through the tendrils with Stone Fist; the Order would help with that, wouldn't it?) for blood spikes from below to try to obtain a sample of blood sounds good. If you can, try to sever a toe or otherwise obtain a bone sample.
>>
No. 264994 ID: c70116

Hey Keddic what deeper understanding have you actually gained of The Winding Way? There must be a lot more to it than just swapping places. Apparently The Lined One never misses. That sounds like the epitome of an order based ability. Perhaps you could do some kind of attack and focus on the order aspect to penetrate Oz's defenses. Like connect your sword and Oz's forehead and gently draw them together so your sword naturally finds a way to said forehead?

Another thing to try: Form a hardened tube (artery?) of red blood along the length of the Proud Lion and line up a Winding Way charge to explode and propel a mass of hardened white/red blood droplets down the tube kind of like a gun. If you can hit Oz then you might be able to transpose a bit of matter and finally gain a taste of Oz's blood and body. Naming suggestion would be HEART OF THE GUN.
>>
No. 264995 ID: 903f16

>>264869
>What should I do?
Oz's arm is rather powerful isn't it Keddic? Emulate him, no not by chopping it off, instead pool White Blood into your left arm until it's saturated enough that it becomes Ordered and you can use it for anti magic purposes. Draw from all your external supplies if necessary to achieve this end. Give a few scouting blows with the arm and see how effective it is, flex the muscles and tell us how you feel.
>>
No. 264996 ID: 903f16

>>264995
Also try using this in tandem with the Proud Lion which can dissipate energy. If it works you could have developed a way to make your blade's strikes even more devastating.
>>
No. 264997 ID: a76809

>>264874
I play defensive, close attention on my Threat detection, while running out feelers of blood down my legs and across the ground to one of Bang's many pools of blood. The bits of Chaos having already decayed to levels that don't react with my Order, I hope to use this for an attack from below, to graze Oz's legs. It seems sensical, his style is built around arm movements and indomitable stability, if tipped in White blood I may be able to circumvent his protections.

Unfortunately, there is no Bang coming flying back without hesitation. Instead, I hear a fey cackle slowly echoing about as Oz jabs at me.

Even in my reflexive cocoon of adrenaline, even with the foreknowledge of Threat detection, even with all my alchemical augmentations, familial and personal alike, I BARELY avoid his fist. I move to-

He jabs again, and again, faster, faster, emerald vestiges rising about his right arm as ghostly doubles begin to take shape. They are starting to come closer now, the whip-crack sharpness of his strikes shivering through the wind from inches away. ...A single second has passed since he started punching, and with one arm he's been able to completely occupy me. His smile begins to fall, as I see his left arm shift.

>>264985
I think of Deep Spawn, I think of the Spined Lion when I see that ropy, bone-plated tendril lash out from the fractured wall, snaking about Oz's throat, coil after coil. I hear Bang's mad cackle reach a crescendo, his voice distorted and guttural... and gleeful.

"MAGNUM MADNESS CHAOS CARNIVAL!!!"

I simultaneously leap back and trigger my planned attack, the pooled White Blood in the sanguine puddles condensing on a trio of spears, lancing up at Oz's legs while he's completely riveted staring into the abyss from which Bang's arm emerged. I feel tremendous resistance, the White blood beginning to burn away-but I draw five drops of blood, immediately capturing them and withdrawing the ground' based weapon to my cloak. Another four tendrils, each as thick as the first and equally plated lash out before Oz can strike, wrapping about Oz's wrists and elbows. With the abrupt increase in purchase, Oz is not just yanked from the ground, but with him goes several hundred cubic feet of sand, all attached to his feet by some magical bracing system for an instant before dissolving into the mundane while Oz plunges into those shadows in the broken arena wall where Bang lurks.

I focus on my prize, carefully dissecting every single cell of blood, until finally-I find one of Oz's own White Blood cells. Just one... yet I leave it be till I have systematically consumed each other bit of blood, building a rough framework for my system of what Oz is. I attack that single white cell with seven thousand of my own. In the span of an instant in which such horrific noises echo from where Oz and Bang dwell that only Torruga and Burduko still fight, all others focused on those murky shadows-I lose all but two hundred and three of those cells in the process of claiming the one cell.

....Well. Well well well.

Oz's White Blood is actively charged with magic, full Soul layered on top of its innate power. He knows of at least some forms of Blood magic. In a nation that created Ragegluts to police the use of Blood magic for some local magic they call Necromancy, or the Way of Puppets, he knows such a magic.

In that frenzied moment, I don't think he noticed my capture-he still should have no reason to suspect I know this.

>>264995
I begin shunting White blood from my cloak into my bloodstream, and direct it all into my left arm, concentrating more and more Order into the limb until I sense the dull simmering threat of Antimagic beginning to collect about the limb. I think this would prevent use of the Winding Way... but my right arm remains fully capable, the White Blood simply used to imbue every cubic millimeter of my arm. ...I consider that my arm may have turned white, or gained a much whiter tinge. ...Hardly leonine, but the lure of breaking spells with my bare hand entices me.

As a grotesquely broken mass of teeth and hooks, plated tentacles and ropey muscles flies through the wall, parts falling away as blood seeps copiously into the wind, Oz puts a foot back outside the shadows. The freakish mass dissolves and crumbles, to reveal Bang within, his Scarf only feebly registering threat as he skids to a halt beside me, face still lit up with a manic satisfaction.

"Planning some slick move or summat?
Don't wait too long slowpoke."

...Did he just?

Well.








What incredibly gentlemanly and suitably awesome plan do I hatch to offer to Bang?
What do I say to the man that's died at least thrice over whilst fighting Oz without missing a beat?
What should I do with the information Oz uses Blood Magic?
>[With your plan, roll a 1d20, or a 1d100. High is good, low bad, relative to each scale.]
>>
No. 265001 ID: f029c0

Suggest that Bang should turn into a sword or armor or both
>>
No. 265002 ID: f029c0

Don't mention that Oz knows Blood Magic just out of the fact that it is looked down on and he just got his own school.
>>
No. 265003 ID: bdd665

>>265001
I dont think that will work well without a great deal of fanart.
>>
No. 265007 ID: e43bfe

>>265003
We just need to hold his handle, we don't need to use blood magic while he's using Possibility. There's little conflict here.
>>
No. 265011 ID: bdd665

>>265007
Keddic is not a epic swordsman and Bang is perfectly capable of hitting people by himself. There is no bonus to offence, defence, speed, accuracy or magic, how does bang letting keddic club people with hims improve the situation?
>>
No. 265013 ID: e43bfe

>>265011
Because... it's... uh.

Damnit.
>>
No. 265017 ID: bdd665

>>265013
>Rule 34. I will not turn into a snake. It never helps.
Sword or snake, it changes little.
>>
No. 265030 ID: 903f16

>>264997
>What incredibly gentlemanly and suitably awesome plan do I hatch to offer to Bang?
Alright Keddic, you know how when Order and Chaos are added together the reaction is often volatile? Well you may be able to use this to your advantage now. You've made one of your arms heavily infused with Order, highly fitting given your predisposition towards Order and proficiency with White Blood. Bang is of course is the exact opposite and with his skills he could recreate what you've done with your arm, but in Chaos. If your two arms were to come together against Oz and could direct the resulting power from the clashing forces likewise against him, well I'd say you may just have a chance at beating him.

>What do I say to the man that's died at least thrice over whilst fighting Oz without missing a beat?
"That's exactly what I was doing." Point towards your left arm. "I trust you took my earlier advice regarding White Blood to heart, because I'll need to use it now." Point to his right arm. "Do what I did, but with Possibility Cells and Chaos instead of my technique." Take a small pause and nod at Oz, particularly at his face. "Then we can recreate the gesture we made on our first meeting.".

>What should I do with the information Oz uses Blood Magic?
Keep it to yourself for now. You can chat with him on the subject later, it may prove interesting to get another view on the topic.
>>
No. 265042 ID: 903f16

rolled 12 = 12

>>265030
Roll.
>>
No. 265044 ID: d4f98d

Now that you have tasted his blood, your own White Blood Reactive Defense against Oz and his abilities should be very much improved, if I recall the benefits of your mastery correctly. Still very much recommend being careful, however.
>>
No. 265056 ID: 81f32a

Hey Bob, ummm, why didn't you use this Fanart >>264771
or are you waiting for a better moment?
>>
No. 265072 ID: 50a28e

>>265042
well it was a good plan
>>
No. 265074 ID: d4f98d

>>265072
Its out of 20. Better than average.
>>
No. 265084 ID: 83a4db

rolled 82 = 82

Poke Bang with Oz's blood info
"Your pretty damn scary you know that?
"Anyways analyse this, It's his. Keep it quiet."

"Listen I'm going to shoot him, I want you to shoot him too. Make your shot hit at the same time as mine, same contact point, got it?"

You shoot white bullets, he shoots cancer shots, keep it up until Oz counters.

heck yea, Keddic-Bang 2xHero

[rollin 1d100]
>>
No. 265094 ID: a76809

>>255056
[Because it is for Keddic/Bang fusion, a plan that was no enacted now. When/if that is ever the majority plan, any fanarts related to it can be posted and boost its effectiveness. The fusion plan falls into the category of 'cannot be pulled out of ass' and needs prep to make it possible. When that happens, THEN feel free to post the pic.]

>>265002
I decide to keep the revelation Oz knows Blood magic to myself for now.

>>265030
>>265042
>>265084
[Plans to combine Chaos and Order on Oz's face.]
[12/20=60%]
[82/100=82%]
>[(60+82)/2=71%]

[Keddic]"You know you come off as terrifying, right? Anyway, can you concentrate Chaos into an arm, a leg, something like that?"
>[Bang]"...How long would I need a crazy-Chaos focused limb, and what would I need it for?"
[Keddic]"Simple, for about one second at most, so you can punch Oz at the same time I do. Orderpunch, Chaospunch, the two should mix explosively."
>[Bang]"..Probably going to lose the arm in the process. Yeah, I can do that."

Oz takes another step out of the broken wall, slowly pacing our way, his metallic left arm working this way and that as he stretches his shoulder. Nortel, Terooj and Joker all end up close to us, and attempt an ambush. As Oz continues to march our way, now stretching out his neck as his smile keeps growing, Bang and I chastise the trio most harshly for their audacity. By the time they are dealt with, Oz is only fifteen feet away, having planted his feet as he stares at us expectantly within the calm center of this hectic melee, even Torruga keeping a wide berth from our fight.

>[Oz]"Was not expecting the little one to be so hard to put down. What kind of healing is that, anyway? Never heard of anything like it, only seen Mordre's things heal that fast."
>[Bang]"Healing is best!"
>[Oz]"And what of you Keddic? I had higher hopes for you, a Grand Gainer champion.... but you do so little."
"Perhaps I can change your opinion."

I speak through Phohn, currently engaging Yomir, telling Bang now is the time to strike. Both of us leap forward, transitioning into full sprint without bothering to accelerate. I draw back my left fist-to my left, Bang draws back his right as his bone-plated arm begins to bubble and his, expanding in Threat. Oz sees our twin fists rushing forward, our attack nothing more than a frontal assault, and flicks his right hand at us, a spectral Ghosthand blooming towards us. I race a bit farther ahead of Bang, stretching out my Order imbued, partly anti-magic arm towards the projection-

The two attacks touch and the Ghost hand dissolves-I see Oz narrowing his eyes to slits as we blow past his counter, both of us slamming fists home into his chest. I feel Bang's Chaos reacting with what my blow imparts, and throw up a sanguine shield about my body as I feel the opposed forces mingle.

There is an explosion of black and white, the two chromatic endpoints made tangible as explosive force. I see Bang hurled backwards, arm blown off and ribs exposed as his flesh races to reknit itself. I am flying back forcefully enough that had not Vandgurd extended an arm to catch me I would have added my own crater to the arena walls.

The sand beneath where the three of us stood has been cratered, melted to glass. Oz is nowhere to be seen, his boot prints preserved in the glassy crater. I note movement in the background and focus on it, noting stone crumbling from yet another collapsed section of wall (I hope Oz has enough funds to repair all this), Oz's feet draped over the edge. I barely have time to jump back to the ground from Vandgurd's hand before Oz begins to rise, a smug smile on his face.

>[Oz]"I KNEW you had some trick in mind. Anti-magic... stripping away my assorted styles, then hitting me with an explosive... well thought out."

Oz raises his right hand to his chest, idly flicking blood from the scrape that seems to be the only evidence we even struck him.

>[Oz]"Well then... how about a bonus round?"

He stands, stretching both arms out wide to his sides as his stance widens. His right arm begins to hum, keen and vibrate as he slowly, ritualistically shifts it so his hand covers his left shoulder. His Lortoxite left arm begins to glow, the air shimmering about it as it's sense of threat expands to such heights I cannot even percieve any other. Bang, nearly done healing, lands beside me, shaking chips of stone from his body as he crouches to the ground, regarding Oz with mad rainbow eyes. Oz says but three more words that chill my heart.

>[Oz]"OVER.... LIMIT..... TRANCE..."

I finally recognize the changes his arm is undergoing as the Lortoxite is rendered molten metal, still shaped into a limb-which promptly sprouts a veil of Soulfire, tightly controlled and glued to its surface. ...This can be no coincidence: He is employing a technique dangerously similar to Dulu's own......






What should I say or do?
Do I dare face Oz when he has stopped playing?
Or should I ask for the match to end lest we destroy his school?
Or should I do something else?
>>
No. 265099 ID: 21e57a

>>265011
Dare you slight the honor of the Pron Lion, the blade that has been through the Harksburton Line for generations? Pah!

However, young Keddic, look around. What heroes still stand, and what damage have they done? But the glory of the find still stands! Mordre is wealthy enough to pay the damages if needs be and if this melee destroys this arena completely.

However, Oz is a legendary soul, burning so bright that he is blinding. This would be the greatest challenge, but the most dangerous. Perhaps too dangerous.

And he knows blood magic...mhm...An idea, Keddic my lad. Instead of focusing on attacking him, focus on taking out the rest of the ragegluts. It will be a test to avoid the might fist of god.
>>
No. 265100 ID: 35bba5

>>264997
I was wondering whether Necromancy stuff would be Blood or Soul. Good to know.
>>
No. 265104 ID: 83a4db

>[Oz]"OVER.... LIMIT..... TRANCE..."
>FFFFFFFFFFFFF-

Tell everyone to GET AWAY!!!!!
"Hey, your gonna blow up your school ya know."

Bang might bust a scarf zenith.

IT IS TIME TO BUST OUT KEDDIC'S ULTIMATE TECHNIQUE!!!!!

Send out blood tendrils and gather up all the split blood you can in an instant, even if you have to overextend yourself a bit.

WAY OF THE HARKSBURTON: SANGUINE WINGS!

Make your six wings white blood.
Then use ALL your remaining non-essential blood to form the Giant blade.

WAY OF THE HARKSBURTON: BLOODY PINIONS!
WAY OF THE HARKSBURTON: TITANIC STORM!

Sweep up the lances of white blood with the sword as you swing.

ORDER-CHAOS EXPLOSION!!!
Hopefully repeated with 'true blow effect'

This will blow up everything and hopefully not kill Oz, just hurt him horribly enough that he stops fighting.
>>
No. 265125 ID: d4f98d

"An unleashed Breaker AND Overlimit? I do hope you will practice proper restraint. I'd hate for the collateral damage to become too excessive...

...the direct damage, too, now that I think about it."
>>
No. 265128 ID: 1854db

Ye gods, yield to the man.
>>
No. 265133 ID: 21e57a

>>265099
Ah, yes! A suggestion, Keddic! Bring Oz's Blood Magic up later with him, in private. Perhaps you can learn some blood techniques from him!

Ah! And a few ideas that might be helpful, Keddic! First, attempt to create white blood that will act outside of your body. A proactive defensive wall that would devour magic and flesh and any diseases around you. Maybe even craft air-based white blood!
And one last idea is to start developing a system in your immunities to subvert the virii and plagues your body faces. Turn those foul vile diseases from Chaos to Order.

But most important Keddic, is to avoid the Molten Fist and defeat the remaining Ragegluts! Once that is finished you can work on training from Oz, and combining with Bang and studying more methods of using the White Blood of HARKSBURTON.

But to combine with Bang he needs to survive...so focus on keeping Bang alive as well as Defeating the Ragegluts!
>>
No. 265140 ID: a76809

>>265099
>>265125
>>265128
"An unleashed Breaker AND Overlimit? I do hope you will practice proper restraint. I'd hate for the collateral damage to become too excessive... ...the direct damage, too, now that I think about it."
>[Bang]"Pssh, I hope he gives it everything he's go-"

Bang goes flying, his body ripped in half as a molten lance of metal begins to retract from its messy path through Bang's heart and spine. I see Oz's arm slither back into its normal shape just as Bang's head, neck, shoulders and upper half of his torso lands on the ground, arms and lower body blown away by the thundering impact of Lortoxite. He tries to say something, his grin growing even more delirius, but his lungs are in pieces, and no words come out. ...For the moment, anyway, until he begins his repair process. Oz turns to me with a fond smile on his face.

>[Oz]"Have to admire his tenacity. ...I don't suppose you can heal like him?"

Before that cannon-like doomsday weapon of an arm can be turned my way, I hurl myself into motion, darting through the hectic melee around us, hunting out Rageglut targets. If I drop all his 'allies' in this spar, would not that qualify as a victory? I call out my answer to his question as Bang begins to pull himself together and I strike at Jolfnir, the every frantic warrior dropping like an avalanche after I use my knowledge of his blood to upset his blood sugar and blood pressure just enough he automatically lapses into unconsciousness. ...I'll have to thank Bang for the lessons on additional complexity to the chemistry of blood.

"Afraid I can't heal like Bang can, no... and I wonder, what happens if your students still stand, but the Ragegluts currently acting as your allies have all been felled?"
>[Oz]"I took you for the planning sort. Let's see how long you stay outside my grasp.

The battle is hectic. Every time Bang gets back up, Oz employs the Breaker to drop him again, while ghostly limbs and glowing energy tendrils endlessly chase after me, all while Oz knocks down any Deep Spawn to get in range. He continues to dominate the battlefield-

But ultimately, he trained his students too well, and they assist the Deep Spawn well enough that between them and my efforts, soon only Torruga is still standing, his blood not so easily tweaked as the others. Burduko lies on the ground, his sword a hopeless mound of thickened Rageglut blood and his body recovering from severe warping sustained under Torruga's vicious blows. Oz glances about, noting his socres of students yet standing, the many Deep Spawn, Bang rising for the eighth time.... and sighs, his arm puffing out steam as the molten glow fades away.

>[Oz]"[i]Well shit, I guess the spar is over then. Bagrom?
"

His senior disciple leaping into the fray to get the students right back to their normal practice as he uses Ghosthand to move the insensate Ragegluts off to the side, Oz surveys the damage wrought on his school.

>[Oz]".....Eh, I've got enough tuition to fix it without hassle. Worthwhile experience, and a feather for the school: Fight an entire Giant Brigade, I can practically see the increased amount of applicants. ...I take back my earlier comments Keddic, you proved yourself a planner."
>[Bang]"What about me?"
>[Oz]"You proved yourself insane."
>[Bang]"Awesome!"

The spar seems to have concluded, with an hours worth of heavy exertion now behind us. It is early afternoon..... what should be our next destination after we rouse the other Metal Skulls?





Should we take a trip to one of the Warhound development facilities near the Giant facilities, and if so for what reason(s) should we go?
Should we make another set of sprints up a mountain side, or should we try doing so on the True Mountains?
Should we try to seek out another Giant Brigade for our squad to face from the other facilities?
Or should we do something else?
>>
No. 265142 ID: 21e57a

Keddic! First, talk with this Oz! He is strong, powerful, and knows thew secret of blood! "Oz! You skill, there's something about it I would like to ask. How do you use your Blood magic with the styles you know?" Be quiet about this, but forward. "Is there anything you can teach?"

But begin running these soldiers about this city! Do not let them rest from this brawl, force them twice around the city, and then to the Warhound facility. Why, young Keddic? Why to BEAT YOUR WAY THROUGH THERE RANKS!
"Any ideas, Bang, for beating these lazy lumps into shape? Or, haven't you healed your brain meats back together yet?"
>>
No. 265164 ID: 21e57a
 

>>265142
Ah! Keddic, while you are here, let us go speak with this Figment, lad. That whatsome that he did to Bang on the Dragon. Well, that Bang chap, he just took Oz on single handedly! He wasn't that good before, now was he?

Well, go speak any way, whatever happened on that Nidhogg is something to investigate!
>>
No. 265170 ID: f247ab

Well, first recover all the blood that was spilled by everyone, particularly Oz (we need more samples) and Turruga (are we able to do that sticky blood thing Turruga did?), if that was not already done.

For what to do next with the Ragegluts, I think going to one of the True Mountains is a good idea; with attacks by/on dragons, they accrue experience with fighting dragons (which is one of the primary functions of Ragegluts), Bang gets to examine dragons for his modifications to himself, and Keddic gets dragon blood and bone.
>>
No. 265171 ID: 903f16

>>265140

>Should we take a trip to one of the Warhound development facilities near the Giant facilities, and if so for what reason(s) should we go?
Yes you should. It will give you a chance to see how the investigation on the Spined Lion's malfunction is going and to take a peek at processes involved in War Hound creation. Looking at how they are made could help you fight them more efficiently if you need to and it will give Bang a chance to absorb some of their traits. And who knows, you may get a chance to round up a few War Hounds for another training session.

>Should we make another set of sprints up a mountain side, or should we try doing so on the True Mountains?
No, the brigade is good on the sprints for today. You've got to keep them guessing on their training, keep trying new things. Training in the True Mountains is good example of this as it will prepare them for fighting dragons during mating season, but you shouldn't do that now. Wait until you have Mordre and Nidhogg with you so they can harvest from the dead and you will not have to worry about facing any stray elder dragons.

>Should we try to seek out another Giant Brigade for our squad to face from the other facilities?
If you can't find any War Hounds this could be a suitable replacement. Try to select another fresh squad to keep it even.
>>
No. 265172 ID: 903f16

>>265171

>Or should we do something else?
Ask Figment about getting any upgrades. For instance runes for your order fist or some improvement on the Proud Lion that would make it even more effective. You could also ask about seeing past fights involving your ancestors, like ones The First had with the Hechlers. The man can time travel and see anything going on in the world, he's probably able to look into the past or has a killer set of reruns taped. Remember to bring some popcorn if you go.
>>
No. 265211 ID: a76809

>>265142
>>265164
>>265170
I send tendrils flitting about the arena floor, studiously collecting blood as discretely as I can, searching amongst them for any more drops of Oz's blood. While I do this, I walk with Oz, away from prying ears while Bang chats with Bagrom despite the language barrier, Dulu still a silent observer to our fight on the sidelines. Once no one is paying attention to us anymore, I speak, pitching my cvoice low as I keep a genial demeanor showing.

"I do believe we could discuss the finer aspects of combat styles at some point-Particularly sanguine ones."
>[Oz]"...Eh, you noticed it then? I wondered if, since you can use it too.... yeah, yeah I can make some time to meet, probably be at night, just forewarning you. ...Or I might be able to get Figment to Montage us, and I could teach you in one go and be done."
"I would like to learn what you know sooner than later, if possible: This land is not the only one stricken by war right now."
>[Oz]"...Hah... Fine, I'll come knocking on the 17th's Officer lodgings tonight, maybe Figment will be with me. Can't promise more than that."

His eyes narrow as he continues his low intonation.

>[Oz]"[i]But be aware I fully expect you to teach me that blood-flow trick you use for mobility and punching, making waves to push limbs along.
"
"That is part of my family way and-"
>[Oz]"You think it was easy to learn what I have? You want me to share, you better share back. Keep your blood tendril tricks, that stuff with antimagic, all of it-but the direct melee boost, that I desire. Make your choice by the time I visit tonight, or I'll turn around and leave."

As Oz breaks away to harangue students and badger Deep Spawn, I make my way to Bang, whose scarf is only now beginning to regain its gravity defying liveliness. I note out a smattering of blood to have come from Oz and carefully dissect it as well while I consider where we are taking the Ragegluts, the last of which is rising from Bang's wakeup punch.

>>265171
>>265172
I decide that I simply must satisfy my curiousity: I know the War Hound research to take place in a facility near the Giant barracks-perhaps I could intrude, find out what became of the Spined Lion's corpse (and it's magical blood) while publically there to seek foes for the Metal Skulls. ...Yes, I like the feel of this plan. I speak, Band and Mahklargg shout, the Ragegluts fall in line, and after paying respects to the hosting school, we depart, thundering down the capital streets back to the military installations. In short order we are at a building every bit as large as the Metal Skull's home-and tightly shut doors. It took a bit longer than necessary to get here, as we had to yet again stop for Bang to get a new uniform. I knock, and no one answers.

Bang knocks, and there is no door in our way.

Displaying no chagrin at his act of property damage, Bang saunters in, and I cannot help but follow as Mahklargg stays with the squad.

Inside the War Hound Research lab is a dull, flat light, the bubble of beakers, the hiss and squeal of beasts, the yowls of anger and pain. We intrude onto a grand room, clearly one of many, where dozens of cages line the walls, housing assorted predatory animals, with the back wall lined with cages containing humans bearing numerical brands. SOme few dozen stone slabs jut from the floor, most bearing War Hounds on their tops, military scientists clustered about their forms.

Bang and I focus our attention closer to home as swords appear at our throats, millimeters from piecing flesh and proffered by heavily armed guards passively radiating Threat.

>[Guard]"You will identify yourselves immediately, and be escorted to the brig for attempted theft of military secrets."





How should I respond?
More importantly, should I let Bang respond however he wants or attempt to moderate him?
Now that we are here, what do I want to do in the War Hound research laboratory?
>>
No. 265216 ID: bdd665

>>265211
>should I let Bang respond however he wants?
No, beating up angry guards solves nothing and theres no way bang would chose an option that avoids a fight
>>
No. 265218 ID: 9a5057

I'll let others discuss the current situation, but Keddic, Didn't you invent most of what you know about blood-punching yourself? Sure, it was based on a knowledge of blood you got from your family style, but it is not an officially codified part of the style just yet, and YOU get to decide what your contribution to the Way of the Harksburton is. I would respectfully suggest making your official contribution that whole white blood thing. That means if you wish, you can declare your experimental SKP style an alternate application, not part of the official Way, and thus free game to teach others. Sort of depends how useful you think his knowledge would be, keeping in mind that it looks even more like soul magic than your average Land of Dragons skill to the (admittedly rare) trained eye. The path to power is a dangerous one Sir Keddic.
>>
No. 265231 ID: 1854db

Introduce yourself, explain why you're here, and keep Bang from immediately punching people.
>>
No. 265266 ID: bdd665

>>265218
I support this, any magic involving chaos and order are a bit too close to soul magic to integrate it into the family style. I doubt it counts as breaking the Ban but it's too close to breaking it for me to feel comfortable passing it on to potentially over ambitious descendants.
>>
No. 265268 ID: 21e57a

>>265218
Bah! The Way of the Harksburton will remain the Way of the Harksburton! I regret to inform Oz that he will not learn SKP from us! And that will be the last of that, Keddic!

As for the Warhound crafters, let Bang speak. It will be entertaining. However, before he gets punch, or when his threat-level starts spiking, put a hand on Bang's shoulder. "Forgive us, we merely wanted the 17th to train with the best of the Empire's Warhounds. Think of it as a training exercise. Pit your warhounds against our ragegluts."
>>
No. 265270 ID: bdd665

>>265268
But we have not formally added what we have learnt to the Way. Also considering the distance involved the odds of anything we teach Oz affecting us or our family is extremely low and the possibility of what Oz knows being useful are very high.
>>
No. 265280 ID: a76809
File 129278555718.jpg - (288.12KB , 1091x1500 , Land Of Dragons Dowsan The Contemplative.jpg )
265280

>>265216
I put a restraining hand on Bang's bone plated shoulder-his broken Low and disposition do not inspire confidence in his diplomatic abilities. He seems disappointed for the briefest of moments, before he resignedly assumes a more formal stance, letting me take the lead.

>>265231
"I am Keddic Harksburton the 4th, Second in Command of the 17th Imperial Giant Brigade, the Metal Skulls of the Indelible. My compatriot is Magnum Bang, the senior trainer of the same Brigade. The rest of the 17th is outside, as we were having conditioning practice when we stopped by. Who would I speak to about arranging a possible training exercise against War Hounds for our Brigade?"

With a statement delivered confidently, with authority-and the promise of multiple Ragegluts waiting outside for our return-the guards are stymied, and for a moment no one speaks.

...Then, there are footsteps, slow, steady, measured and clipped.

>[???]"...That would be me."

I turn to see an elderly man with a brilliant plume of white beardage adorning an otherwise hairless head, festooned in intricately wrought armor and heavy robes. Upon his back a massive wooden wheel sits, ever-turning, each spoke topped with a skull, papers bearing the runes used around here carefully inscribed. ...Macabre, to be sure, but rather clearly someone in charge, by the immediate reactions of all the others present here. I brush by the guards, pushing away their swords in their moment of distraction as the one that spoke comes to a sharp halt, jarringly stationary now as he continues to eye us. I speak again, lest the silence invite the cowed guards to make this situation more complicated.

"I see. Well then, is there any feasibility to my proposal?"
>[???]"Certainly. War Hounds are oft used in the training of the army at large and Rageglut contingents."
"Excellent, the-"
>[???]"Such services are obtained by placing a written requisition with the Supplies division, who submits it to the general board governing War Hound research and deployment, who then finds an acceptable division of War Hounds to use. ...You do not barge into a restricted research facility to ask if some are available."
"I was not awar-"
>[???]"[/i]Ignorance is not an excuse accepted in officers, especially ones in charge of living weapons. I am fully within my rights to imprison you here and n.... What material is your cloak made of?[/i]"
"Excuse me?"
>[???]"From what animal did you get the pelt covering your cloak?"
"A War Hound actually, the Spined Lion. I admit to being partly curious if the corpse was brought here, as I had some questions concerning the creature."
>[???]".....Yes, I imagine you do."

The originally austere and formally hostile individual addressing me sports a new look, one every bit as contemplative as his first, but now carrying a sense... of what? All I know is my sense of Threat from him dropped practically to zero.

>[???]"Perhaps we got off to a poor start. Firstly, to finally return your introduction: I am Dowsan, a contemplative researcher. We do indeed have the Spined Lion's corpse here, as the War Hound in question was produced here to begin with. Its body is currently occupying one of the individual dissection labs, you could inspect the corpse while I speak to you there. I would however ask that your compatriot rejoin the rest of your brigade outside, as while I am willing to speak with you, the one who slew it, I am ultimately going to be discussing some degree of military secrets. I will not be the one to pass them further than you."
"....A fair enough proposal."

I switch to Common.

"Bang, could you go back outside and make sure the brigade does not find some way to get in trouble? I shan't be too long."
>[Bang]"Fine-but if a fight breaks out, I'll be pissed I wasn't at ground zero."
"Duly noted."

As Bang departs, I follow Dowsan down a couple branching corridors, before we reach a room with a heavy, tightly sealing metal door. We enter, and Dowsan seals the door behind us, leaving us alone...

With the Spined Lion.

Tubes and clamps intrude on its every inch of flesh, it's torso and skull alike carefully opened and organs meticulously seperated. Amongst it all I note still un-clotted blood pooled atop the basin-like slab the corpse occupies. Dowsan begins to speak while I gaze in medical interest at the body dynamics being displayed here.

>[Dowsan]"I had wondered. Could the imperial army have killed the Puppeteer without knowing what they slew? Could the Spined Lion have slain it before being felled? But the answer was far more fortuitous: The Puppeteer wears uniform!"

I turn about to look at Dowsan as he continues.

>[Dowsan]"I must thank you for not revealing my creation here reflected my knowledge of.... other arts. I understand now... so, you are the Blood magic user I've heard about, the foreigner who practices such a different style that he has been allowed to continue using such taboo magic.... Opportunities abound here."

Dowsan paces past me, coming to stand beside the Spined Lion's corpse, holding out a gauntleted hand over the still form. His fingers twitch-

And the corpse shifts.

>[Dowsan]"Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Dowsan the Puppeteer, a fellow Blood Magic user.... and I believe we can be of use to eachother."

I say nothing, and Dowsan continues.

>[Dowsan]"Now, I can provide a personal referral for a capable, defect-free division of War Hounds, which will allow you to bypass the conventional paperwork. It will be an acceptable reason for why we met alone. I can also provide the option of choosing one of a few active prototypes we have here for next-generation War Hounds as a sort of 'champion' for your Ragegluts to face."
"And what do you want of me?"
>[Dowsan]"What do I want? I want Rageglut blood, from as many different Ragegluts as possible. I want to unravel the secrets behind the anti-Puppeteer living weapons. Seeing as you can not only publically manipulate blood, but are likewise in a position of command with a Rageglut brigade... well, it would seem you are ideally placed to help me. ....So, what do you say?"






What should I say or do?
>>
No. 265284 ID: 81f32a

Why.... why would he reveal himself so easily to us?

Yes, we are blood magic user, which is taboo here.
But our style differs vastly from what LoD is used to AND we are a foreigner who is working for a person who directly answers to High-Dragon Lubu.

I don't get it why he would be so willing to tell us this.
What if we refuse? Will he try to kill us for that?

Anyway, I don't think it a good idea to share ragegluts blood with him. They are specialized weapons made to deal with puppeteers. I don't think it will reflect greatly on us if we collaborate with a puppeteer to circumvent the Rageglut defenses.
>>
No. 265286 ID: f6360f

>>265280
Opportunities do indeed abound here.

What we have here is a priceless opportunity- our use of blood magic in a strictly military capacity has apparently brought us an in with a user of the most secret and forbidden magics in the whole of the Land of Dragons while leaving us socially acceptable. This is an association that we should attempt to accept and build upon. We could almost certainly learn quite a bit from this guy, greatly advancing our own knowledge of blood principles and magics. Not to mention the War Hounds he offers, both as a training aid and something whose blood we'll be able to analyze in order to grow stronger.

My primary question is how we can get the most out of this. Perhaps telling him that we too are interested in unraveling the secrets of Rageglut blood, and have been at work on the problem for some time. Taking the position that we're a capable researcher as well as a warrior may make him inclined to view us as someone he can talk blood with and thereby open up the path to learning his secrets- things that we will surely be able to use to enhance our own skills. Make sure that if he manages to solve the Rageglut question using your samples, you get the answers as well. We might have to share some things too, but it's likely that we'll be able to get away primarily with the more generalized secrets of northern combat blood magic, since it's completely unknown here, rather than compromising any of our family Way.

The easiest way to acquire as many samples as possible would be to start matching our brigade against other Ragegluts on a regular basis. That should make getting dozens or potentially even hundreds of different samples possible.
>>
No. 265288 ID: f2ae71

I've been thinking. Since Keddic is so order based, could he not erase things from existence with the sheer weight of his soul? like Nihilino?

If he could find some way to order his soul (e.g. with the strength of his convictions) I think he could eliminate lesser souls quite handily.

he should train with Nihilino to make this pan out.
>>
No. 265294 ID: bdd665

>>265288
>could he not erase things from existence with the sheer weight of his soul?
That would probably require mid to high level skill with soul magic and Keddic strikes me as a mostly law abiding sort.

As for the deal with the "Necromancer" I would say cooperate with caution. The scholar guy strikes me as a bit of a mad scientist type, good to be friendly with but might get up to something insanely dangerous or illegal.
>>
No. 265298 ID: 1c651c

"You are indeed correct Dowsan, we can be useful to each other. But Rageglut Blood is very valuable, considering the local taboo style you use for its research and the difficulty of finding other Brigade Captains that will be as 'understanding' as I am. To cut to the chase, I can give you more a mere sample of Rageglut Blood and you can give me more than a mere training session with the Warhounds. I counter offer you this: I shall give you an adequately constant supply of Rageglut Blood and tell you what I have learned so far from my own research in exchange for the command of a defect-free division of Warhounds and one prototype. I would also like to discuss what your research yields in the near future."
>>
No. 265301 ID: f6360f

>>265294
Keddic is a mostly law abiding sort, sure.

On the other hand, virtually all combat styles in the Land of Dragons seem based on the soul on some level, and he's picking up quite a few tricks here. He knows that at least one other major family of his nation is quietly spitting on the soul magic ban, and if he doesn't at least suspect that Mordre is a heavyweight soul mage he's less sharp than I give him credit for. The soul magic ban is obviously rather fungible.

Ultimately, if there's one thing that the Land of Dragons as a whole and Lubu's actions as ruler demonstrate, it's that those with the power make the laws and those laws only matter insofar as they are enforced. And quite a bit of his family's Way was lost when the soul magic ban was issued. I could definitely see Keddic, based upon what he knows, working to make an exception to the soul magic ban be issued for the combat styles of the noble families and learning whatever he pleases down here in the meantime, with the expectation of future success.

And even if he doesn't think he'd be able to manage that, he must know that he'll come up against powerful soul magic users after his blood in the future. Being able to meeting soul with soul may mean the difference between his life and death, and the success or failure of his line by extension. With that on the table, I don't think he'd hesitate.
>>
No. 265304 ID: f2ae71

Stay clear of this guy Keddic; The kind of power he offers isn't the kind you want to be accepting.

If you blindly pursue power at every avenue, you will find yourself lost as to the reason you begun.

In case he attacks you to 'keep his secret safe' or something like that.

Switch places with him immediately and run him through with the proud lion.
"Blood magic isn't the only thing I know"

Take some of his blood and dissect it as quickly as possible in case he does not die so that you can counter his magic.
>>
No. 265305 ID: 35bba5

>>265304
We don't know anything about this guy yet. Don't immediately refuse the offer. For all we know this guy could be as dangerous as Oz. He also may be our only opportunity to meet a Puppeteer who isn't trying to kill us. Don't throw that away because you assume he is a bad guy. He might not be.
>>
No. 265308 ID: f2ae71

>>265305
He's a scientist-necromancer-Body puppeteer, of course he's a bad guy.

Even if he's a good guy, he's a bad guy.
He can't actually ever be a good guy, just someone working for the good guys because he can't kill them all and they fund his work.

The only way he could be a good guy is if he bore some tragic burden because he has this ability, which also makes it more likely that he's a bad guy.

Besides, if he were a good guy, he would not be looking to undermine the good guy's secret weapon. And if he were a bad-good guy he would somehow already know and no one would find out until someone tried to use it against him.

It's good-badguy law man. It's in the book.

tl;dr
He's somewhere in neutral territory.
>>
No. 265310 ID: f247ab

Well, on the learning the Way of Puppets front, we could learn it from Oz, in exchange for S.K.P. Untouchable, resulting in just a personal sacrifice, or we could learn it from Dowsan, in exchange for Rageglut Blood, resulting in a Puppeteer that can curcumvent the forces that are made to prevent their criminal actions. I would prefer learning it from Oz, since the consequences would mostly be on Keddic; giving Dowsan the means to control Ragegluts sounds like a spectacularly bad idea. If he goes and controls Rageglults, he will get caught eventually, and Keddic will pop up somewhere in the investigation on how Dowsan could control Ragegluts. So, refusal.

Of course, if a Puppeteer could somehow become an important figure in a experimental base, Dowsan must have some contingencies if he gets caught, which, given the casualness of the reveal, probably is pretty quick to activate or execute. So, be on guard; I'm thinking magical poison gas, but anything could be possible.

>>265301
Why exactly, must Keddic learn Soul Magic? From what I remember, Keddic has Soul levels of energy output from his White Blood; he doesn't need Soul to match Soul. His White Blood does that on its own.
>>
No. 265311 ID: 252e1b

>>265307

In the land of the Dragons there are no good guys or bad guys. There are the guys with the power, the guys who want the power, and everyone else. Lubu has the power right now, and all the lesser powers are going to be arraying themselves to try and take him down. Warhounds, ragegluts, blood magic or soul magic, this is all just power. The question here is do you want to gain more personal power (which you can take with you back home for your own purposes) at the cost of potentially lessening the impact of all forms of rageluts in the future? Do you mind eroding the power of faction leaders who use ragegluts to enhance your own power?

If your overall aim is to help Mordre, then there's no harm in this deal. People like Dowsan will always look to make tools they can control directly. Rageluts have minds, and so will be flexibe enough to be able to learn how to counter those techniques. If you teach your ragegluts blood magic, including counters for the brand of it that Dowsan uses, you (and thus Mordre, and through him Lubu) will have a force that Dowsan can't control. This is a learning opportunity, do not waste it. If Dowsan turns on Lubu at a later date, you'll be positioned to be able to stop him. If he remains loyal to Lubu, you'll all benefit from his improved warhounds. And either way you'll have more personal power you can take back home with you.

This deal is worth the risk of it being some sort of trap. Negotiate for training in his techniques so that you'll have a foundation to build counter-techniques from, though.
>>
No. 265312 ID: 9a5057

"You will have to excuse me if I am somewhat cautious about your proposal. As you have said, I am allowed to practice my skills openly precisely because I have remained so completely unconnected to any of the local practices concerning blood magic. You must know the danger in what you ask of me. I understand that working with sanguine powers does not immediately mark a man as evil, but I WOULD know more of your intent before I consider the idea of using my trusted position to give you access to a rare and precious comodity, the very blood of those I command. Much more."
>>
No. 265313 ID: 260e2e

Inform Mordre of this discovery via Phohn. If this guy has some way of controlling you then you need a backup who knows the score. Working with this guy could be beneficial, but is he trying to undermine the government or not? I suspect the reason he's so friendly could be because he has some kind of edge, like a sample of Keddic's blood from the fight with the Spined Lion that might give him power over Keddic.

Ask him a bit more about the Puppeteer art and his motivations. What are his long term goals? What will he use the knowledge of Ragegluts for? How is Blood Puppeteering passed on if it is forbidden? Is there an organization involved? Most importantly what are the principles behind using it and what are its limits? Presumably Puppeteers also have some way of avoiding truth-seeing eyes like manipulating their own bodies into speaking words so they can talk without intent and avoid detection.

Finally either ask for a sample of Dowsan's blood or if he seems too treacherous then extend a surprise sanguine spike to TAKE one as an insurance against his art.
>>
No. 265328 ID: 35bba5

>>265310
We don't know that the Blood Magic stuff Oz does has anything to do with the Way of Puppets. It seems more likely to be something completely different.
>>
No. 265329 ID: d4f98d

Until we know more about this guy, I'm not so sure about arranging this sort of deal.

>>265312 seems like the best thing to say.

Also, I'd imagine our own capability in blood magic would make us somewhat resistant to manipulation via blood, especially with our white blood saturation.
>>
No. 265333 ID: a76809

>>265313
Before I do anything, I speak through Phohn, informing Mordre of what I learned: Should mental manipulation become a factor, I now have an accomplice that only I know about. Besides, the blatantly forthright way he revealed what to my understanding is a rather dire secret makes me suspect he may have countermeasures already in place. I should proceed cautiously.

"What exactly is it that the Puppeteer's art does? Beyond the manipulation of Blood, what is its application?"
>[Dowsan]"It creates a resonance between the blood of Now, that in one's own veins, and the blood that was, the blood of the Past that once graced a body. Corpses or living, it makes no difference if one fully grasps the style."
"So what exactly would be your goal, in gaining Rageglut blood?"
>[Dowsan]"I am a researcher, and the chance to further my understanding of my specialty is something I cannot pass up. Can you deny curiousity as to the nature of Rageglut blood?"
"I cannot. So you want it for research?"
>[Dowsan]"I want to answer a question."
"That being?"
>[Dowsan]"Could Ragegluts have been made, as anti-Puppeteer living weapons, without Puppeteers guiding their augmentation? I find it difficult to believe such could be achieved without any use of Blood, no matter how potent the meat of dragons is."
"So how did you learn the art, given its forbidden nature?"
>[Dowsan]"I had a master long ago, an aged Puppeteer missing an arm and an eye. He claimed to have learned his art from a past Emperor, but never gave a name. I have reason to doubt its accuracy, but nevertheless I find myself knowing material I am damned for knowing... yet you get away with publically flaunting."
"Yet I have no means of fooling those who can See, yet clearly your art carries such, else-wise you would be exposed at some point. What is it, do you manipulate your own blood so finely you make your body speak indirectly, far enough that Truth seeing has trouble discerning anything?"
>[Dowsan]"Something of a scholar's intellect about you, it would seem. Yes, such a talent exists-no equivalent ability is in your own style?"
"My Families uses are more based in the manipulation of blood itself, not as a means of manipulating that which surrounds it."
>[Dowsan]"Intriguing."

>>265286
>>265298
>>265305
>>265310
>>265311
"...You put me in an interesting position. For reasons you are no doubt aware of, trust is a rather vital issue in dealings like these, and while you have appeared quite candid thus far, you still ask me to accept much on faith. What if you did use such blood to control Ragegluts, bypassing their protections, got caught, and lead investigators right back to me? You can see how I could be concerned."
>[Dowsan]"...Yes, that initial leap of trust. Well, what WOULD make you comfortable then?"

I note Dowsan's ornate wheel turn with an audible click, skull-topped spokes shifting as he faces me expectantly. So far he has been calm, and after my intuitive leap concerning the ability to lie he has been most respectful. This could be a trap, and he could indeed want this for something more than research.... or he could really just want to further his knowledge in a field of study without any malice behind the act. I do note some irritation in his tone, but I believe he thinks I wish to extort him or otherwise derive financial gain from this service. Again, I cannot be certain as I just met the fellow, but I have little else to go on.

I now must make a decision:




Should I agree to help Dowsan, and if so what should I ask for as additional insurance of his good intentions?
OR
Should I tell him I won't help him, and if so what are my plans in case he dislikes my refusal?
>>
No. 265342 ID: 9cd4c8

Agree to his plan but inform Bang and Oz as soon as you get out. Also, yeah I really think that we can learn a lot from this guy so go for it.
>>
No. 265348 ID: f247ab

You know, I think we are focusing too much on the social/legal/criminal aspects of learning Necromancy (how odd, the short explanation Arkus gave for Necromancy doesn't line up; Necromancy is a form of Chronomancy, not a body control magic). That is, what does learning puppetry do for Keddic in terms of his combat capabilities? I mean, having minions to help him in fights is great and all, but Keddic is much more of a front-line type of guy.

Though, I suppose, providing the Way of Puppets doesn't need the Keddic to devote too much concentration on controlling the puppet that Keddic can't concentrate on fighting with his sword/fists/tendrils/etc., he could fight as he is used to, but with expendable minions helping.

Which brings up the question of what would Keddic be controlling; would he control the dead, the living, creatures of his own devising ala Mordre's Soul Soldiers? (Though, on the subject of Life Golems, however temporary, Keddic could, theoretically, find some animals, like, say, a pack of lions, and use his store of blood to create extra organs for them, making them Life Golems, and use the Way of Puppets to control them, correct? And, after updating there gametes, therefore, create a true Lions of Harksburton species, further extending his title as the Golden Lion?)

...I think I convinced myself to accept Dowsan's offer.

For insurance of good intentions, perhaps his bone and blood? And maybe the Spined Lion, too.

And I'm getting an ominous feeling from those skulls on that wheel, but I don't exactly know why...
>>
No. 265349 ID: 69bee4

Im going to have to vote against this guy. Unless he is willing to risk giving some of his blood to you in exchange.

He seems trustworthy enough on some levels, being in the military and essentially on 'our' side.

However, I suspect his loyalties in the end bias more towards his puppeteering (or some sort of order related to it, as he implies there are more than him). In addition, his deal is horribly lopsided in his favor right now.

Big Note:: the same thing that lets him bypass Truth seeing probably lets him bypass Keddic's threat sense. Only accept this deal if you can have some of his blood in exchange.
>>
No. 265355 ID: 6dd58d

Voting against. He only said he'd give a REFERRAL, no guarantee on anything. And that's just bad business, especially with us having to pay up front.
>>
No. 265356 ID: f6360f

>>265348
>That is, what does learning puppetry do for Keddic in terms of his combat capabilities?
Tons of things, potentially. We don't need to imitate them completely; it's obvious that their very different view on blood magic in general has applications which we've hardly considered. Getting past lie detectors is just the tip of the iceberg- resonance between current and past blood seems like it could have a huge number of applications. Not to mention that for that style to work at all it would have to somehow bypass the Ownership of people over their very bodies, which could be a very powerful tool for Keddic to use.

Give him access to the knowledge, and Keddic will come up with a myriad of creative applications. But he needs that first step.

>>265333
>Should I agree to help Dowsan, and if so what should I ask for as additional insurance of his good intentions?
Explain that you have no more than a passing interest in wealth or power- your greatest goal is and has always been to hone your combat style to the finest of edges. If you work with him, ideas and skills must be exchanged as well as items and favors.

And to ensure that both of you are honest, a small blood sample from each of you should be the first thing traded. With that in each others' possession, there can be a much greater measure of trust.

Keddic, of course, can cheat on this one by manipulating which of his best tricks are within the blood sample. The other guy might do the same, but we should still be able to learn enough of him to make the difference we need.
>>
No. 265357 ID: 35bba5

>>265342
We probably don't want to tell Oz.

Anything new Keddic can learn about Blood is potentially valuable, even if some of it might not be useful for his combat style. Better understanding of the entire field of Blood is still helpful. Agree, but ask for some of his blood as assurance that he isn't going to try and kill us later.
>>
No. 265361 ID: 903f16

>>265333
Do not help Dowsan. People seem to get getting confused here, he has not offered us training in the Puppeteer's art, so we should not be taking that into account. What he is offering us is a referral to a squad of War Hounds and a Prototype War Hound we can use for training in exchange for Rageglut blood. That simply isn't worth it, so what if our brigade gets the benefit of training with the War Hounds? That doesn't help us one bit if he turns on us and uses the information he acquires for the blood for ill ends.
>>
No. 265362 ID: f247ab

>>265357
>>265349
Bone is better, and shows much more of an investment, as well as contributing more to Keddic's Threat sense than blood.
>>
No. 265363 ID: 903f16

>>265361
If we end up doing this, at least remember to ask for training as part of the deal.
>>
No. 265370 ID: 46c430

As one idea, we could 'test the waters' and refuse just to see his reaction, and maybe take that into account for whether we trust him or not?
>>
No. 265371 ID: f247ab

>>265362
Also, as Dowsan had a part in making the Spined Lion, a fairly significant Blood related part, like its ability to throw off Keddic's Threat sense from blood, if we want Keddic to have a reasonably sure chance of having the Threat sense advantage over Dowsan, Keddic needs a bone sample of Dowsan.
>>
No. 265373 ID: d3dfb8

'Come to my school, the day after next. I will have all the blood you will need.'
Then we go tell Lubu about it and ambush him.
>>
No. 265379 ID: 2dd661

REFUSE

It would be one thing if you got to this point alone, but YOU DID NOT!

That you even have this chance is due to Mordre. The likelihood that you would have gotten to where you are now without him is minuscule, at leas in this time frame.

By accepting a deal and what goes with it, you not only put yourself and your family name in danger of being hunted by LoD assassins (most definitely more capable than those that have come after you thus far), but you put Mordre in a bad light.

Mordre has trusted you and never put you in danger you were not at least somewhat aware of, so if you want to go through with this, at LEAST let him know first.

tl;dr
I say no, but if you do, tell Mordre so he can decide what he wants to do.
>>
No. 265380 ID: 35bba5

>>265379
Mordre already knows we are talking to this guy, did you miss the part where Keddic spoke to Phohn?
>>
No. 265381 ID: f6360f

>>265361
I don't think anyone's confused. He hasn't put training on the table- but that doesn't stop us from putting it on the table right now, as something he needs to offer in order to gain our cooperation. We can make counteroffers when we don't like the original deal.

I don't think anyone wants to accept the deal he's offered, but many people including myself are quite interested in other things he possesses- specifically, knowledge. Thus we offer to give him what he wants in exchange for everything he's laid out and then some.
>>
No. 265384 ID: 21e57a

Mhm. I am on the edge, Keddic. Speak to him about why a Puppeteer - one so reviled in this land - hold such a lauded office?

And also Phohn to talk to Dompaggio and Bobobo to find out about Dowsan The Contemplative.

Ooooh! Yes, a side question, Young Keddic, but I heard rumor that you've been quiet the ladies man as of late. Mhm...Care to go into more detail, or will I bring this up with your father?
>>
No. 265395 ID: a76809
File 129282166862.jpg - (563.62KB , 2238x1080 , Warhound choices.jpg )
265395

>>265342
>>265348
>>265356
>>265357
"...If you want this exchange to happen, a few conditions need to be met."
>[Dowsan]"....I'm listening."
"First, just because I have a referral from you does not mean I am guaranteed a War Hound squad to face. I want something more substantial."
>[Dowsan]"Nothing of the sort to be found. I'm the seniormost research lead, if I tell one of the facilities to lend a division to you, they'll do it."
"..I see. I'd also need a sample of your blood, in exchange for which I shall provide a sample of my own, as a form of mutual insurance."
>[Dowsan]"A respectably cautious request. Now?"
"I'd hold off until you hear the last two parts of my conditions."
>[Dowsan]"Continue then."
"You'll need to collect the blood yourself, during the training exercise, as part of post-sparring cleanup, rather than getting it directly from me."
>[Dowsan]"You wish to keep your hands clean during this first dealing.... your last request?"
"That as I continue to assist you in collecting Rageglut blood, you offer me some lessons on the Blood craft you practice."
>[Dowsan]"You wish to learn to be a Puppeteer? ...And now I understand why you want your hands clean: As an already known Blood Magic user, that would allow you to stay isolated from me. In fact, this setup keeps us both isolated, such that if either of us is sloppy, or otherwise betrays the other, the remaining is as protected as possible. ....A cautious plan that speaks well of your mindset. ....Fine, I'll agree to your demands."

Dowsan and I both cut our palms in one another's presence, before clasping hands, our bloods exchanging. I make sure to hold back any White Blood cells from being traded, keeping my greatest secrets to myself, even as I get my dollop of Dowsan's blood to analyze. He nods towards the Spined Lions corpse as he moves towards the door.

>[Dowsan]"Before we go and pick out which Second Generation Prototype you are going to be claiming, I noted you glancing more than once at the corpse: If you wish to study that failed attempt of mine, feel free to do with it what you will, I already know where my failure was."

I take Dowsan up on his offer, stripping out the blood and bone of the Spined Lion, lining the inside of my cloak with my trophies as I contemplate another reforging for the Proud Lion, to link it to my Blood Cloak. This thought rolls about in my head as I march with Dowsan to a back room, where three storage tanks hold lone occupants suspended in what looks like blurred air. Dowsan intones the names of each model in careful, clipped words, that dark red wheel on his back I presume to be mahogany clicking yet again as it shifts a fraction.

>[Dowsan]"We have three prototypes currently ready for primary combat trials. First, there is the blue-runed ursine War Hound here to your right, currently going under the development moniker Runed Ravager. An overwhelmingly offense oriented Warhound, with runes allowing it to snag and absorb many defensive magics, turning their energies into more power behind its hammer's blows. Next is another bear-based War Hound-we've found they make for longer lived, more durable War Hounds than do large felines or canines. While similarly much stronger, faster and more durable than prior versions-the Spined Lion included-its personal quirk lies in defense. it's fur is passively performing Mass Connection, shunting impact force into thermal energy. This one goes by the development moniker of Harm Ward. With the hair naught more than translucent tubes, the heat can be easily shunted away, making for an exceptionally enduring War Hound. ...On the left we have a bit less... finalized project, a War Hound that includes a great deal of my research data, including that gained by the Spined Lion before its malfunction. Ultimately, this War Hound, The Advisor, is my attempt to make Blood that can act as an independent weapon system, while the War Hound itself takes other actions. ...I admit this one still has glitches periodically. ...So, which one do you wish to claim for the sparring match you plan? ANd am I correct in assuming you are heading to get that division to fight against after concluding our current business here?"






What should I say or do?
Of the three War Hound Prototypes, which one should I ask for?
Is there anything more I should do before getting this sparring session organized?
When should I try to schedule my lessons with Dowsan?
>>
No. 265397 ID: 35bba5

>>265395
The latter two War Hounds sound more interesting. I think the Advisor sounds like it would be the best fit, even if it is glitchy. The Ragegluts should learn how to face enemies who use Blood, since that is what they are intended for.
>>
No. 265398 ID: bdd665

Let's go with Harm Ward, it seems fairly straight forward. The harder/more you hit the hotter it gets. Third one sounds neat but it also sounds like it could malfunction and try to tear our face off, we are trying to train ragegluts not get them killed.
>>
No. 265407 ID: f247ab

The Advisor; if Keddic can get a sample of its blood, he would know more about Dowsan's research on Blood, if indirectly, through the results. And, relateldy, the Ragegluts should have experience fighting a Blood Magic combat style closer to what they would experience in their daily work; Keddic's style, while gives them experience with counteracting blood in general (hopefully), is quite distinct from the style(s) they were created to fight.

As for the lessons, perhaps tomorrow? Oz is coming over tonight, and the current time is afternoon, and, with the sparring, there probably won't be much time left; not for any substantial learning anyways. Maybe in the afternoons, as Bang and Mahklargg work on them, and Keddic and Dowsan meet?

>>265398
I would think that, between Keddic and Bang and Mahklargg, the War Hound could be handled easily. Relatively, at least: I don't think a War Hound that is just ready for primary combat trials is up to the level of Oz yet.
>>
No. 265416 ID: 81f32a

Advisor.

And yes, we'll do a sparring match right away.
>>
No. 265420 ID: d3dfb8

If you're thinking about getting the Proud Lion reforged you should ask Mage Mordre about it. After all, if there's one thing we know about him is that he goes all out when aiding friends.
>>
No. 265423 ID: 445c48

Harm Ward
>>
No. 265439 ID: 21e57a

"You would be correct. Where would I go about finding a division, in that case? I assume that you ask because you wish to follow along to, mhm, ‘Watch my creations work’?” Chuckle and give Dowsan a nudge, before rubbing your impressive bearded, lad. “A few questions, if you don’t mind, Dowsan. This Advisor, it perks my interest, but blood as an independent weapon system, what do you mean by that?” Nod, don’t pry to an ungentlemanly level. However, see if this Warbear’s style is too much like our WAY OF THE HARKSBURTON and we could learn little from it, then take gesture to the Runed bear, this Ravager. Pure offensive and any attempt to defend strengths it? Haha, that would be great fun to overcome!
“And one or two last questions This Hounds, the way you describe them it would seem they need Puppeteers to work properly. Forgive me, but this brings forth a ludicrous image of a platoon of Puppeteers all working in secret to control but a single group. Almost seems wasteful of their talents. But the Lion, it ‘malfunctioned’? How and, dare I ask, will the same thing happen to The Advisor?” Then snap your fingers, a sudden burst of fire at your fingers. “Ah! Yes, and when shall we meet to train?”
Once the business is finished, study the similarities between Oz’s and Dowsan’s blood and, again, Phohn Dompaggio to put tabs Dowsan.
Also, we should, we should begin discussing what we could offer Oz in exchange for teaching us rather than our style.
>>
No. 265473 ID: b6269e

Wait.
Aren't we forgetting something?
What about Ozs proposal?

I suggest we go with it. We will be gaining as much as we will be giving.
It's not like by giving Oz the technique he'll become immensely powerful and threated Keddics house/homeland. He is already strong enough to do that.

At least try to persuade Oz to not share the technoque with others
>>
No. 265480 ID: f247ab

Keddic, why just the blood and bone of the Spined Lion; why not the entire body? Sure, the blood and bone are the most related body parts to your style, but the rest of the body (like the heart and the blood vessels) can be used or recycled to produced more blood, can they not?

>>265439
Yeah, ask Mordre for Dompaggio to ferret out the secrets of Dowsan.
>>
No. 265483 ID: b6269e

Speaking of Dompaggio.
Lets meet him. See what he has been doing lately and what he has uncovered.
Maybe visit Lined One later too.
>>
No. 265503 ID: d770e9

Thoughts on the Blood Puppeteer art:
Manipulating the dead or living is just one limited application. There will be deeper truths involved that can be used to further Keddic's style. The primary use I can think of is that it should allow Keddic to manipulate his own blood through this resonance without maintaining contact. We've already seen the application of remote blood control. Homing blood arrows that inject white blood? Minefields? White blood clones? Lethal droplet barrages where any drop can be mass connection swapped to explode with the power of the Winding Way? Also the self-manipulation could allow Keddic to overcome a foe that reads his moves and vastly improve the Sanguine Kinetic Pugilism style. The past/present blood connection could mean that Keddic will be able to read far more information from captured blood. This is far more than just adding a few bodies. This is the next step to blood mastery.

Ask how Dowsan was planning to hide the blood-aspected abilities of The Advisor. Also ask him if he would consider leaving the Land of Dragons to continue his research where Blood magic is less restricted, such as Mordre's Arcanoworks. If he's willing to consider it then maybe he's not working on some terrible plot, but actually pursues research for its own sake.

Throw forth the hypothesis that Ragegluts were originally a Puppeteer weapon that was turned against them. Consider what Torruga has displayed today. A transformation that seemingly heightens ones affinity for blood and provides resistance to external manipulation? If there ever was a war between Puppeteers it sounds like the kind of thing they'd create.
>>
No. 265516 ID: a76809
File 129290730116.jpg - (166.01KB , 700x900 , The Advisor.jpg )
265516

>>265397
>>265407
>>265416
"I admit the Advisor interests me... could you tell me more of this Hound?"
>[Dowsan]"To be more precise, the War Hound itself isn't called Advisor, its blood is, as a symbiotic entity conjoined to the War Hound. I used it as something of a testbed... but be aware, I had to make the Hound itself... different... to let its body withstand the might of its own blood. Some old texts about demons were involved in its creation, and I admit to still not being fully sure what it is."
"Blood as an independent weapon system, what exactly do you mean by that?”
>[Dowsan]"It seeps out through pores to coat the body, ignites on contact with foreign flesh, aggressively attacks any organism it touches in a manner derived from dragon's acid, and secretes nerve toxins while assaulting the body, attempting to maximize its ability to impair and cripple. Internally, it acts to assess coming threats, and by using its access to the sensory organs The Advisor moves the body to attack threats. Really, The Advisor is what performs combat, the altered War Hound is only there as a vessel."
"You spoke of glitches-but I also wonder how its use of blood magic could be hidden?"
>[Dowsan]"By its function. Any external use seems to match having highly reactive blood, a not entirely uncommon War Hound modification. All the rest of it capacities are disguised as being the actions of the War Hound it is based in. And again, only fellow Blood magic practitioners could sense its true nature. As to glitches... The intelligence guiding the blood is not complete, having been made incapable of free will. This precautionary measure has left it somewhat... erratic... in its application of orders that are not very precise. Just be careful with your wording and you should have no issue. The War Hound its based in is quite durable, and should prove energetic."
"...Well, you have me interested. I think I shall take The Advisor as the prototype to employ. Its acidic blood should give ample opportunity for Rageglut blood to spill, should it not?"
>[Dowsan]"Rather PRECISELY so. Rageglut blood immediately sheds when exposed to a threat it can't counter to preserve the main body, a passive mechanism for flushing the system of threats. Should give me plenty to work with, and its nerve toxin shouldn't be able to threaten beings of such mass, let alone such comprehensively boosted nervous systems."

For a moment conversation terminates as Dowsan busies himself manipulating dials and craters around the floating creature, the blurred air slowly thinning as The Advisor in its host drops to the ground, rising like a mountain to regard Dowsan.
>[Dowsan]"You are to follow his instructions as if they were my own, is that understood?"

The Advisor's host nods in a sudden, jerking motion, before turning to regard me. Dowsan walks past the hulking mass and begins leading me back down hallways, until shortly we are passing through the main room from before, more than a few researchers sparing long and curious glances my way as they note my new follower. None offer comment, and Dowsan sees me to the door, offering a few papers to me that he somehow managed to transcribe in this short span. He hands them to me while speaking, pointing towards a somewhat distant building.

>[Dowsan]"Building number Twelve there is lead by someone I know. Show him those papers, and he'll let you use their main division. Every War Hound in it got screened for errors or probable deviancy a week ago, and all are practiced as sparring partners as well as soldiers. All solid First generations-just all around increased physical capacity, speed durability strength and so forth. Hope your squad can handle five hundred Hounds... I'll join you shortly to take field data of The Advisor, I need to gather a few things first."

Dowsan makes his way back into his laboratory in a rush, leaving me to deal with Bang, who makes no effort to hide his interest in the new companion, however temporary. He begins speaking the moment I have gotten the brigade moving towards building Twelve.

>[Bang]"Some smooooooooooth talkin' just went down, if you went from threats of arrest to a personal referral and a goody like this. What's it called, what does it do, and how did you swing this man?"




What should I tell Bang?
What kinds of plans should I give to the Ragegluts for their coming conflict?
Will Mahklargg, Bang or I be taking part in the battle, and if so on what side, the Five hundred War Hounds and The Advisor, or the twenty Ragegluts?
>>
No. 265518 ID: f6360f

>>265516
>What should I tell Bang?
Tell him that it turns out the Spined Lion was here under Dowsan's care, and when he recognized you as the one who killed it he immediately marked you as a friend. It's true enough.

>Will ... I be taking part in the battle ... ?
You cannot take part in the coming battle, at least early on; after being warned that The Advisor can be somewhat erratic in its interpretations of orders you have a responsibility to keep your eyes on it and make sure that it doesn't get out of control. As for the rest of it, I'd hold off on joining in initially; instead act as commanders to the Ragegluts, as this is supposed to be training for them. If they're clearly outmatched, you three can join or rotate through combat; your own entering the battle at some point would be nice, since it would be good to get samples of so many hundreds of War Hounds' blood. But it doesn't take priority.
>>
No. 265542 ID: d41e0d

Well you can probably tell Bang a thing or two as long as he promises to keep it top secret. He has little care for rules or laws and he's a fast enough thinker that he'll not spill secrets by accident. He's also no stranger to getting in debt to dubious people for more power. Inform Bang privately that the angry guy turned out to be Dowsan, a Blood mage, which by the way is traditionally forbidden in the Land of Dragons so keep that quiet, but he seemed really happy to meet another blood user so you got on well.

Tell Bang and the Skulls that the new creature is a prototype superweapon war hound codenamed The Advisor. It's incredibly strong, lethal and rather unreliable. You'd tell them more, but Bang and the rest will have more fun finding out the deadly surprises during the fight. Yes there will be an awesome fight Bang.

Take a quick lunch break or something with the Ragegluts and Mahklargg and give them their pre-fight briefing. You'll be pitting them and Bang against some five hundred imperial war hounds and the super war hound you've got with you. War hounds in your experience use speed and flanking attacks so keeping tight formations is probably the key strategy to lessen the impact of the Hounds' superior numbers. Then the challenge is to raise the rage and anger levels while still staying grouped to hit the sweet spot between power and teamwork. Any Rageglut who goes solo will most likely be mercilessly surrounded and eliminated.

Keddic should start going easy with the Ragegluts and testing The Advisor before potentially swapping sides to balance the conflict as needed (and making sure all the Ragegluts bleed a bit).

When ordering The Advisor take care to remember its inhuman mind. Make it confirm that it understands the key concepts you use (such as death, allies, nonlethal sparring) and give it orders with priorities and time limits if possible. Explain the premises behind the fight to it as well.
>>
No. 265548 ID: 252e1b

Whatever you tell Bang, tell it to him through Phon, and tell Mordre the same.
>>
No. 265579 ID: b6269e

I still think we should visit Dompaggio and Lined One
>>
No. 265642 ID: 21e57a

Keddic, why would you consider not speaking of this to Bang? He is an ally, and a friend! And it is not the Harksburton Way to keep secrets from our allies, now is it Young Keddic? But as for plans? Haha! I have an idea. Send the Ragegluts on 'errands' about the city. Small tasks that will stress their dexterity and their minds such as handing and haggling over ripe fruit and fragile pottery, helping old ladies across streets, or finish repairs to a house. They will have five hours, yes, mhm, that should be enough time, in which to complete. When they return, they will have a surprise waiting for them! A Warhound group ready to kick their asses, to prepare them for ambushes! Those that finish before the five hours have an extra special prize! BANG'S FIST! HAHA!

And of course, the Ragegluts should fight alone, but maybe to test you and Bang, have these War Hounds attack you as well - to taste their blood and fighting style. Of course, if you and Bang - And I know you will, Keddic, for you are a strong Scion of Harksburton! - defeat half of those Warhounds, combine your efforts to beat those Ragegluts out of a recognizable shape!
>>
No. 265643 ID: 21e57a

>>265579
We can do this, along with testing on The Advisor, and talking with Bang during the five hours. Oh! Unless those five hours overlaps with Oz or Dowsan.
>>
No. 265701 ID: a76809

>>265518
>>265542
>>265548
>>265579
>>265642
>>265643
"He happened to want to talk with the one that slew his errant invention, and my past deed bought us a rather interesting opportunity. Change of plans!"

I take a moment to divert the brigade, swinging them through the Rageglut mess hall while I give them a briefing on their after-meal training. I outline their foes, five hundred battle-tested War Hounds, and the prototype second generation with me now, a creature most vicious in close quarters. Torruga eyes the War Hound dubiously as he wolfs down food, far too busy to offer comment as everyone else simply nods in assent. This time, Torruga is one of five to finish their meals fully in the brief span I allow, before they are all hustled up and back to jogging, en route to Building Twelve. I see several researchers directing laborers with heavy vats and tubes, shunting them all inside the massive building. As we approach a set of doors scaled to Ragegluts, I present the papers I was given to a gate guard, who after doing a double take immediately hollers for the doors to be opened and the commander informed. Our squad makes it inside just three seconds before a short, balding officer missing half of his upper lip, an ear and an eye greets us, grabbing the single sheet of introductions from my hands before grunting.

>[???]"Fine. Divisions already prepped in the main hall, they were going to do practice anyway. Dowsan's already setting up in there as well, I am told. Just be aware I will need them for evening medicinal treatments in six hours, alright?"
"Perfectly acceptable."

The man is already gone, back to what I imagine is a mountain of work to be done. Somewhat bemused I follow the gateguard in farther, our squad shortly happening upon the aforementioned main hall. I see the canine population of War hounds, hundreds of anthropomorphic beasts covered in thick pelts and lumpy muscle. Yellow teeth and heavy, tusk-like claws are in evidence, excellent natural weapons, and every one of them is at least half again my size. I turn to Bang and the Metal Skulls in general and speak.

"Alright, here's how this is going to work. Bang will be with you to provide assistance as he's sees fit, but really he's there to test out this here prototype. You have six hours. In that time, not a one of those War Hounds will die... and not a one of you will be felled. Iron man training time, let's see you bleed. ...BANG!"
>[Bang]"YOU BE HEARING THE KEDDIC, ON WITH THE MOVING!"

I use this moment while Mahklargg and I find a good viewing place to order the Advisor to 'Attempt to circumvent Bang to attack the Ragegluts in a non-lethal fashion until told to stop by myself or Dowsan' before I speak to Phohn. I ask him to convey my words to Bang and Mordre as I carefully relay the full truth of what transpired in the research lab, and what I now know of Dowsan. As I expected, there is no startled reaction on his end, just a confirmation of the message, an acknowledgment he understood what occurred. ...As I suspected.

From there, as Bang does a few stretches, once more shredding a uniform as he uses that trick of his to break reality around himself, I speak to Phohn again. This time to contact Dompaggio, to see how his continued investigation is going. What I hear back gladdens me: Dompaggio has located a town possessing someone with information exonerating The Lined One. As of yet he has not been able to determine who possesses the knowledge or what its specifics may be, but from my understanding of how he functions it is only a matter of time. I smile as I watch The Advisor fluidly taking up a position in the War Hound's van, as Bang takes a sprinter's stance before the Ragegluts, who have learned enough to not stand behind him in such a stance. I glance down to the remaining documents Dowsan handed me just as the battle is joined. ...Hm, yet here it is, officially titled as having air-flammable, caustic blood and ... interesting. It says the creature has a cartilage skeleton with every limb being fully prehensile... yet the amount of blood inside the creature leaves no room for such. ...Ah, this is his 'official' report on the creature's performance... well, a close enough falsehood. I finish the document learning nothing of real value to see Bang pounding away at the Advisor as his body is blazing in several places, his body partly coated in its lethal blood. What's more, his punches seem to lack their normal impact, the body simply... yielding, between its shaggy pelt and doughy body too malleable to be properly whalloped. Restricted to non-lethal techniques, Bang resorts to his maxim: If you punched something and it did not go down, you didn't punch it enough.

As hours pass and I have to give periodic clarification to The Advisor as it attempts irregular stratagems, I note not a single Ragelgut falling, even during any of the several times The Advisor was able to momentarily slip past Bang to attack the Ragegluts, already fiercely occupied with the War Hounds. So far, none of the Ragegluts have fallen, and it seems that this training is proving less... taxing than the spar at Oz's school. I roll this thought about in my head until four hours into the marathon, when breathing is becoming ragged, legs are wobbling, arms drop to their sides the moment they aren't needed. At this point, Bang is now so practiced at using three-dimensional punching that he's pounded the Advisor into a rough sphere, his barrages too swift for it to reform properly. The last time Dowsan got a Rageglut blood sample spilt on the floor in quantity was two hours ago. I pull Bang out as I let The Advisor more fully aid the other Warhounds. The shift is startling.

The next hour and a half slowly sees the Ragegluts fall, one by one, to the relentless assault of the combined War Hound forces. Their efficient pack tactics, their teamwork in isolating Ragegluts to lower support, their excellent flanking, attack-and-away maneuvers, all of it is compounded by the roaming threat of The Advisor, it's snakelike body slithering and slipping about the battlefield, burning ankles, wrapping about lowered fists, bit by bit crippling its targets. In a war of attrition, the Advisor proves itself terrifying. I finally stop it when, after five minutes of fighting alone, Torruga, nearly buried beneath leaping War Hounds, finally drops a knee to the ground. I make my way out onto the arena floor as I call for a halt, surreptitiously sending out blood tendrils atop the ground to seek out samples from the War Hounds amongst the spilled sanguine solutions, as I note Dowsan nodding at me: He has gathered enough samples then, excellent. Not wanting to attract attention, I meet with him only briefly, speak on the performance of The Advisor as I return the creature to his care, and mention that I'll stop by after lunch tomorrow to take a look at the other prototypes. He seems to catch my gist as he nods a hair to slowly before setting to monitoring the manifold devices with him. Band, Mahklargg and I lead the Ragegluts in a hobbled march back to the mess hall, where their battered state draws more than a few glances, and a fair share of chuckles from several of the older Ragegluts currently eating. As the tired and beaten squad sets to wolfing down their food, I ponder what more I could have them do tonight, the sun having already vanished from the sky. Then I recall my meeting with Oz tonight, and send them off with Band, leaving him only the target of 'being creative'. His fiendish grin guarantees the quality of their impending final training of the day.

I make my way back to the 17th Giant Brigade's Hall, to find Oz and Figment standing beside its doors, awaiting my arrival. Figment says nothing, letting Oz lead.

>[Oz]"Okay, so here I am, you've had time to think: You want to trade that blood-flow body movement trick you use as a personal booster for the Blood trick I know of similar disposition, or not?"





What should I say or do?
Should I trade knowledge of Sanguine Kinetic Pugilism, the self-developed off-shoot of the Way of Harksburton, for the body-boosting Blood magic techniques Oz has learned?
Is there anything I would ask of Figment, be it a Montage or a body modification, knowing he will likely demand the same nebulous payment he has of Bang, that being future adherence to a number of commands from him?
What time should I get up tomorrow to begin training all over again?
>>
No. 265719 ID: bdd665

I vote for accept Oz's offer but skip on the montage, I am not comfortable with the idea of owing Figment favors.
>>
No. 265757 ID: 9a5057

Sanguine Kinetic Pugilism is based on your observations of Bang's dynamic fighting style at least as much as it is your family training. The Way of the Harksburton as taught to you is about fighting your enemy with blood and steel, not brawling and dodging. Not every skill you learn need become a part of the Way. Keep the Way of the Harksburton a gentleman's elegant mastry of fighting with the blade, and let Sanguine Kinetic Pugilism become the rough and ready style which can be taught to the common man. I suggest not only that you make the trade here, but you consider teaching Torruga the basics of SPK if he merits another reward, and shows sufficient progress with what you have already taught him on his own. If nothing else, it will give him an outlet for his abilities other than the temptation of resorting to puppetry, which is apparently not so rare here as we had hoped, if it can be hidden so.
>>
No. 265759 ID: 6dd58d

I'm thinking take Oz up on his offer, though asking if he'd keep it to himself instead of teaching it to others couldn't hurt.

Proposed body modification from Figment: Antimagic hand(s). Hollow rune-shaped resevoirs acting as 'incomplete' runes using the buildup of white blood inside them to close the circuit as it were, in order to activate and deactivate them on demand, as opposed to an always-on type of arrangement which would otherwise impose some limitations on what the designated limb(s) could be used for. Also including runic resevoirs grafted onto finger bones to effectively serve as knuckledusters, properly placed with flow-channels arranged so as to be seated on the tops like flute holes instead of through the sides in tubular fashion, with slightly raisd edges to form a runic 'stencil' that would imprint on a target when struck and, with an accompanying white blood deposit to complete the 'circuit' of the imprint, effectively serving to punch the magical capacity out of a given subject for a time.

As for the next training session, make it before breakfast and don't let the ragegluts sleep either. If you're going to put their endurance to the test, you may as well go all in on it.
>>
No. 265770 ID: f6360f

>Is there anything I would ask of Figment, be it a Montage or a body modification, knowing he will likely demand the same nebulous payment he has of Bang, that being future adherence to a number of commands from him?
Ask him for help in hastening your learning, sure. If he demands payment, you might try arguing that as you understand it, he is seeking to change the ending of Lubu's story. Are you not in position to bend your efforts to that task? Would lending you aid not tilt things, in however small a fashion, towards his desired result without demanding further recompense?

If he still persists, ask him to state a task now that you might accept or refuse, for you cannot promise an unknown service.

If he won't go down at least that far, then you will do this without Figment's aid.

>>265757
I'm with you on this one. The Way isn't about the same things that SKP is about; it's about the external manipulation of blood, mostly, and in your more advanced methods the comprehensive understanding of how and why blood works. SKP is about fixing and moving the blood to strengthen the body, and only that, is it not? You can afford to let that much information go public while keeping the core of your teachings to yourself.

>What time should I get up tomorrow to begin training all over again?
Five minutes earlier than the earliest Rageglut.
>>
No. 265789 ID: 903f16

>>265701

>Should I trade knowledge of Sanguine Kinetic Pugilism, the self-developed off-shoot of the Way of Harksburton, for the body-boosting Blood magic techniques Oz has learned?
You should make the trade. You're not breaking your oath to keep the Way in the family because you haven't officially added this to it. Even if you had you would only be giving up a branch of the Way of Harksburton, a branch which YOU created, in order to improve one of it's main functions.

Also consider the value in keeping Sanguine Kinetic Pugilism a separate style. You and your descendants can use it like a bargaining chip in situations like this. You'd be safely able to trade it to other Blood magic practitioners for their techniques without compromising the Way itself. In a way not contributing it to the Way is one of the better things you could do for it.

>Is there anything I would ask of Figment, be it a Montage or a body modification, knowing he will likely demand the same nebulous payment he has of Bang, that being future adherence to a number of commands from him?
Ask for >>265759. Take the Montage and argue along this >>265770 tangent to begin with, if that does not work appeal to his friendship with Oz. After all we're both benefiting from the Montage in a way, can he charge a friend for a favor? And if he's not charging Oz should he be charging us? Oz is the one who brought him over here.

>What time should I get up tomorrow to begin training all over again?
Before dawn. Those men should already be training by the time the sun rises. Preemptively I'm going to suggest again you take a trip to the Chaining Calamity school to fight Korgotyo the Chained. It'd be a good opportunity to give them some experience fighting a legendary Rageglut, since Lubu mentioned he wanted to use them as an honor guard for when Goujar shows up.
>>
No. 265792 ID: b6269e

I'm not too hot on asking anything from Figment. Bang might be irresponsible enough to accept the service before payment but I think its better to pay first and get the boon later.

And voting for trading with OZ, I say yes
>>
No. 265793 ID: b6269e

>>265789
>I'm going to suggest again you take a trip to the Chaining Calamity school to fight Korgotyo the Chained

2nd

Also call Murhyihal to heal the Ragegluts so that in their very short time of sleep they are at their top efficiency.
>>
No. 265811 ID: 7d5888

The problem with teaching Oz, is that SKP is based directly around your family way of moving blood.

For you to teach Oz, you will need to divulge 'just enough' of your family way to make it work, or figure out a way that would work for him with his current knowledge of blood manipulation.

So here is my plan, instead of just telling him, ask him what he knows about it and build from there.

You don't ask for the montage, Oz brought him, Oz can ask.
>>
No. 265822 ID: 5138e8

Should I trade knowledge of Sanguine Kinetic Pugilism, the self-developed off-shoot of the Way of Harksburton, for the body-boosting Blood magic techniques Oz has learned?
Not really, I mean you didn't even let Bang some knowledge but politely refuse his offer

Is there anything I would ask of Figment, be it a Montage or a body modification, knowing he will likely demand the same nebulous payment he has of Bang, that being future adherence to a number of commands from him?
sure, sentient blood or something might be interesting but make sure it has a personality that works well with yours

What time should I get up tomorrow to begin training all over again?
early morning
>>
No. 265867 ID: 35bba5

>>265701
Do the trade. You came up with the style and haven't officially added it to the Way. If you want your family to be competitive without using Soul Magic you have to make some minor concessions.
>>
No. 265945 ID: d3dfb8

>>265757
This. Many kinds of this.
Also go with the figment montage as well, you have to give to recieve.
>>
No. 265965 ID: a76809
File 129307736615.jpg - (622.31KB , 1008x1344 , Keddic Harksburton Blood Maid.jpg )
265965

>>265719
>>265757
>>265759
>>265770
>>265789
>>265792
>>265867
"Fine, I will accept the trade of styles. I would ask you go first, so I know where your knowledge base lies for your own instruction."
>[Oz]"Fine fine I'll go first... hey Figment, you mind?"
THE POINT OFFERED BY A MAJOR CHARACTER IS IMPACTFUL INDEED, AND THE AUDIENCE STIRS.

Time.... becomes strange. I seem to flutter between moments, each event expanding exponentially in my mind as I recall weeks that never were. Oz's style of teaching is harsh, brutal, and unforgiving-but his knowledge of Blood is fairly perceptive. His awareness comes through sheer body saturation of Combat magic having energized his blood enough he became aware of it. For sparing a Puppeteer he once fought and bested, he was instructed in some of the basic tenants of blood manipulation, from there expanding the craft until he can ultimately keep his body going so long as his heart still exists. For my own twin hearted form, I wonder at my own capacities. ....A method of charging circulation and the heart's beat to enforce the concept of life and wellness on the body irrelevant of circumstances. I learn, I feel my sense of White Blood regeneration growing in the learning as more magic seeps into my blood, and I add a passive style to practice, one that could be used concurrent with any other: Personal Puppetry. The only downside to its use is the rather high energy costs for sustaining the ability. Nigh-unbeatable corporeal durability comes at the cost of constantly depleting magical stamina. With this knowledge base, I flutter forward through moments, again having the snippets expand into days and weeks of my patient tutoring on the importance of blood's flow, and using that flow to make pressure waves, replicating a wrathful tide. I find myself impressed by Oz's singular dedication to learning, picking up Sanguine Kinetic Pugilism faster than I had expect-or such is the sense imparted with these moments.

Perhaps four, five seconds passed, the clouds not having had time to shift, yet as time restores to its normal flow, I feel as if I lived a private set of months in that brief span.

>[Oz]"Thanks Figgy. ....Gotta say, enjoying the style.... very crisp to use. I like it."
"And I find your offered style to be most interesting. A costly but vastly useful boost to durability.... actually, I recall I had a request for Figment rolling about in my mind."
>[Oz]"Well lay it on him, it's not like he won't answer."
"..Figment, I wish to have hollow, White Blood activated anti-magic runes imprinted on and in both of my arms, such that I can activate them by pooling White Blood within the organic runes. A specific detail I desire to this rune set would be in-built ridges and crests on my finger bones for allowing my blows to carve, to imprint on the target an anti-magic rune, likewise activated by White blood."
A CAREFULLY THOUGHT OUT METHOD OF MAKING A CHARACTER A BIGGER PLAYER, MORE ABLE TO IGNORE DIFFERENCES IN SCALE..... BUT FAVORITISM IS RESERVED FOR THOSE WHO PROMISE FUTURE PLOT CHOICE. THIS CANNOT BE AVOIDED.
>[Oz]"Just making sure you got that, but he's saying he'll demand service at a future point, basically following a single command. 'Snot bad, really, just him being weird."
>>265822
"I was also thinking about possibly getting self-aware blood, seeing that Rageglut got me thinking, so if some compatible personality or some such could be implanted? Really, something that works well with my own disposition is what I'm looking for."
....THIS CAN BE DONE.... NO FUTURE TASK SHALL BE ASKED.... A 'COMPATIBLE DISPOSITION'...

Figment, who until now had slouched against the wall completely unmoving as the world around us spoke for him, begins to sprout a smug grin, now standing right before me, hands reaching out towards my arms. Space folds, realities laws run like water, my arms tingle, and I feel scores upon scores of intertwining shifts in their physiology.

All of this is washed away as my entire body sears in heat, blood boiling, freezing, shocking, evaporating, all of it at the same time for an agonizing and shockingly clear moment.

Then it is past, and Figment is again beside Oz, that sly smile still latched on his features.

THE REQUESTS HAVE BEEN MET AS DEEMED APROPRIATE BY THE AUDIENCE. IT IS NOW UP TO THE CHARACTER TO SHAPE EVENTS FROM HERE.

Before I can speak, blood seeps from my body, briefly touches on my cloak, then gallons are shed from my vestments to independently pool into a new shape.

In instants filled with fluidic alteration, I find a maid made of blood before me, her body moving in an imitation of a curtsey as she bows her head.

The would-be heir of the esteemed family is finally aware of me. It is an honor to finally be noticed, oh master of mine. Perhaps master has a name to cavalierly refer to me by?

Phohn whispers in my ear as a laughing Oz departs with Figment.

Bang wishes to know how much longer he should keep the brigade out practicing






What should I say or do?
How do I react to my new Blood Maid, and what should I call her?
What is my response to Bang's query?
>>
No. 265970 ID: a69afd

What was your wife's name? Don't give me that Harksburton crap about not lingering on the past- Figment just crafted a female personality for your blood, you want to know why he didn't ask for a favor? You already had the memory of the perfect companion in your psyche for him to use. Honor her by allowing that memory to fight at your side, guiding your blows and healing your wounds. Now bump fists with her and tell bang you'll be there in a minute.
>>
No. 265971 ID: 5138e8

What should I say or do?
Thank Figment and tell him that if he needs something we can do it for him without a payment being needed.

How do I react to my new Blood Maid, and what should I call her?
I like the name Anna

What is my response to Bang's query?
Give them the rest of the day off just because they got out of sparring with the War hounds
>>
No. 265972 ID: 5138e8

>>265970
I like this
>>
No. 265980 ID: d3dfb8

>>265970
D'awwwww
>>
No. 265983 ID: 6dd58d

Liking the name of Elhaym myself.
>>
No. 265990 ID: 263430

Call her Mary. Blood Maid Mary. (C'mon, it'll be awesome.)
>>
No. 266087 ID: d4f98d

>>265983
I'm quite partial to both ideas. Elhaym just sounds nice.
>>
No. 266103 ID: f55e3b

I rather Ellena.
It means 'man's Defender'(among other things).
>>
No. 266110 ID: 46c430

Hey, guys? It's kinda LoD we're in right now, so why don't we kinda hide ms. blood maid, whatever we call her? What with the taboo against blood magic.
>>
No. 266113 ID: 21e57a

>>266110
I soundly agree with this, it is not in a Harksburton's way to flout his disregard for his location, especially if it is his teacher's land, young Keddic! Politely ask the maid of the Harksburton Blood to return to your bodies, and communicate with her internally - see if she can read your thoughts.

>>265970
This is quite romantic, Young Keddic, but be a gentleman first. Ask this find woman her name first, is is not our slave after all, haha! If she has no name, I'm sure you'll think of something.

>>265971
Whatwhatwhat? Good graces man, letting these ragegluts rest? NEVER! Have Bang beat them until he feels tired, and then order them to fight until they pass out. It is not the Harksburton Way to suffer weakness!

>What should I say or do?

First, we must address the Maid of Our Blood. Bow to her, as any gentleman should. “Forgive me, miss.” Kiss her hand and rise. “If I had known my blood would be so lovely, I would have searched for you sooner. And a name? I have only ever called you ‘Ally’, ‘Friend’, and ‘Lifeblood of my heart’ Forgive me, I never,” Sigh, hanging your great head. “I am not accustomed to the naming of such lovely maidens. Would you give me a moment to speak to these gentlemen before we speak? And…perhaps internally, I don’t think the rest of these lands would react as kindly.”

Turn to Oz, and bow

“How does my style suit you, Oz?”

And last, to Figment, bowing deeply.

“Thank you, story watcher. I hope my story grows with this montage.”

>How do I react to my new Blood Maid, and what should I call her?

Yes, as I said, ask her if she has a name herself. And do impress upon her that digression is our watch word for now.
>>
No. 266114 ID: a76809

>>265970
>>265972
>>265980
>>265983
>>266087
>>266103
".... Do you not have a name of your own? I would not wish to simply festoon you with a name when you already have one."
Courtesy from a Harksburton, I am agog in shock. I had a name once, but those that gave it are dead, and the title shackles me no longer. Surely master will not just refer to me as 'You' or 'Blood' or some such.
"..I.... have a name for you. Ellenaym."
The name that once belonged to master's wife?
"How-"
Did master not recall that I am part of his blood? The Harksburton secrets are my secrets. ...Ellenaym? Yes, I shall accept this name.

A moment passes where I stare at the startlingly eccentric coalescence of sapient blood as it continues to appraise me, offering no comments of its own. I take this moment of silence as opportunity to use Phohn to reply to Bang. I inform him that he can give the rest of the night off to the brigade, and to bring them back to get some rest when appropriate. I hardly even note his response as Ellanaym speaks. Unlike prior words offered by her, with her entire liquid form vibrating like one massive speaker to form the words, the blood in my eardrums throbs and surges, a private whisper meant only for me.

What is this thing master speaks to? Where is the elsewhere master's thoughts travel to?
"Just communicating with Bang, he-"
Bang?
"Little guy, loves fighting a bit too much, doesn't really get the concept of self preservation since he's practically immortal thanks to his special brand of Curatiomancy."
Oh? When did master meet such an individual?
"Oh, several months ago, the specific date eludes me."
But you were already-no, this is a different place.
"Hm?"
Can not a lady have her secrets?

I say nothing as I hear a familiar whistling sound keening in the crisp night air, seconds before the ground before me craters, Bang rising from his tremendous landing to shoot me a happy grin.

>[Bang]"Torruga got shown up as I have having them do squat-jumps to cross a river. That Goggalor's got some mad jumping skills-okay, and who is this?"
Is this the one you titled Bang?
"Bang, meet Ellenaym, Ellenaym, Bang."
>[Bang]"Putting my money on a Figment visit."
"Correct. So, where is the squad?"
>[Bang]"Mahklargg is bringing them back, should be here in five minutes."
"Alright. Planning to start tomorrow's training five minutes before the earliest riser, think we can swing that?"
>[Bang]"Sure. I've gotten a handle on the bioelectric sensing, I can tell if someone's awake or not. I'll make sure to wake you... do I need to wake Ellenaym too?"
The bag of meat and bone makes an unnecessary offer. I do not sleep.
>[Bang]"Alright then. Welp I'm gonna get some shuteye, queing up my body to wake me once the appropriate electrical signals are noted. Do you know yet how you want to wake them?"
"Not currently. I am sure we can come up with something."
>[Bang]"Okay. Night."

Without further comment or question, Bang marches into the 17th's domocile, while I wait with Ellenaym for the Ragegluts to arrive. Four minutes, fifty seconds later Torruga and Goggalor both arrive panting and barely pay attention to me, stumbling through the doors to collapse on their massive cots. Over the next minute the rest of the Ragegluts arrive, with Mahklargg taking up the rear. Only a few even seem alert enough to notice my new companion, but those who do offer no comment before collapsing into sleep. Once everyone else has entered the massive hall to slumber, Ellenaym speaks to me again.

These... Ragegluts. I feel the power of Blood in them... what are they?
"Anti-dragon and anti-Puppeteer life golems exclusive to this nation, that being the Land of Dragons."
Puppeteer?
"Local term for Arcane Blood magic practitioners that manipulate both corpses and the living."
A fascinating method of using Sanguine. That specialized Life Golems were made speaks to their strength.
"Which is why I am pursuing knowledge of the craft."
Surely my esteemed master knows best.

After a quiet minute where little else occurs, I make my own way into the building, looking to find some sleep before I begin it all again tomorrow.
>>266110
>>266113
But firstly, I discreetly explain to Ellenaym the views about Blood magic here, and my reservations about her constant presence, so far as public reaction goes. She offers no response, instead simply returning the blood she constructed herself out of to my clothes and my veins. Two minutes later, I am asleep.

[DAY 159: DAY 9 OF WEEK 1 OF MONTH 5:]
[Rathday of the First Cycle of Libiturnius (Summer)]


Bang wakes me two hours before dawn, quietly noting that Joker seems to be stirring. Bang and I are both in the rafters, having set up our cots up here the day we moved in, with Mahklargg standing by the door, awaiting instruction from us. ...Another day or training... with an afternoon appointment to meet with Dowsan, and discuss the nature of Puppetry.



What should I say or do?
How should I begin today's training, and what should we do before breakfast?
What should be training's focus between breakfast and lunch?
What should I have the Brigade do after lunch while I meet with Dowsan?
>>
No. 266116 ID: f55e3b

Right right.

As I was saying before, a warrior trains both mind and body.

First ask if they know how to read.
If not, teach them or get someone to.
If yes, SEND THEM TO THE LIBRARY!!!

Assign them a list of books to get done by the end of the month.
At the end they must write summaries on the books.

Also, all of them are required to take up a hobby and begin a project. At the end of the month they are required to do a presentation on their hobby and their project.

or somn like that.
>>
No. 266117 ID: 35bba5

>>266116
...that sounds a lot like grade school. Why do they need a hobby?
>>
No. 266120 ID: f55e3b

>>266117
Having a hobby can be beneficial for many reasons.
-it enhances your sense of self and self worth
-helps one to build focus
-helps to blow off steam

People seem to forget that rest and relaxation is just as important as work. If you continue to work non stop, you will become tired, frustrated and bored among other things. All this does is lower efficiency/effectiveness in the working environment.
By not only breaking monotony but doing something you enjoy, you revitalize yourself and keep yourself healthy and working optimally.

That is what 'Human resources management' is all about.

What I am doing is trying to train both the mind and body of these soldiers without turning them into robots, that way they can grow further and become legends in their own rights, even if we end up going our separate ways.

For someone who is a born warrior (like Torruga) fighting might be his hobby, but others might enjoy painting, poetry, reading or music, all very important things in society.

sorry bout the wall.
>>
No. 266124 ID: bdd665

>>266117
lots of useful shit in books, and as the Land of Dragons is sort based on china then that means half the books will be filled with 1000+ years worth of disturbingly creative ways to kill people that most warriors have forgotten about.
>>
No. 266139 ID: d4f98d

>>266114
We need to look at this reasonably, but most of all, RESPONSIBLY.

We know how to counter the Ragegluts resistance to blood magic via our own methods, correct? We need to understand that, whatever else we did, it is ALWAYS possible that we have given another blood magic user a way to bypass their specialty.

As such...whatever we gained, we must work to repair it, as well. Whatever we know, and whatever we are taught by Dowsan, MUST be used to help the ragegluts become more efficient in their task. We need to train them to work around a blood-based foe that can possibly bypass their passive resistances, perhaps by training them in an ACTIVE resistance to intrusion.

It's our Duty. Whatever results come from this bargain, we will make DAMN SURE that they are ready and capable of facing it, as they are expected to.
>>
No. 266177 ID: b6269e

Personally I liked the proposition to bring them to Chaining Calamity school so that they can learn a bit from on of the best ragegluts.
>>
No. 266193 ID: a76809
File 129314293175.jpg - (474.00KB , 800x600 , Waltora Strange Happening At the Jade Soul Temple.jpg )
266193

>>266116
>>266124
>>266139
>>266177
I come up with a simple plan: A field trip to Waltora to the northwest.

Starting now.

Bang and I drop from the rafters, Mahklargg only beginning his morning greeting with us midway down, yet despite the shortened time Torruga is not alone in reacting swiftly. While Bang sets into his now second-nature morning brawl with Torruga, I note Goggalor springing awake swiftly, along with Nortel and Rhoptayr. Many move to defend themselves, their compatriots rousing as I land, and look confused when I motion towards the doors.

"Alright, let's go, have a trip planned."
>[Goggalor]"UH.... TO WHERE?"
"Waltora. You all are going to meet Korgotyo the Chained, a veteran Rageglut warrior, for some specialized training."
>[Nortel]"Isn't that... several days away?"
"We're not bringing any food with us, so I guess that depends on you all."

As my words sink into the recently awoken brains, I turn and dash out the doors. No more than a second passes before I hear a rumble of pounding feet, Metal Skulls dashing after me. Of the twenty, I note Torruga to be one of nine that remembered to bring with them their gauntlets and helm. I shall have to chastise the forgetful later. For now, all that matters in the pre-dawn gloom is that I keep moving, keeping the pace brisk. I maintain a movement speed of some thirty miles per hour, noting all the Ragegluts keeping pace... and slowly accelerate.

It is mid-day before I find the pace the Metal Skulls can sustain for a long duration, irking every last bit of effort I can from their forms. At our pace of just below forty miles an hour we make excellent headway, and several hours after darkness has swept across the sky we approach the familiar gates of the Tyotworro aligned city. No one challenges us, recognizing the imperial garb we wear, and I set to making a beeline towards the Chaining Calamity school, hoping to catch the largely nocturnal Korgotyo awake and still present. As I approach, something else draws my eye.

A building surrounded by trees bearing wildly shaded leaves and petals glows with unnatural light, the dusky sky brightening around the structure. With the lighting so irregular, I am able to make out the name on the building's sign.... a Jade Soul school, one of Hui's many branches throughout the land. ...What could be going on there, to create such irregular lighting?





What should I do?
Should I continue on to the Chaining Calamity school in search of Korgotyo, or should I investigate the Jade Soul school?
Should I seek a mid-night training session for the squad, or should I give them a chance to rest after running for some fifteen hours?
>>
No. 266210 ID: 46c430

CHECK DAT SHIT OUT MAN

Try to be at least a little stealthy, though, maybe you and Bang go in first, then call for rageglut reinforcements if you need to.
>>
No. 266211 ID: b6269e

Lets check out the strange lights!
Tell Bang to go to the school with the Ragegluts (or maybe he wants to check out the lights too?)
Give Ragegluts a littile bit rest before they start practicing, like, 15 minutes, 30 max.
>>
No. 266212 ID: f6360f

>What should I have the Brigade do after lunch while I meet with Dowsan?

>Hey, let's change cities!

I think we missed our appointment. That was probably not good.
>>
No. 266213 ID: b6269e

Hey, Bob, I wanted to ask.
When we first started the Deep Spawn Iron Blood harvesting, you said that we will get 1 pound a day and the desired amount will be reached from day 179-189
At that time we had 10 Spawns
Now we have 15 if I'm not mistaken and Nidhogg has grown bigger.
How long till we reach the desired amount?
>>
No. 266214 ID: f55e3b

like moths to the flame eh.....

There might not be anything going on there.

I suggest moving on and maybe alerting dompaggio about it, maybe he and budurko can take a look.
If not, then you can split up and hope bigK can take bangs word for it.
>>
No. 266216 ID: b6269e

>>266212
To my defence, I was under assumption that we would go to here after we talked with him.
Keddic will probably be able to come back in just an hour at his top speed.
And talking during the night is probably more preferred.
>>
No. 266217 ID: bdd665

>>266216
I was under the impression we would do some book learning, meet Dowsan, more book learning and then the field trip
>>
No. 266222 ID: a76809

>>266210
>>266211
>>266214
I have the brigade come to a halt, Mahklargg staying with the heavily panting squad as Bang and I leap away towards the Jade Soul school. We slowto a more natural pace as we approach the gates, noting the school walled, well-lit and fully staffed with guards, all nearly identically tatooed, shaven headed and garbed. ...Jade Soul Monks, the famous face of the Jade School style. Yes, Waltora holds a considerable population, but the school here is not so prestigious-this is a far heavier population than I'd normally see here. That tears it, something strange indeed is going on here.

As Bang and I approach the gates, a pair of monks, so similar that only an inch of height difference marks a distinction between the two, step forth to bar our passage. They speak in unison, their voices slow and carefully measured.

>[Monks]"At this time no visitors are allowed, with no exceptions being made."

The dialect comes off archaic, too antiquated for common use, but is delivered with emotionless promise-unless Bang and I have some brilliant scheme to sneak in, the only way to get in would be by fighting-and I am leery of warriors so versed in combat magic that directly manipulates the soul.

>>266212
>>266216
>>266217
I recall my agreement to meet with Dowsan-in my impulsive rush to make an interesting day or training, I forgot all about my prior engagement. ...A means of recovering the situation occurs to me, and I internally call out to Mordre's creation, Phohn, and bid him to convey a single message to Dowsan, and to not respond to any attempt by Dowsan to assert communication. The goal I hope to meet is creating the impression of a one-way mental burst sent, rather than any comprehensive system. I go with something largely related to the truth, and keep my message concise. 'I found evidence exonerating my Master in Martial Craft, and made excuse to bring my troop elsewhere. I apologize about the late notice, was only way I could send a message, had to move fast. Will inform when return imminent.' My plot hatched and enacted in five seconds, I note the guards still vigilantly surveying us, and watching their surroundings, never letting their attention narrow.



What should I say or do?
Do I have a plan to sneak onto a compound with well-lit, fifteen foot high walls and a comprehensive guard staff that offers no breaks in their perimeter? [SNEAK ATTEMPTS REQUIRE A 1D20 ROLL]
Or do I think it worthwhile to break in forcefully, considering that Hui is looking to be connected to The Lined One's bounty and trumped up charges?
Or should I return to the brigade, and move on to the Chaining Calamity School?
>Or perhaps I should seek out another school-many would derive great honor from having an entire Giant Brigade learning there, and in such a dense city I am sure I could find nearly any general fighting concept made manifest.
>>
No. 266235 ID: b6269e

I'm sure we will get no answer from the soulless monks.

First, lets contact Dompaggio and see if he knows anything of this.
Then ask around the town. Maybe go to the local policeforce headquarters or city administration building and ask there what the deal is with Jades school.

Then, maybe, go to Chaining Calamity and speak with the Legendary Rageglut (the name eludes me) there, he might know whats up.

And only after that try to sneak in (though I advise against it, it might impede our investigation. On the other hand, this might to do with out investigation)
>>
No. 266239 ID: b6269e

Hey,
we could use our sentient blood, no?

I have an idea for sneaking in.

We could ask her to sneak inside the walls. Have her become very thin strip of blood which crawls on the ground. She'll find a crack in the wall and go through it. After wards have her find a secluded place and then use our bodyswitching technique to take her place.
>>
No. 266264 ID: 571373

rolled 8 = 8

>>266239
Rolling for your not rolling for your plan
>>
No. 266269 ID: a76809

rolled 15 = 15

>>266264
[8+-]
>>266235
I contact Dompaggio, to have Phohn return with an interesting reply to my query.

Dompaggio reports tasting a vital secret in your direction to the case he was given, but is too distant to say anything more

..Hm.

>>266239
A plan occurs to me as I make another snap-decision. I put my hand on Bang's shoulder, and we walk away, turning a few corners before I speak.

"Ellenaym, would you mind coming out?"
I would never have reason to ignore master's wishes.

Bang quirks and eyebrow so fiercely I see it through his mask as my cloak and toga are drained, my new symbiote taking independent form without draining my body.

"Ellanaym, I ask that you mold yourself to the ground and its contours, and find means to discretely get within the Jade Soul School, and find a secluded place to reform yourself. I will swap places with you, and after you again breach the perimeter, both of us will have entered undetected."
Your plan seems beyond logical, yet why ask me? As my master you are entitled to order me.
>[Bang]"What about me? I mean, I can do a thing inspired by little squid things, rapid color change and whatnot... but what about the Forever Rising? What about the Red Eye of the Dynamo?"
"You will hand both to me, I shall return them to you on the inside. This will allow you to completely control your chromatic texture, and achieve optimal camouflage. Going undetected you will not need your magic battery."
>[Bang]"....Don't really like doffing either, but I'm way to interested-please take her, she's being ridiculous."

Bang doffs his mask and scarf, handing both to me as he performs a Chaos Osmosis, shredding his uniform-

And blending in with his surroundings perfectly as he manipulates his pigmentation and texturing. If he moves fast enough....


I wait as Ellenaym dissolves to the ground, departing along a myriad of cracks, slithering her way underfoot without drawing attention. Ten minutes pass with no alarm being sounded, before I feel my eardrums throbbing with her voice.

I have reformed at a safe point.

I assess her position and its relative distance to me-she's ninety seven feet away, still in range. With a blur of sensory distortion I find myself inside a supply closet, a few cobwebs denoting an isolated status, light nevertheless pouring in from the hallway.

Master's colleague inquired as to my prior location, and it was decided he should be informed. He departed just now, and should be approaching the window. Perhaps master would wish to open it for him prior to his arrival, in case he does not have time to slow down?

I'm moving before her words finish echoing in my ears, throwing open the window just in time to leap aside from what looks like a blur in the air. Bang lands with a thud that elicits no detected response, shifting back into visibility as I hand him his scarf and mask while we appraise our surroundings.

We seem to have arrived in a supply room stocked with, happily enough, assorted uniforms, sashes, tunics and robes, all manner of Jade Soul attire. ...The course to take seems obvious.

By the time Ellenaym makes her way us, backtracking her earlier path, she finds us looking markedly different. Bang forcibly shed his hair, and return scarf and mask to me, dressing as a Jade Soul Monk. I know I have seen Desparden immigrants attending Jade Soul schools several times before, as the school is rather progressive in who it will teach. With my size and coloration, I resort to wearing what appear to be training robes, a few simple protective runes stitched here and there. Part of the ensemble is a hood and face wrap, obscuring all but my eyes which I hide deep in my hood. I stuffed my old garments in an equipment backpack, a solid wooden design that I have left the lid open to.

...Your plan is understood, and I shall store myself on hand within master's cloak and toga. May the esteemed master's completely flawless plan come to fruition.

Bang and I look at each other as we step to the door. We share a brief nod as we open the door, letting that strange light fall upon us, stepping into the hallway to find-









[Roll a 1d20. Submit as many rolls as you want. Rules are as follows. High rolls are good, low rolls bad. So rolling more in an attempt to bring the score average up is perfectly acceptable. HOWEVER, whatever I roll with my OWN 1d20 becomes THE NUMBER OF DOOM. Attempt to avoid rolling the same number.]
>>
No. 266270 ID: 6dd58d

rolled 11 = 11

Rollan
>>
No. 266271 ID: b6269e

Oh, man I'm afraid to roll.
1/20 chance for doom roll.
PLUS all the risk of rolling low.

We should have made precautions of trying to camuflage our faces (Bang by using his Chaos cell to make a different face, Keddic could try to make a darker pigmentation) So that if we are find out and manage to escape, they will not be able to recognize us by faces later on.
>>
No. 266272 ID: bdd665

Idea: We can jump high and peek over the wall without tresspassing. this wont reveal too much but it should let us figure out what that strange light is.
>>
No. 266276 ID: 69bee4

rolled 18, 1 = 19

Attempt while moving around to follow Bang for the most part, ask if his nifty electricity sensing (through Phohn, you need to be quiet while not getting detected), can help find the source of the action.
>>
No. 266283 ID: 6dd58d

rolled 2, 11, 13, 18, 10, 8, 3, 9, 10, 10, 9, 6, 15, 15, 12, 15, 17, 11, 12, 14 = 220

>>
No. 266285 ID: 46c430

rolled 5, 4, 16, 10, 16, 19, 13, 17, 2, 3, 5, 12, 16, 3, 15, 6, 6, 17, 8, 13 = 206

DOUBLE OR NOTHING
>>
No. 266286 ID: 6dd58d

Hilarity ensuing in 3...2...
>>
No. 266293 ID: b6269e

you people are clearly insane
>>
No. 266294 ID: 445c48

>>266283
oh christ
>>
No. 266296 ID: b6269e

Fun-fact: if Bob rolled 7 or 20 we would have been in the clear.
>>
No. 266301 ID: a76809
File 129315637753.jpg - (313.64KB , 900x1300 , Land Of Dragons Hui Of the Jade Soul.jpg )
266301

>>266270
[11]

No one's outside of the door, and we're afforded a moment to acclimatize the the irregular light, thicker, almost tangible in comparison to natural light.

>>266276
[18]

I look up and down the hall, noting both paths leading to branching intersections, the sounds of movement coming from both directions. I nod towards the direction the light seems strongest from, certain it must be related to what Dompaggio felt.

[1]
We round a corner into a Jade Soul Acolyte.

>>266283
>>266285
[Double or nothing substitution, 3 15 substitute to 1, two thirds calamity rate achieved]
[5]

The Jade Soul Acolyte rebounds, having collided with my larger form. We turned the corner too sharply to avoid him.

[4]

The acolyte looks at us in confusion, questions springing to his lips.

[16]
I speak first, hoping to prompt him into motion.

"Don't they need you?"

His pupils dilate, eye's widen-I was right, his own rush was of import. He pushes past us and begins rushing down the hall once more, already forgetting us.

[10]

Without anything else presenting itself, following the acolyte becomes our main priority, assuming his haste indicates some importance of task.

[16]
Two turns later I confirm it-he's leading us closer to the light. I was right.

[19]

We round a corner to see-I have trouble describing it. Scores upon scores of students seated sedately on the floor, eyes lidded in meditation. They are arrayed around an indoor garden, shoots crowded around a clear pond, many fish gracing its waters in a myriad of colors. In the middle of this pond, an old man in white robes stands-

Atop a single reed jutting from the water, a sense of Threat so vast about him I squint.

[13]

Thinking ahead, I put out an arm to Bang, stopping our motion as we take up a distant position viewing what transpires.

[17]

I begin to put things together, as I feel the sense of Threat about each of the meditating figures merging, becoming one great mass under the old one-who I must assume is Hui himself, feeling every bit as potent as Oz.

[2]

>[??]"What are you doing here?"

[3]

I whirl about, but not before Bang has leapt forward, unleashing a slap so vicious the man is knocked out cold before I can react, a smug smile on his face.

The sound has drawn another two faces, from separate doorframes.

[5]

Bang leaps into motion with a reaction speed I cannot match, felling the first before anyone even reacts to his frenzied motion. He strikes down the second with the very same clothesline that dropped the prior. ...Still noisy.

[12]

Thankfully, no one seems to have noted the second set of sounds, and no further faces are seen.

[16]

We resume observing the main room, Bang and I both simply compiling as much information as possible. I hear a message from Phohn slither into my mind, courtesy of Bang.

Bang believes Mortal Hui to be in some manner absorbing parts of his students souls while he homogenizes them.

...A rather taboo act, for a Master to feed on his students-

[3]

Something feels off, what-

[15 DOOM]

Hui is looking at us. As one, every student likewise turns to face us.

[6]

Bang and I turn to flee, and hear those dreadful words.

>[Hui]"INTRUDERS!!"
[6]

After nearly stumbling over the first Jade Soul acolyte struck down by Bang we continue onward, building speed.

[17]

I hear a thud as objects of mass collide, and Bang grins.

>[Bang]"I threw up an air wall, now let's book it!"

We both accelerate, dashing hundreds of feet in seconds, racing down the halls, away from the light.

[8]

With light beginning to fade and my eyes not adjusting swiftly enough, I nearly run into a Jade Soul monk, but again in that instant while he is preoccupied registering our presence and approach velocity, Bang has already put a fist solidly in his face, teeth breaking nose crumpling and body going limp as Bang's hand snaps open to grasp his face and carry the body to the ground as quietly as he can without ever slowing. Unfortunately his punch was as loud as a gunshot.

[13]

Our luck seems to hold for the moment-

Until I realize I have yet to even find an exit, and I hear the sounds of shouts behind me, with pounding feet sounding to my left, no sounds in front of me or to my right.


Where do I go from here, forward, backward, left or right?
Do I have any sort of plan on how to escape with the reaction our discovery is likely going to have over the next few seconds and minutes?
>>
No. 266304 ID: 6dd58d

Well, there's always the option of having Bang make new doors to make the most direct exit route possible.
>>
No. 266309 ID: d3dfb8

>>266304
I was about to say you could just make an exit.
>>
No. 266311 ID: a76809

>>266304
>>266309
Bang is out of juice so Keddic would have to do it. A Blood magic user. Proceed?]
>>
No. 266312 ID: 571373

>>266311
So long as he isn't "DANCE PUPPETS DANCE" I think we'll be fine. They just need to outrun the threat the enemy poses, and they'll be fine.
>>
No. 266313 ID: 46c430

>>266312
Blood magic users arn't exactly common, pretty damn sure Keddic would get fingered for it. Not suggesting this course of action.
>>
No. 266314 ID: bdd665

>>266301
the shortest path is a straight line, use small hard to notice blades of blood to hack a path. If we make a few very neat cuts replace our "door" in a attempt to hide our passage
>>
No. 266323 ID: 903f16

>>266301
Keddic, you now know the reason why the Lined One was falsely charged. He learned of what Hui is doing here. Hui didn't want the word to get out so he had those charges placed against him so no one would believe your master. You must succeed where your master has failed and bring Hui to justice. This information needs to be passed to Lubu, along with the information he probably has a new enemy. Do not use your Blood magic unless you absolutely need to, he will attempt to stick you with charges of Blood Puppeteering.
>>
No. 266327 ID: 46c430

>>266323
Well, we -might- be able to use internal blood magic, like SKP, and they won't be able to see it, but I guess there is the risk they'd see you doing it anyway... Hrm.

Which direction did you come from, right, left, or forward? If it's not towards the sounds of approaching people, head back towards the storage room. If said storage room -is- to the left, right might well head further into the school, so forward might be the best idea, with the plan of taking the next left turn.
>>
No. 266342 ID: 46c430

Oh, also: Dig big-ass gun out of the wooden backpack. You basically have unlimited shots for it since the chain reels the bullet back in, and it wouldn't give any clue to who you are since you having it isn't public knowledge, so feel free to be liberal with it. Hell, maybe you can even make an exit door with it!
>>
No. 266343 ID: a69afd

>>266301
First, Phohn up Mahklargg- tell him to round up the ragegluts and haul ass to the Waltora estate NOW. Second, status report on Ellenaym- has anyone sensed her/has she sensed any activity near the storage room?

Also I hate to break it to ya Keddic, but... You cannot leave this place just yet, although Hui and his mealsstudents don't directly realize who you are, it isn't hard to guess considering you are the same student of the lined one they chased out years prior to this and you've been making a name for yourself on the return trip. You need to find some hard evidence to incriminate Hui, not just for what his part was in slandering your master's name- I mean SHIT man, if this is what Hui has is store for all his students, you have to stop him. If Bagrom didn't have the good sense to find Oz, he'd be one of those poor souls giving their lives away to this maniac.
>>
No. 266344 ID: 445c48

Give bang his stuff back, your cover's blown.
>>
No. 266348 ID: 46c430

For Bang: I recall he can turn energy into mass, and he can also turn mass into energy. It might be tipping your hand a bit, but if you need to, he might be able to convert part of his body into energy for magic.
>>
No. 266356 ID: a76809

>>266304
>>266309
"Bang, can you-"
>[Bang]"Out of juice, too risky to use scarf here, too iconic."

>>266348
"Can't you convert mass to energy?"
>[Bang]"-I get it."

Bang's fist rockets forth, and on impacting the wall demolishes the whole section, the wood 'healed' into falling apart in one massive lump. The light we are surrounded with spills back out into the comparatively darker night-

Before any of the pursuing guards can catch us, we leap out the-

[DOOM]

>"Where are you going?

Hui stands outside, lidded eyes regarding our abruptly halting forms, barring out exit from his school grounds.

>>266342
I dig my pistol out of my backpack, hoping the weapon I've yet to use in these lands can safely be employed without leading to suspicion on me. That said....

Hui, who Oz seemed to think was a peer in the realm of martial prowess, stands before us, Bang deprived of Mask and Scarf, myself swordless, my blood stored in a wooden backpack, clutching naught but a pistol. The school as a whole by the second slowly starts to constrict about us, and in a minute I imagine dozens of Jade Soul Monks will be on scene.

Hui is standing ten feet before us, making no further move, no stance being observed-but Threat radiating from his every pore, cold eyes glued on us.




What should I say or do?
Should I return to Bang his vestments and use my own talents, knowing it will make identifying us laughably easy?
Or should we still attempt flight whilst disguised to avoid repercussion?
>>
No. 266361 ID: 46c430

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Uh. Uh. Uh. Teleport you and Bang the fuck out of here? If we need more power, stick our hand in our backpack (HOPEFULLY he won't be able to tell what we're doing since it's out of sight), then burn white blood to power teleport? Jeese, I have no bloody idea, this is BAD.
>>
No. 266363 ID: 46c430

Wait. Wait. He's a living legend. Living legends can't attack first. ...Alright, here's the plan: We ignore him and try to run despite him. If he stays within the law, we might be able get away regardless and evade his students. If he doesn't, then we can pull out our iconic gear and hopefully get away, and he can't finger us for running into his school, because we can finger him back for attacking first. How does that sound?
>>
No. 266365 ID: 6dd58d

Right then, if you can tele-swap places with inanimate matter besides your sword, fire your gun up through the ceiling. Once the super-bullet is outside and in the air, snag Bang and yoink him along (if it can be done) while you exchange positions with the bullet. It'll reel itself back in anyway, and it'll carry you both outside so you can do the blood-wings thing and glide out of danger.
>>
No. 266366 ID: 69bee4

Alright, so we have an order of operations that needs to be done:

contact Phohn, we need Burduko to get Rutgur immediately, and teleport to Chaining Calamity school toward the present location. Upon their arrival, extraction plan is to get into Rutgar, and Burduko to get you back to Calamity as soon as you are safe from death via teleportation.

In the meantime, you need to explain yourself and stall for time. STALL LIKE THE WIND!

"Living Legend Hui! I am a soldier of the north, and this is my friend from the Deserts, and we have come to face against a style we encountered while traveling months ago. See, my friend and I encountered your school through a skirmish a dear friend of ours happened upon while fighting on the side of a Dragon, hearing upon the prowess your soldiers held, we have sought much in hopes of learning of this mysterious style that our friend told of such prowess. The mysterious happenings led us here, and so we decided it must be a sign! I know the laws of the land that that I am allowed to attack you on sight honorable Hui, but seeing so many students in the area and your reaction freaked me out. So you stand now, the legend, facing down the sight of two students who have braved half a continent. My friend also, a man who comes from the deserts, who hardly knows even the language, also wishes the same, for as a young lad, he decided that he was going to learn a totally unique style...(insert story of Bang). So now! I wish to ask you, if you would be willing to duel me, so I may attempt the status of Living Legend myself!"

(tries to avoid lies, and be really wordy)
>>
No. 266373 ID: 263430

I'm torn. This is a unique chance for Keddic to avenge his master, and for Ellenaym to prove herself. (And Bang gets to fight, too. Pretty sure he won't mind that.) On the other hand, well, they'd all die horribly in the attempt. It would be a pretty great battle though.
Hmm.
>>
No. 266375 ID: 46c430

>>266365
Uh. Challenging him seems like a bad idea, as that would give him free rein to lawfully attack us (Though, he might not care about the law right here anyway, but let's try for him not). Maybe say we were spying on him for our 'great master' to learn his techniques and power, so that our master could challenge him later. We snuck into a storage room with uniforms, disguised ourselves, snooped aimlessly around, stumbled upon him doing group meditation with his students before we could find anything useful, and here we are.

Also:
>>266366
NO DETAILS OF WHO WE ARE. Bloody hell. PARTICULARLY not the 'Include story of bang' thing, since he's unique. Every detail we give just makes us more and more able to be identified.
>>
No. 266382 ID: 2b7df1

Okay kids, epic escape plan via misdirection, but it has some holes which need filling.

Somehow, [ideas here] Ellenaym gets out of our backpack and outside the wall undetected. Distractions are unreliable, stealth is preferable, but anything functional will work.

Once she is in position, say something dramatic and fatalistic sounding, like "I am sorry, we have failed" or something. Tell Bang to store as much energy as he can from consuming his own internal organs. He won't need them in a moment, because you are going to dramatically tear his head off and throw it over the wall in one swift motion, obviously killing him with a flourish. You will then reach skyward, yell something, could be anything. Maybe like 'Take me Jeebus' in Common, it just has to be dramatic and preferably unintelligible. Then appear to explode in a shower of blood, as you trade places with Ellenaym, who ceases to take shape. [and here again, a subtle exit for her, like a tiny tunnel through the ground maybe? Can Bang make burrowing tendrils or something?]

Meanwhile, find Bang's still living head, return his scarf and let him regrow his body like nothing happened, because he does that kinda shit. Escape with no chase, because the criminals appear to be dead.

Revisions and modifications welcome here.
>>
No. 266385 ID: c00244

>>266356
If we decide to attempt to flee, make sure that we've ordered the Ragegluts (via Phohn, I suppose) to leave. It'll be an obvious giveaway of who we are if they're still waiting around. We can hook up with them later.
>>
No. 266401 ID: d4f98d

>>266363

I would remind you, Hui was the one who leveled claims of murder of his student, falsely, against the Lined One. Perhaps Hui was the guilty one?

It is entirely possible that he will NOT adhere to any such restriction, and we should not bank on it.
>>
No. 266405 ID: 811627

>Where are you going?
Home obviously.

Say this as matter-o'-factly as possible, as if it was not only the obvious answer but the only possible answer for this situation.

Just in case that does not work.
Create the anti-magic gauntlets but keep them hidden in the sleeves (i.e. adopt sleeve in sleeve stance)

FIGHT HIM WITH THE SKILL OF YOUR MASTER!

THE WINDING WAY
As he strikes, channel the energy through your body, down your arm, to your stomach, up the other arm.

THE WINDING PATH
Channel the energy through your other arm into your opponent, effectively making him hit himself.

I suppose that if you were as skilled as the line done you could do this without the use of your hands, maybe even without moving.
>>
No. 266406 ID: 811627

>>266405
Also prepare to switch places with his students in case this is a horrible idea, I think it will work though.

Maybe not against Hui but...
>>
No. 266407 ID: 445c48

"We're just leaving, wrong building, our bad"
>>
No. 266409 ID: 34ca96

fighting him is out of question. We simply can't best him.

What we can do is sever him power source, mainly his students. I don't mean killing them ofcourse, that would be impossible. Rather, I am sure that none of the students find it great that their master is controlling their body, mind and souls.
Remember, when we used our blood powers to stabilize Ozs student after the tournament? I am sure we can apply the same thing here.
I mean, we could try to increase the protective systems of the students by inserting a part of our blood into them and having it fight Huis influence.
We might need to get a sample of Huis blood though, which will be hard.

Also, consider calling Burduko for help. He has been in this town so he will travel fast here. When hes here, we can call upon other Deep Spawn if need be.
He can also teleport Bang and Blood Maiden.
>>
No. 266410 ID: a69afd

>>266356
I have a plan! Put the gun back into the pack and have Ellenaym re-enter your bloodstream. Activate SKP and grind time to a halt while you work. Turn around and start systematically punching all the students with anti-magic runes, collect as much white blood from each individual as you can and tell Ellenaym to passively analyse the cells. There is a reason for all this- Hui is using his students to boost his power yes? If you build an immunity to each individual he has drawn power from and disable their ability to use combat magic, you've effectively crippled him. Unfortunately, this only brings him down to the level he was before absorbing his students soul fragments. It isn't much, but at least you won't have to deal with someone stronger than Oz.
>>
No. 266421 ID: d4f98d

KILLING PEOPLE AND ATTACKING FIRST ARE NOT GOOD IDEAS.

Just FYI, considering if by chance he DOES adhere to the restrictions, we are TECHNICALLY trespassing, whatever we may have caught Hui doing. He also may not know what we know of what he was doing. Not many would be able to discern such.

So for god's sake, don't fucking attack first.
>>
No. 266423 ID: d4f98d

Keddic, I want every last bit of information you, the Lined One, and Dompaggio managed to glean about Hui and the Jade Soul School from your investigations. Also, use Phohn to confer with Dompaggio, espionage and dissembling are supposed to be some of his forte's. He may be able to give you clues as to how to get out of this to supplement our own plans.
>>
No. 266437 ID: a76809

>>266365
[Gotta be something with a soul.]

>>266423
Hui

Living Legend Hui The Patient, master of the Jade Soul School, the largest and most widely spread martial school in the land of dragons, and the oldest founding member of a school to still teach, his age estimated to be between two and three hundred. I reflect on everything I, my master The Lined One, and Dompaggio have all learned of this entity in a cocoon of adrenaline.

-Hui has not once had even an accusation of breaking the laws concerning Living Legends, so it could be presumed he is either excessively good at covering things up, or that he actually abides by the standards. This could mean if we don't attack, he may not make the first move.
-Hui has, by all accounts I and Dompaggio have found, is an excellent businessman, opening up new schools every few years like clockwork, never having issues with funding.
-Oz's concerns around his brother's death, my master's framing-neither are isolated incidents around Hui. If one digs deep enough, more than a few hold seldom-voiced grudges against the master of Jade Soul.
-Hui has contracts with several dragons, providing platoons of Jade Soul Monks as capable fighters. Only two names could be found with certainty, those being Forest Dragon Okuga the Sly, Proud Dragon Gyokujo That Sees All, and Tufted Dragon Diaoji the Perceptive. To date, no such contract has been established with Lubu, or any of the dragons or legends serving him.
-To date, Hui has been challenged by martial warriors a total of one hundred thirty seven times that could be verified. Not only has he won each exchange, he has done so without taking a single injury in the process. The most recent challenge was five years ago, the oldest yet verified some seventy years ago.
-While Hui does practice the Jade Soul style and does so with seemingly impossible efficiency, consistent yet unverified rumors of him practicing another style as his 'preferred' style persist and continue to crop up. What that possible style could be, I do not know, only that it seems much less direct than Jade Soul normally is.
-Dompaggio has noted that of all the past students who no longer study at his school, seventy percent have met with ruin, financial, social or physical after their departure, another ten percent cannot be found at all, with only twenty percent not having suffered mysterious mishaps after departure.
-Beyond the suspicious of his involvement in Oz's brother's death, and my own convictions he framed my master, it has been exceedingly difficult to track down people willing to confide what injustices Hui has committed. Either he covers them exceptionally well, or is most adept at convincing people to simply stay quiet.

>>266366
>>266385
I contact Phohn, and demand Burduko's presence in the city of Waltora, in that moment between instants explaining our dilemma. Phohn immediately responds that Burduko has arrived in Waltora-and should be at the school in thirty seconds. I likewise order the Ragegluts to finish moving to the Chaining Calamity school along with Mahklargg as I process this ...Hm. I need to stall.

>>266375
>>266382
>>266405
>>266406
Perhaps I have been spending too much time around Bang, as I find myself responding a bit more.... flippantly... than I expected.

"Home, obviously."
>[Hui]"You think you are leaving?"
"No, I know we are."
>[Hui]"And what makes you believe that?"

...He's too willing to go along with this. Until I realize that as we stall, his disciples draw ever closer...

"Oh, this and that."

I send a message through Phohn to Bang, informing him of the plan I am forming. His response is jarring: He thinks it sounds like a plan HE would come up with. Nevertheless he immediately starts preparing on his end, as I take a comparatively minor risk, and contact Ellenaym through Phohn. I explain what I ask of her as well, my eardrums singing with her response.

Again the master asks but does not demand... Certainly nothing could go wrong with master's plan, so it shall be followed.

Ellenaym flows down my back and into the cracks in the floor, seeping her way across the landscape as I keep talking, keep Hui focused on me.

"Well, I misspoke. I'M going home.... my companion is not, however."
>[Hui]"You think abandoning him here would allow you to escape?"
"No I don't"

I rip Bang's head off, his now headless body collapsing to the ground with only a few spasm as I hurl his head skyward, on a high arc to bring him outside the school walls.

"I DO think that leaving his body here as an organic explosive should work fine though. Potassium, Rubidium, Cesium and water mixing? My, my."

Hui's attention is solely on me and my words, and I am finally rewarded with his eyes widening in shock as he turns to Bang's body-completely missing Ellenaym flowing past his feet. I listen to Bang's midair countdown through Phohn, and just as it is about to hit 0, I use the Winding Way to switch locations with Ellenaym, now twenty feet past Hui. In that moment of distorted perception the world quakes and shivers, and I feel my connection to the displaced blood dip precariously as much of it is blasted away in the resultant explosion.

The moment I can make sense of my surroundings again I act, picking out one of the three bodies I can feel outside the school walls and once more using the Winding Way. The world distorts again as I find myself outside the Jade Soul school. I glance to my sides, noting the other two guards, both Jade Soul monks, preoccupied by the recent explosion, chunks of flesh and blood only now beginning to rain down from the sky. Rather than running, I walk away, accelerating only once I am shrouded in darkness again. I hear a thump as something solid hits a nearby roof, and Bang's head rolls off its slates to drop to the ground. A blood tendril snakes out to grab him, and I wrap his face in his scarf before stepping back. His stump of a neck writhes as bone forms, muscle knits itself together and flesh stretches over it all, and in the span of a single breath Bang goes from naught but a severed head to once more whole, adjusting his scarf to sit about his neck properly as he grabs his Mask from me as well, ignoring the cool night air on his otherwise naked form.

>[Bang]"Just want to go on the record as saying I'm proud of you. That was the most hair brained scheme I've ever heard from you, nicely done. ...Where's the blood girl?"

A tendril of blood juts from my arm as I begin switching out of my pilfered Jade Soul student disguise, vibrating as Ellenaym speaks.

I persist so long as Master still has blood in his veins-the blood I occupied before was destroyed, with my own actions insuring no single cell was salvageable, in case Hui possesses some means of tracking blood. In my estimation, we did not leave a trail to follow.
"Other than the trajectory Bang's head followed. Let's move, time to meet the brigade at Korgotyo's school."

And so Bang, naked save for his scarf and mask dashes alongside me as I stuff my pilfered clothes in the wooden backpack as I adjust my now empty blood toga and cloak. The sounds of alarm vanish behind us-

And two minutes later the fell lights about the Jade Soul school wink out of existence.


We make it to the Chaining Calamity school in time to find Korgotyo the Chained seated atop Torruga, his prone form bound to the ground by a myriad of chains. On seeing our approach he waves genially, recognizing us.

[Korgotyo]"IT IS WELL TO SEE YOU BOTH AGAIN. YOUR STUDENTS INFORMED ME OF YOUR INTENT TO TRAIN HERE, A SENTIMENT I CAN CERTAINLY ENDORSE. ONE OF YOUR STUDENTS THOUGHT NOW THE APPROPRIATE TIME TO BEGIN AN IMPROMPTU DUEL, WHICH RESULTED IN WHAT YOU SEE NOW. AN IMPRESSIVE FIGHTER'S SPIRIT IN THIS ONE. SO, HOW LONG WERE YOU THINKING OF HAVING THEM TRAIN HERE, AND DID YOU HAVE ANY PARTICULAR REQUESTS?"

Hm. I have that still-pending meeting with Dowsan that needs to occur if I wish to learn of Puppetry-perhaps I could leave the students here for a time while I return to the capital to meet with him?





What should I say or do?
Should I leave the Metal Skulls here for more than a day so I can return to the capital whilst they train?
And do I have any special training requests, for the school or the Ragegluts?
What do I think of what I say in the Jade Soul School?
>>
No. 266439 ID: 811627

"Oh, a few days, if you can handle that. As for special training,"
*indicate Torruga*
"I think this is special enough. I think we have much to gain by training together."

In any case, ask Burduko if he can tele you back to the capital.

So that his trip is not wasted anyway.
>>
No. 266441 ID: a69afd

>>266439
I agree fully. However, I'm wondering if we should inform Hieryou of the situation. If Hui comes a knocking, I don't us want to be responsible for the Tyotworro estate and the Chaining Calamity school being nuked by JADE FIST JESUS. I also don't want to leave Bang in a situation where he may have to fight this freak. I also really doubt stick-up-Ash Dragon Jioga will go out of his way to aid an ally of Mordre.
>>
No. 266446 ID: 811627

Well at least we know how Hui has manage to live some two hundred years, by draining the life from his students.

He cannot take a lot from each, however, or people would begin to notice, which explains why he opens new schools every few years, to ensure that he has fresh supply.

The best part is that his students would not even know the difference because he would not even let them know there was another way to be taught. He could easily pass it off as training or 'honing the soul' or 'synchronization'.

That is probably why he frowns on the students who don't follow his 'traditional way', because they would be of no use to him and might notice that what he is doing is wrong.

This also links up with the 'mysterious happenings' figures relating to past students. After being away from Hui's 'soul honing' for so long, they might notice that they grew faster with out it or they might suffer some kind of 'relapse', having been subjected for so long. In both of these cases he would have to silence them, violently or otherwise.

I bet if you check that 20% that came out clean, they would be primarily non-traditional practitioners and Hui's favorites.

(wrote this in a hurry, sorry if it does not flow correctly)
>>
No. 266455 ID: 811627

One more thing (sorry out the trip post)

Tell us everything you know about the lined one and his styles.
That may just be the key to figuring out the connection between the WAY and the PATH.
>>
No. 266458 ID: b6269e

So... Lets go through what we have learned from our visit to JadeSchool.
Ask Bang what he saw. Reflect ourself on what we saw.

Go meet with Dowsan. Maybe ask him about Hui if you can find time, just to learn what he can tell you.

Keep Bang here so that he can oversee the training process.
I'm not sure of any special training. Can't think of anything but the straight forward type.
Maybe have all of the Platoon fight Korgotyo?
>>
No. 266459 ID: b6269e

Also.
Somehow slipped my mind.
>Courtesy from a Harksburton, I am agog in shock. I had a name once, but those that gave it are dead, and the title shackles me no longer. Surely master will not just refer to me as 'You' or 'Blood' or some such.

She had another master?
Who? When? Why?
I was under impression she is completely new construct.

>May the esteemed master's completely flawless plan come to fruition.
>Again the master asks but does not demand... Certainly nothing could go wrong with master's plan, so it shall be followed.
What the hell is up with these sarcastic responses?
Why does she likes being ordered to do stuff so much?

Anyway, ask her other general questions too.
Like, how old shes, where she comes from, what her abilities are, etc
>>
No. 266460 ID: d4f98d

We need to confer with Mordre, Dompaggio, and possibly the Lined One regarding this, and possibly Oz and Bagrom.

If students who leave his school inevitably meet with ruin, it may be that he arranges such because the effects of his leeching may be long lasting and capable of being noticed under scrutiny, so to cover it up he has the 'evidence' destroyed. Mordre has a way of examnining a persons soul through that soul grave of his, Dompaggio is linked intrinsically with the investigation, and Bagrom may have been a potential victim at one point (and a target of Hui's machinations, if this theory is at all accurate).

Regarding the Dowsan/Students thing: Remember, you're mainly there to AID Bang in training. HE is their Drill Instructor: Simply inquire if he wants you to help or if he'll handle this for the moment while you take care of some business. Hammer out a few details with him, and bam.
>>
No. 266462 ID: d4f98d

>>266459
I dunno, but I find the seeming sarcasm very entertaining.

Subservience is boring.

Also, given that we could swap places with her, that means Ellenaym has a Soul. Interesting.
>>
No. 266463 ID: f247ab

>IT IS WELL TO SEE YOU BOTH AGAIN
Wait, what? When did Korgotyo meet Bang? He met Keddic before Keddic and Bagrom went to compete in the Grand Gainer, but Bang was on that challenge with Huaow and wasn't there to be met.
>>
No. 266471 ID: a69afd

>>266463
Perhaps he speaks of Burduko, who was present at the training exercise Mordre assembled on their first meeting?
>>
No. 266474 ID: a76809

>>266463
[Bang's been to the Land of Dragons before dude, remember? He's mentioned it before several times.]

Bang waves to Korgotyo as he steps into the light, his nudity completely forgotten.

>[Bang]"WELLING GOD TO SEE AGAIN, KORGOTYO!!"
[Korgotyo]"I MISSED YOUR BROKEN COMMAND OF THE LANGUAGE, BANG. ...YOU SEEM TO BE NAKED, DO YOU NEED CLOTHES?"
>[Bang]"NO HAVE IT YES! TO BE OBSERVING!"
"CHAOS OSMOSIS!!"
[Korgotyo]"A NEW TRICK, WONDERFUL! YOU TRAVEL WITH KEDDIC NOW?"
>[Bang]"MOST OF YES!"
[Korgotyo]"SO THEN, WHAT IS IT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR SCION OF THE HARKSBURTONS?"

>>266439
>>266441
"Could you host them for a few days? Feel free to brutalize them as you like in training, but I'd like to have them catch a glimpse of what a Rageglut can do."
[Korgotyo]"A REQUEST I CAN HARDLY IGNORE. I SHALL WATCH OVER YOUR STUDENTS FOR SOME TIME, THEN. IT WILL BE INTERESTING, TO HAVE FELLOW RAGEGLUTS HERE."
"Bang, do you mind staying with them and Mahklargg?"
>[Bang]"No prob, I might get lucky and get to trade punches with Korgotyo."
"Well then, I'll be back in a few days, I have a meeting to make."
[Korgotyo]"THE JOYS OF ARMY WORK, EH?"
"As you say. Until next time."

I begin bounding away and make it several blocks in the middle of the night before I recall Burduko's presence here in the city. I call for him through Phohn, and the teleporter appears before me. He explains he still cannot transport me outside of the box-but that with his newfound ability to fly, he could transport me more conventionally and still let me reach destinations more swiftly. So shortly enough I am being carried, A flying metal wire man my method of conveyance.

>>266446
>>266458
I have much to consider on my flight, and reflect on what I saw, conferring with Bang through Phohn for some time as I iron out my thoughts. From what we both saw, it seems that Hui feeds off the souls of his students, disguising it as part of the mass lessons that make the vaunted Jade Soul Monks his style is famous for. It would explain his extensively lengthened lifespan, fit the energy emissions we felt, and fit his reaction. It would even fit the rumors about ill fates awaiting any who leave his school-he's cleaning up his tracks, removing any potential evidence of his gradual harvesting. This means several things.

-Bagrom could be in danger thanks to leaving such a school, though Oz can likely afford him some protection.
-Over the decades others like Bagrom must arise more than rarely, those who do not fit the universal style he teaches. While most would by necessity be eliminated, that need not apply to all.
-It is possible that, finding some of agreeable disposition amongst those irregular students, Hui may have allowed them their individuality as administrators, enforcers-even the masters of his branches.
-In a worst-case scenario, he has taught them how to feed off souls as well, and they are empowered in a similar manner to him. It seems unlikely he would be able to maintain such an elaborate facade to feed alone, and this seems an all-to-easy way to insure loyal servants.

Chilling thoughts.

>>266455
With those deductions now made, I move on to a new topic: Comparing what I've seen of the Winding Path, and comparing it with the Winding Way, I make some comparisons. Both are styles of The Lined One's making, and both are based in similar Mass Connection principles. The difference lies in effective targets. The Winding Way allows organic, living, soul-based matter to be transposed across space. The Winding Path allows inorganic, non-living matter to be shifted spatially. They ultimately seem to be two halves to a whole, and I hope to broach this subject with The Lined One once his name has finally been cleared.

>>266459
>>266462
More concerns flit through my consciousness, these ones more contemplative in nature. I think of Ellenaym, the new entity living in my body... and some things do not seem to add up. I broach the subject to her, whispering into the wind so that my words reach my blood.

"You said you had a name before... masters before, now dead. What did you speak of?"
Of course if the esteemed master thinks it appropriate to pry then prying must occur, I am always at your service. I am a creation of Harksburton, specifically of Keddic Harksburton the First. I knew another Fourth, but it was not you, and likewise called him master for a time, after a Second and Third no doubt similar to yours. But fate was not kind to my masters, and they perished, their family destroyed. Figment gave me a chance to persist in another place, a land where Keddic the First never crafted me. A strange chance, but one I took.
"You.... were made by the First?"
How exemplary, that the honored master comprehended my obscure meaning.
"Well, that explains why you have a soul, he-"
I was told the Soul Magic ban was passed here as well as in my own onetime home, how do you know this? Are you breaking the family precepts?
"No, a combat magic I've learned here in the Land of Dragons allows living, soul-bearing life forms to be transposed, and I was able to switch places with you. This led me to believe you have a soul, without having innate soul perception or a grasp of soul magic I cannot confirm this."
Perhaps more attention should have been paid to this land, Puppetry and spatial magic, all from Blood.... The esteemed master is thorough in seeking out new avenues of Blood magic.
"So, what exactly can you do?"
I shall inform the esteemed master, a master of the Harksburton way of blood manipulation, what I, a blood construct, can do. I can move and act independantly of my master, up to ranges in the thousands of feet. My form can be manipulated to any degree of hardness, rigidity or flexibility. I can assist master in repurposing claimed blood, and converting it into Harksburton blood. ....I must apologize, but I do not know what may occur from mixing my function with White Blood, it is a discovery never made by my old masters.
"Hmm."

[DAY 160: DAY 10 OF WEEK 1 OF MONTH 5:]
[Randiday of the Third Cycle of Libiturnius (Summer)]


We are making excellent time over the night on the flight back to the capital, and should arrive by morning.





Is there anything else I wish to speak with Ellenaym about, or should I continue on to that capital without further comment?
Should I attempt to meet with Dowsan immediately on landing, or should I do something else first?
Do I intend to speak with Oz and Bagrom about what I've deduced about Hui and those who leave his school?
>>
No. 266475 ID: b6269e

>I do not know what may occur from mixing my function with White Blood, it is a discovery never made by my old masters.

TO THE SCIENCE LAB!

Oh, lets ask the circumstances of how the other setting Keddic died and his family destroyed.
>>
No. 266479 ID: b6269e

And yes, speak with Oz and Bagrom and inform them what you have learned. Ask Bagrom why he had left the school before.

Then go speak with Dowsan.
>>
No. 266487 ID: a69afd

>>266474
>Comparing what I've seen of the Winding Path, and comparing it with the Winding Way, I make some comparisons. Both are styles of The Lined One's making, and both are based in similar Mass Connection principles. The difference lies in effective targets. The Winding Way allows organic, living, soul-based matter to be transposed across space. The Winding Path allows inorganic, non-living matter to be shifted spatially. They ultimately seem to be two halves to a whole, and I hope to broach this subject with The Lined One once his name has finally been cleared.

>The lessons of the Winding Way The Lined One imparted to me during our reunion seem to have difficulty functioning around my foe. It would normally allow me to perform body swaps with my own sword even when it is not in hand, but currently they seem to have a 50% failure rate [If Keddic's new form of teleportation is desired, roll a d2, success on 2]

>The difference lies in effective targets. The Winding Way allows organic, living, soul-based matter to be transposed across space. The Winding Path allows inorganic, non-living matter to be shifted spatially.

WAIT A GOD DAMN MINUTE, EITHER THE PROUD LION HAS A SOUL, OR THE LINED ONE SNEAKED US SOME WINDING PATH LESSONS. EITHER WAY MEANS MORE GOODIES FOR US.
>>
No. 266488 ID: b6269e

>>266487
>WAIT A GOD DAMN MINUTE, EITHER THE PROUD LION HAS A SOUL

Why not?
Alternate First made sentient blood with soul, maybe ours made a sword with soul? Could be
>>
No. 266495 ID: a3c6ba

Wait can she make someone else's blood our blood while it is still inside them. Because if we can that would be awsome.
>>
No. 266498 ID: 811627

>Proud Lion has a soul

I thought this was common knowledge.
>>
No. 266502 ID: a76809

>>266475
"How did the other Harksburton line die? How did this other Fourth perish?"
Is master ordering me to say?
"Now at all, I am simply inquiring, feel free to refuse."
More unnecessary courtesy from master. ...The other Harksburtons became blinded by their influence, and lost their moral compass. They slowly amassed enemies until there was nothing to be done. All perished, not a single spared, and with them died my connection to life-until Figment's intervention.
"I appreciate you being forthcoming. As something of a change of topic, you mentioned you are unfamiliar with White Blood's utility, is that not so?"
I am afraid I must correct master, I do so truly apologize. I know all master knows of blood in all its vageries, my knowledge only a replica of master's own. I know all you do of this new frontier of White Blood... but as you have not tested it, I could not say. Do you demand that I attempt to assimilate it?
"No, of course not Ellenaym. Just be aware I would be truly grateful if you tried."
This respectful deference... it is jarring, to see a Harksburton behave so, so forgive my reaction, my honored master. I shall attempt to integrate this power to my function.

There is asense of partitions being released, of influence extending.... and the blood in my ears pants and sighs before verbalizing again.

....Mmmmm... Assimilation was successful, master. The magic-piercing abilities have been appended to my own, and the power I can draw on has increased.

>>266487
>>266488
>>266495
I consider something that had somewhat bothered me before, but not enough to previously warrant examination. To my understanding, Winding Way is for things with souls, while the Winding Path deals with inanimate material... so why would the Winding Way allow me to switch places with my sword? ...Unless the Proud Lion had a soul, just as Ellenaym does.... a different First's crafting.

"Hm... but how to know for sure if my blade has a soul," I muse aloud.
But it does-or more specifically, honored master's blade has a piece of a soul-I see a paired armor in your mind, likely the counterpart. When both are together I believe one could see your own First's masterpiece in all its glory.
"How do you know it has a soul? Or a soul fragment."
Must I answer?
"By now you must know you need not consider my every word a command, I'd hardly be so rude."
....Master is most persuasive. ..Both of our Keddic the First's had considerable capacity in Soul Magic, as of then un-banned. After mine crafted me, I could see all his knowledge of Blood and Soul and how to intertwine the two. I saw the workings of the Second, Third and Fourth as well, four separate variants of the original crafts etched into my memory and being. One could say I have some knowledge of Soul Magic as a result.
....A living anthology of every alternate-Harksburton's fighting style? She becomes more and more of a treasure the more I dig... so why did Figment smile so smugly?

>>266495
"I don't suppose your knowledge extends to commanding someone else's blood while still in their veins?"
The pinnacle of blood manipulation-I would have said no from seeing generations of warriors fail to breach the massive Ownership discrepancies faced..... But my illustrious master has changed the equation. The first developed me after meeting a roaming Puppeteer from the Land of Dragons, never seen again after my creation... with the aid of such a practitioner, and the White Blood that master discovered... it might be possible. I would not deign to say such with certainty, as I could disappoint master and horrendously shame myself, but I could see it being possible.

>>266479
I spend the rest of the trip in quiet contemplation, in the eye of Burduko's storm. An hour after dawn I arrive once more at the capital, sending Burduko back to Oz's school with a message for Oz and Bagrom both concerning Hui's potential threat before I head on foot back to the military depots. I ferret out Dowsan's research building, and enter. This time guards do not accost me, and people do not stop to stare-instead, a single researcher trots off, shortly returning with Dowsan in tow.

>[Dowsan]"There you are Keddic! Ah, I got your message, it is well to see you-please, come with me."

We make our way to his private lab, where this time I note The Advisor's host deflated on the central slab, with a massive glass jar filled with gallons of blood and stoppered without a single shred of air inside, several tubes and wires running into its depths. On our entry Dowsan locks the door by habit before turning back to me.

>[Dowsan]"Well, I can tell things didn't end badly with your master... but that they didn't end well, either. Still not sure? ...Ah, I suppose I shall not pry. ...Well, lessons were promised, and as I have my schedule clear for making modifications as necessary from The Advisor's trial run with your squad, I have time, here and now. Are you amenable?"
"I made time myself."
>[Dowsan]"Excellent, then we can get something accomplished here. Alright... where should we start?"






What should I say or do?
Should I mention my recently-acquired knowledge of Personal Puppetry, or that I learned it from Oz?
Should I mention Ellenaym, as potentially being a more advanced version of his Advisor?
Should I ask him anything about Hui?
Or should I do something else?
>>
No. 266506 ID: c00244

Random thought: Now that Ellenaym has white blood skills, she might be able to appear in a form made of white blood, or at least enough of it that others don't immediately recognize her substance as being blood. That could prove massively important for PR purposes in the Land of Dragons, should she want or need to manifest at some point.

When you get some more time to converse with her, it would likely be beneficial to ask her how, based upon her memories, her world differed from yours. Your family grew arrogant- how? Why? Did major events occur differently? Your line in this world has been in decline for some time prior to yourself; in hers it was not so?

And, if you're worried about Figment's smile... you could just ask her straight-up why he would react that way. She, she might lie or be evasive, or even simply not know, but you might get something useful out of it, too.

Further random thoughts: Ellenaym apparently has access to all your knowledge and memories. Do you have access to hers? If not, why not, speaking magically? It seems unlikely that First would design his creation to have such a massive advantage over his heirs, even if she's somehow magically bound to obey them. And you don't know if she is. It would be kind of invasive to go looking through her memories if you can indeed access them, but it would also be an invaluable chance to see your (alternate) ancestors in action, or learn anything they knew.

Also on memories, if she can access yours, can she read others' if she goes inside their body and/or takes control of their blood?


>Should I mention my recently-acquired knowledge of Personal Puppetry, or that I learned it from Oz?
No, keep that back and keep ambiguous how much of the basics you had already surmised/understood prior to coming to him. It'll probably make him think more of you if you can grasp portions of what he's saying very rapidly. Certainly don't share the fact that Oz knows any blood magic; that would be a huge betrayal of his trust.

>Should I mention Ellenaym, as potentially being a more advanced version of his Advisor?
Hell no. She's as much the inheritance of your family as the Proud Lion is, and until you come to have a better basis for understanding her you should not let anyone else give her a full analysis- which he'd likely want to immediately try.

Actually, if you gain enough of Dowsan's esteem for him to start talking about the Advisor's inner workings with you, you might be able to use Ellenaym's existence and nature as a bit of a private reference to improve your ideas. Could be good.

>What should I say or do?
Starting with discussion of blood theory would likely be constructive. You both have a good grasp of blood manipulation, obviously; once you've grasped the approach and mindset behind the puppetry paradigm, you should be able to work on adapting your own skills to accomplishing those feats its practitioners can manage. Or combining Dowsan's ideas with your own to invent entirely new tricks; who knows what you might be able to come up with?
>>
No. 266508 ID: 259738

>>266502
Don't tell him about Ellenaym, but possibly mention that the First may have developed something with some relation to the Advisor at some point, and that you might be able to give him some insight into it from a different point of view. Also consider informing him about what you just learned about Hui, if he is interested. That a Living Legend is eating his student's souls for power is information that is good to know, even if you don't have any intention of interacting with said Living Legend in the near future.
>>
No. 266553 ID: 88618c

First of all let Dowsan know that you've learned surprisingly much since your last meeting. It turns out that your ancestor might have met a wandering puppeteer and integrated some techniques. Don't betray Oz's secret, but reveal Ellenaym if Dowsan senses her presence.

First of all see if Dowsan could teach you about that blood resonance and any other key Puppeteering aspects.

After that ask him what he's learned about Rageluts from the samples and try to discuss The Advisor's performance and progress. For short term improvements to The Advisor point out that it seems quite creative so it would most likely benefit from more experience with human interactions. If it could be taught psychological warfare methods then it might be able to use intimidation to pace the battle in its favor. The other thing it could do better is tool usage. It might be able to store weapons and items inside its body. Blades and spikes with an assortment of runes could make it highly versatile and one shot explosives or smoke bombs could let buy it time to reform and adapt if it gets cornered by someone like Magnum Bang. Also ask if the abilities shown by The Advisor would be something a human could feasibly copy.

Before you leave chat a bit over some cups of tea about the Jade Soul school and drop a few hints of what's going on there and of Hui's suspect nature. Try to lead that into a discussion on what Dowsan has as his long term goals. Mention the possibility of him relocating North where licenses to openly practice Blood magic can be attained. (Something the Harksburton family might assist with)
>>
No. 266578 ID: da2fa0

Tell him nothing. Ask him everything.

Don't practice in front of him, don't let him see the true extent of your skill in a field that he knows more about that you. You could be some kind of prodigy and he would try to do a Hui on you.

Only do what's necessary, I still don't trust this guy. He literally has the power of lies.

Oh yes, Ellenaym has seen Bang do his cloaking trick. Ask her to try and replicate it for herself.
>>
No. 266600 ID: a76809

>>266506
[You'll have to explain to me how being partly made of White Blood, which is still blood, would somehow make Ellenaym appear to not be made of blood.]

"So, perhaps we could start with the basics, blood manipulation itself, and go from there, as to my understanding our styles have fundamental differences."
>[Dowsan]"I can work with that."

What transpires from there is hours of lecture, starting with the very founding principles of Puppetry. That resonance, between Now and Then slowly unveils its secrets to me, and after a day spent carefully running through the same drills Dowsan himself once learned from, I find my knowledge base in Personal Puppetry proving most useful. After a time, Dowsan even comments on the rate at which I learn.

>[Dowsan]"Its strange, but I must ask: Do you know anything of Puppetry now? The rate at which you pick this up-"
"Yes and no. My own style was influenced by a wandering Puppeteer generations ago, and I have some understanding of the resonance concept in general, but the style I practice ultimately developed along a different path, more internal than external."
>[Dowsan]"Well, you are certainly doing what you should be doing... but the mechanism itself seems to be a problem area."
"Excuse me?"
>[Dowsan]"Don't get me wrong, for your own blood or anything near you your methodology should work. But you're still using combat magic to make things happen, which won't let you span any worthwhile distance in terms of casting."
"So I need to work with the Arcane?"
>[Dowsan]"Is that the term to the North? There isn't really a word for it here, but if you speak of magics that are not based on personal ownership, then yes."
"I see...."

More hours pass and we take a break for lunch, eating in his private chambers as we discuss the lessons so far.

"So, this resonance, it almost feels like what I know of Dream magic."
>[Dowsan]"It is similar in structure but still conventionally based in Blood."
"So where exactly does the power the resonance draws come from?"
>[Dowsan]"Officially my teachings say the power comes from blood itself, or from drawing it from other realities-but I find this would violate laws concerning energy dynamics, so I suspect the true source to be the space between realities itself, the void of nothingness that separates dimensions."
"An Order based source then?"
>[Dowsan]"...You actually know of Order?"
"I am somewhat familiar with the Chaos/Order interplay, yes."
>[Dowsan]"I find myself surprised again by your scholarly traits. Yes, I believe Puppetry draws its power from Order itself."

>>266508
We finish our meal and resume practice, and before long the conversation shifts to imbuing properties into blood, with The Advisor serving as example. I don't pay as much attention as I should, and Dowsan asks how I know so much about adding lifelike properties to blood. Put on the spot, I do what I can to answer.

"My family has something similar to your advisor in core construction, it is due to it that I have this back knowledge of Blood entities."
>[Dowsan]"Do you now? Could you tell me more about it?"
"Sadly I cannot, it is forbidden to share the family style with any outsider for any reason, and it is a family precept I must uphold."
>[Dowsan]"Well, if your honor is at stack I won't force you. Still, you piqued my curiosity, so someday I hope we can talk about it, I may learn more about sanguine symbiosis as a field that way."
"Perhaps."

>>266553
Practice continues into the afternoon, with Dowsan stepping out to manage his facility while I take a few hours to work on ranged Resonance, which still proves a difficult concept even under experimental conditions. I grow a bit more comfortable with the process by the time Dowsan returns, and events transpire that we talk about the combat effectiveness of The Advisor.

"-at's really The Advisor's knack, so to speak, is its inhumanity. You might want to give it more practice at moving... bonelessly, fluidly-it makes it fiendishly hard to hit, and adds a greater demoralizing psychological facet to its existence, as those fighitng it recognize its... wrongness, as it were."
>[Dowsan]"It's that wrongness I am worried about. What if it draws the wrong kind of questions?"
"With that heavy pelt of fur? Some may wonder, but none will be certain, and it would draw out much more of the creature's potential, to adjust its style so."
>[Dowsan]"I shall consider it.... but I note you are still having trouble with even the slightest of Ownership blocking you, when it comes to resonating with distant blood."
"I must be missing something, as I know I am putting in comperable amounts of energy to your own efforts."
>[Dowsan]"To my estimations, you are currently wasting ninety eight percent of any invested energy for resonance on sloppy spell modulation. You shift your equations too forcefully, and lose excess energy when you do more than you need to."
"Something for me to consider... is-"
>[Dowsan]"No substitute for practice, for getting more efficient with this craft."
"I thought you'd say that."

We have spent some seven hours, all said and done, comprehensively going over Puppetry at its most basic, and while I could not claim to be a master, or even proficient in all its root forms, I at least understand them. Likewise, I have kept the details concerning Ellenaym to myself, along with the knowledge I learned from Oz.




What should I say or do?
Should I keep working on the basics with Dowsan until I have them down perfectly, or should I move onto another topic?
If I move onto another topic, should I ask about manipulating the dead, manipulating the living, imbuing immediate commands or imbuing long-term commands into blood?
How late should I practice with Dowsan today, and given that he spent today mostly aiding my training, how much of his time should I ask for on the following day?
When should I go back for the Ragegluts, after a set amount of time or after I get a certain degree of familiarity with Puppetry?
>>
No. 266605 ID: d3dfb8
File 129331912355.jpg - (51.48KB , 600x458 , santa_robot.jpg )
266605

Merry Christmas Bob!
This makes the second Golem Quest Christmas!
For the occasion I have the closest thing to a golem santa I could find.
>>
No. 266623 ID: b6269e

I though we were going to talk a little bit about Hui. What he thinks of him and then, depending on his answers we can tell him what we know of him.

>Should I keep working on the basics with Dowsan until I have them down perfectly, or should I move onto another topic?


I say we keep with basics. Without a solid ground we will not be able to learn anything more complex.

>How late should I practice with Dowsan today, and given that he spent today mostly aiding my training,
As much as you can.
>how much of his time should I ask for on the following day?
Just ask him how much time he'll be able to spare.

>When should I go back for the Ragegluts, after a set amount of time or after I get a certain degree of familiarity with Puppetry?
After certain degree of familarity. I am sure that Bang and Korgyorto can keep them busy enough.

Also, ask what he was able to learn from Ragegluts blood. Ask him if the blood he gathered was enough.

Can we talk to Ellanya without giving away even a hint of her presence? Ask for her input and thoughts on all of this and if she can help you with speeding up the learning process.
>>
No. 266629 ID: 2b7df1

>>266600
>If I move onto another topic, should I ask about manipulating the dead, manipulating the living, imbuing immediate commands or imbuing long-term commands into blood?
The only one of those YOU have any business mucking about with, young Keddic, is immediate commands, on the scale of "hold still while I cut you." The others may be helpful to understand only so far as recognizing their use, but walking that path yourself lies the path to enemies and eventual destruction your alternate reality family traversed. Learn from their mistakes. They were obsessed with controlling others, as evidenced even by Ellenaym's subservient behavior. But you cannot control everyone all the time, and people do not like to be controlled.

On a more immediate topic, do not impose on Dowsan later than usual working hours, unless he seems eager to cover more tonight.
>>
No. 266649 ID: c00244

>[You'll have to explain to me how being partly made of White Blood, which is still blood, would somehow make Ellenaym appear to not be made of blood.]
By the same principle that spraypainting a pistol fluorescent yellow will make many people assume that it's a toy, if Ellenaym appears to be white rather than red most people won't jump to blood as their first idea for her substance. Because in the mind, blood is red and therefore anything red is not blood, however false that might prove to be upon close inspection or second thought. They'll think she's made of some kind of white goo or something until they see or put together evidence otherwise.

It's not a flawless measure, but it is a significant one. The same effect could be achieved in almost all Keddic's arts, actually- as easily as by adding some dye to his blood when he uses it outside his body, if merely using white blood doesn't change the color enough. Add something with a distinct and non-blood scent for even more misdirection; with your control over your blood it should be fairly trivial to keep a few purely cosmetic components in it. Anything which puts a clear distinction in appearance between [what blood is in people's minds] and [whatever he's using, which happens to also be blood in reality] is a way to increase the general level of acceptance for what he's doing.

Keddic has already gotten a bit of a reputation for using blood magic, but a somehow cleaner, more okay version of blood magic than puppetry. Anything further which forms another marker for others to look at and say "but look how different his magic is" can be treated as an asset, particularly extremely obvious features apparent to anyone.

>How late should I practice with Dowsan today, and given that he spent today mostly aiding my training, how much of his time should I ask for on the following day?
I'd take the polite/cautious route and thank him for his help, and ask him now how much time he has to spare both this evening and over the next few days.

>Should I keep working on the basics with Dowsan until I have them down perfectly, or should I move onto another topic?
If Dowsan has plenty of time free and is willing to teach, then get the basics down solidly before moving on. If you've got only a little time, skip the rest of the basics- he seems to think you'll pick them up with more practice- and move on to discussion of more advanced theory which you can try to apply on your own later.

>If I move onto another topic, should I ask about manipulating the dead, manipulating the living, imbuing immediate commands or imbuing long-term commands into blood?
Imbuing commands would likely integrate much more seamlessly into your style in an acceptably subtle fashion. Either immediate or long-term commands would make an excellent focus for your studies and could provide you with great potential in the future. Don't bother spending much time on the iconic features of puppetry, i.e. puppeting people and corpses. Learn enough to get their basic principles and be able to defend against them, then move on to commands and specialize there.

>When should I go back for the Ragegluts, after a set amount of time or after I get a certain degree of familiarity with Puppetry?
You should probably not spend more than four days here. I would learn as much as you can in that time period if Dowsan can spend it tutoring you. If he hasn't got the time to spend with you, there's not much point in hanging around; you'll be able to practice whenever no one is watching, after all.
>>
No. 266665 ID: b6269e

If we are going to learn about controlling the bodies, focus on living beings. Controlling the dead seems to me useless.
As we often need to connect our tendrils with enemies, it will be mighty useful to know living body control as we could establish direct connection to an enemy and fight them more efficiently.

...
But... didn't Ellanya note that the massive blood ownership basically prevented the whole alternate-reality Harkbursons from managing to control other peoples blood?
>>
No. 266707 ID: 44df0d

Here is a hint for you to work on the blood of others.

Pretend that it is yours, that the blood in their veins is actually your blood.
If it helps, envision the target as yourself and move their blood as if it was your own (just a watered down version)

Superimposing your image on the target is a surefire way to get control done, just that it is a concept that does not work well for mass control unless you have a very... interesting mind. (e.g. imagine the battlefield as your body and the targets as your blood cells or organs)

When you do this, don't think about the magic involved, just let it work by it self as when you work with your own blood.
You might even ask El to take over the specifics for you.


>New topic
Giving blood long term commands.
This has many benefits such as using 'split' blood as landmines or spike traps.
>>
No. 266708 ID: 44df0d

>>266649
Personally I'm against the 'make her out of white blood' deal.

It is something we had to go to great lengths to discover and putting it in public view like that would just waste our struggle.

The masses would be confused, practitioners would discover the secret of the blood and those who could not figure it out with sight would not doubt use more violent methods to discover it.

We should keep our blood as normal looking as possible to keep an ace in the hole.




We should leave soon though and set another meeting after two 'sparring' sessions. WE can't meet to often and we can't really validate the amount of time we spend with this guy unless we outright say he is teaching us.

As far as I know, two army officers that just met each other and supposedly nothing in common would not be spending so much time together.
>>
No. 266739 ID: a76809
File 129334029029.jpg - (102.26KB , 600x734 , Lorgk Red Knight Challenge.jpg )
266739

rolled 14 = 14

>>266623
I take our pause in instruction as a chance to switch gears, finally offering up the information I'd already resolved to give to Hui.

"So tell me, what do you know of Hui, the master of the Jade Soul school?"
>[Dowsan]"I know my master told me his master's master trained alongside Hui under their own Puppeteer master. Passed down so, I cannot attest to its accuracy, but it has given me reason to be leery of him all the same. Why?"
"I saw him feeding from his student's souls, hidden amidst some mass soul harmonizing ritual that I believe is related to how his school cranks out so many of their signature Jade Soul Monks."
>[Dowsan]".....Huh. I had several different theories as to how he sustained his life over the centuries.... I was hoping it would not be that reason, though."
"Why so?"
>[Dowsan]"Consider: According to my data, Hui was trained as a Puppeteer. Then, he abandons this, and founds a martial school that today is the most widespread style barring military arts. He manipulates the soul state of his students while feeding on them.... in other words, he dominates their souls just as much as a Puppeteer dominates blood."
"So-"
>[Dowsan]"Yes: If what you say is true, I suspect Hui used his knowledge of Puppetry to evolve the style as a whole, now commanding the soul itself rather than the vital fluids. ...It would make him a viciously powerful foe to contend with, especially surrounded by his puppet students. Considering how he is viewed publically, he pays a great deal of attention to his image-I doubt he would be amenable to meeting with fellow Puppeteers, and would likely try to kill us to prevent risk to his holdings."
"Would this... Soul Puppetry be comparably taboo as conventional puppetry?"
>[Dowsan]"Difficult to say... to my knowledge, no prior Puppeteer has dominated soul, though with the secretive nature of our style and its inheritance, I could not say this to be fact, merely opinion, but no, I do not believe so."

>>266629
>>266649
[Except that she still has to come from your cloak (which everyone knows is full of blood) or your veins to manifest, so it'd rather clearly be blood to their eyes. HOWEVER, if you used aromatic chemicals to mask the smell of blood, used White Blood and lit plasma pockets to create white and glowing yellow sections for patterning, and kept her outside of your veins, you could maybe manage something. But seriously, trying to hide her sanguine nature is HARD, so it will take a comprehensive plan, gathering items, all that.]
>>266707
"Well, I feel I have an apprentice-level understanding of the basics, something I would like to keep improving-but beyond that, I admit imbuing commands interest me more than manipulating blood in the living or dead. Beyond that, I could not say whether immediate commands or long-term ones would be most beneficial."
>[Dowsan]"We can work on both. ...You had mentioned before that you left your Rageglut Squad at a martial school with a self-owned Rageglut veteran?"
"Yes, with Korgotyo the Chained at the Chaining Calamity School in Waltora."
>[Dowsan]"You may have thought of this already, but with us both military officers, constantly meeting-"
"We need a reason to meet, or questions get asked."
>[Dowsan]"Exactly. You are likely unaware of this, but any Rageglut brigade that has every member receive training from a retired Rageglut warrior is automatically eligible to be a veteran squad, in terms of supply allotments, and what kind of resources are available. Long-standing rule for encouraging the proliferation of successful lessons learned by Ragegluts that lived and fought well enough to survive their careers. Now, the critical portion here is that a Rageglut brigade, once considered 'veteran', gets access to either a mounted division of soldiers-or a War Hound division."
"This would then tie in with our talks concerning the Spined Lion and the use of The Advisor."
>[Dowsan]"Exactly. I am already using the data from The Advisor to prepare for a preliminary mass-production attempt-there would be no wonder at all of a squad that is pending veteran status to be having frequent dealings with a War Hound researcher. It will allow us to spend the majority of our days together, outside of the time you need to follow up on paperwork for said veteran status, and for when I manage the rest of this lab. I assume that you would not have issue with a potential military supplement of multiple beings like The Advisor under your command."
"I admit that such would hold considerable military might. ...I thank you for the advice. Would any of the related offices still be open?"
>[Dowsan]"Hm? Oh yes, eight buildings down from building twelve, once you've hit the smaller structures, it's a red and gold structure, always got crowds of people going in and out. It'll take some time, but you should be able to get things started tonight. ...Yes, that gives me time to start preparing paperwork on my end, so that no questions arise as we proceed down this path."
"I see. Then until tomorrow...?"
>[Dowsan]"Tomorrow morning, bright and early. We'll have an official meeting, so I'll have some staff with me-have your logistics officer come, so we can get the numbers crunched on this."
"It shall be done."

And so I depart, looking to start paperwork such that, when the Metal Skulls return, they take advantage of a rules-loophole, and reach veteran status without ever having active duty. All this, while I build on the basics of Puppetry, and delve into the realm of imbued commands.

.................................................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: LORGK].................................................................................

Before me stands a human, small even in his metal shell. He squeaks his words to me, and while their specifics elude me, their intent is clear: He challenges me.

Alone, this lone human came into the heart of Mordreden, and has challenged me to a fight. Whatever may come of this... I find myself liking this human, this lowlander. His strength of spirit is to be applauded, for he shows not a whit of hesitation.

I appraise my challenger more fully. Even allowing for the fact we Premen dwarf the lowlanders, my foe is small, only two thirds my height, his chest no thicker than one of my legs. His armor is delicately covered in neat runes, their meanings unknown to me, but otherwise the brassy sheen of his armor shows no real threat to its name. The profuse red cloth, slick and gleaming as it ripples in the wind, spills from every bit of his armor. In his hand is what I assume must be a sword, it's blade thin and flimsy-but more importantly, I note his sword to be made of stone, an old gray the shade of a mountain's heart, runes etched in its length chiseled far more forcefully than the engravings on his armor.

My foe flourishes his sword, as if to question my response:

I rise from my icy throne, the stark white yeti pelts shifting over my Red Steel and yeti-bone armor as I heft the blue-green crystal blade that houses the souls of my ancestors, looking at my smaller foe. His only action, even as those around us grow quiet and provide room for our challenge, is to raise his stone sword high in a double-handed grip, and plant his feet patiently in the ground.

..My move, then.





What should I do?
How should I begin this conflict?
What do I make of this human coming to challenge me?
Is it something I should inform Mordre about?
>[Roll a d20 for any action suggested for Lorgk. Will be pitted against my d20 roll for the Red Knight]
>>
No. 266744 ID: 44df0d

>Red Knight
FFFFFFFFFFF


In any case, a challenge is no doubt something you have had to face before, but I doubt you have had one from a human.

The fact that this human has sought out a challenged YOU and you alone is something you should make note of. Let Mordre know that a lowlander you have not seen before is challenging you.


LETS ROCK!
[feints wont work against this guy, strength won't work against this guy, what the heck will. Laying one surprise on another I guess]

Dash at him, keeping low. Make to strike up then activate Speed boost and get behind him. Be as efficient as possible with your steps.

Cleave him in twain.
>>
No. 266752 ID: 2b7df1

If he has not already said so, as you rise from your seat you could start by asking him why he has travelled so far, where lowlanders rarely tread, for this fight. Did you ever learn the tongue Oggroth and Ugrokk brought back from the lowlands? It is possible the cur learned only enough of your language to issue his challenge.

Do not underestimate this opponent Lorgk. Those who appear appear strong are often strong, but those who appear weak and act strong are either foolhardy, or possess enough hidden power to humble those who appear strong. The same goes for his equipment. Only a fool would wield a blade made of common stone when other materials are available, unless some greater advantage could be had by chosing it. Its presence would be worrying even were it NOT adorned with runes. No Lorgk, this is an opponent you must not take lightly until he proves his foolishness in pieces at your feet. Indeed, perhaps not even then. It is for that reason too that talking to him further is a good idea. Watch him carefully, walk a slow circle around him, see how he moves, and how he does not. You are the ruler of this clan as much for your wisdom and your cunning as for your skill and power. You must use all of it.
>>
No. 266761 ID: 445c48

Kick him in the face. You've got those nifty boots, right?

I forgot who we gave those to and what they do exactly. Whelp, time to bone up on equipment details.
>>
No. 266771 ID: d4f98d

I don't see why feints and strength won't work against this guy? We don't even know the nature of his combat style yet.

Regardless, incline your head in respect and adopt a fighting stance. A rundown of your current capabilities would be useful.
>>
No. 266772 ID: b6269e

Question time!
It's been a while since we used Lorgk.

Hey, Lorgk, how is your new sword treating you? What special abilities have you uncovered from its usage?
Besides that... how is it going? What has happened since the fight with Goran? How is the expansion process going and how many premen can our town sustain now that Mahklargg is here?

Mordre, huh? He must have been the best thing that happened to Drazken clan? How do you and the rest of the premen see him? He doesn't spend that much time here, so maybe he's influence is waning?

Also, what happened to that Yeti that Oggroth brought here?
>>
No. 266777 ID: d4f98d

Importantly, make sure to cover your lower quarters. A smaller foe means you have to deal with parrying awkward, low angles, but you should be able to supply more force behind your blows, barring Runic shenanigans. Your blade should still be pretty potently Anti-Magic, so I'm not TOO concerned about his armor, but the forceful runes engraved onto his blade is concerning. See if you can't bait him into striking your throne or a wall, so you can observe something of it's effects.
>>
No. 266778 ID: d4f98d

Also, regarding Hui's soul eating: It may not be a commonly known technique, but it is closely related to soul eating like Mordre's ability, so once it becomes known, even if it's not immediately illegal, I imagine it soon would become so.
>>
No. 266780 ID: 69bee4

rolled 4 = 4

Anyone worth his time to challenge you is also worth informing Morde about. After all, he did mention something about avoiding the title red knight, and this man is wearing a red cloak.

Anyways, humans being what they are, are apt towards assuming that anyone of your stature, using bones and furs instead of their armor and such as some sort of... creature lacking in skill, only focused on strength or instincts. Let us teach this one wrong through folly.

Make your first set of strikes with excessive power and speed only, no concern for actual hitting, and hopefully enough to force him to defend himself. Then upon the fourth or such strike, make a very targeted and deliberate one towards his sword arm, a warning to never underestimate the challenged. If he can hold his strength then, it is worth seeing where this goes.
>>
No. 266796 ID: a76809

rolled 2 = 2

[Reminder: Lorgk understands only some words of Common, his lessons in the subject dropped in favor of putting more time into Mordreden expansion, and with his foe ONLY speaking Common... no real communication is going to occur.]

>>266772
I reflect on recent days as I regard my foe. After the betrayal Oggroth and Ugrokk were faced in, there were no further issues assimilating what was left of that tribe, and if our next negotiation goes through well the number claiming to be Drazken Clan members shall soon crest two thousand. Since the fight with Goran, two others have singled themselves out as being threats to this unification effort. DOWGOH THE MIGHTY, Chieftain of what was once Goran's clan the Gorkin, and FRAGMAR THE COLD, Chieftan of the Magmar Clan. One seeks to reclaim the power they lost with Goran's death, the other seeks to do the same as the Drazken clan and take advantage of the power gap. While it is true that both collectives outnumber us now, I feel little concern. The trade goods, the allies, the weapons, the alliances... all the things Mordre brought us continue to give us strength, an advantage over our peers. ...Still, I may need to speak with him through that head-voice creature again, not only about this strange human before me-but because the yeti we captured died the moment we brought them within the enchanted ice walls of Mordreden.

>>266761
>>266771
[Lorgk Equipment capabilities:]
[Legalloth, one-time crystal sword of Abaeloth, now host to to Lorgk's ancestors. With the taint of the Caged One Fragment excised, Lorgk can now commune with any of his ancestors, with the exception of Draz himself, to ask for advice, political or combat based. This is on top of the sword's innate contact-magic dispelling effect.]
[Slayer's Bastion, a twice-reforged set of armor. Currently crafted out of yeti bone, yeti leather, yeti pelts and yeti sinew for stitching, with Red Steel bindings holding it all together. While largely shades of red in coloration, the white pelts make him harder to detect in the snow. Currently, Slayer's Bastion possesses two abilities: It passively gathers spilt blood near the bearer to act as armor until cellular breakdown occurs, and the Red Steel binding means that any attack against Lorgk that does not strike his head, hands or feet will receive feedback damage for striking Red Steel.]
[Boots of the Earth, the one-time shoes of the Masked Warrior Desmonte, allow Lorgk to move each boot however he wills in relation to the ground. This can manifest several ways. While in contact with the ground, Lorgk can slide and shift his body at considerable speeds, earthsurfing faster than he can sprint. Unlike conventional movement, ground-sliding does not allow for sharp corners. Another use it can be put to is propelling or attracting boots to the earth. This can either allow Lorgk to make prodigious leaps by repelling both feet, or to perform vicious kicks by attracting one leg as brace while repelling the other.]
[Lorgk's Magic] Is still speed and perception based. Lorgk can now become aware of invisible attacks, such as a Kinetic blast wall. He does not get forwarning as Dulu does, but will not be caught unawares. His speed boosting allows him to acts in finer moments of time, and in general has allowed him to become a more technical warrior by forcing him to become more efficient in his movements. Brutal primal wrath and strength is now becoming moderated with expertise.]
[Also recall that as a larger than normal Premen Lorgk is much stronger than humans, able to warp metal bare-handed.]

>>266744
I flow down the raised platform I inhabited, my body sinking lower and lower, in one terrible rush dropping myself to a scant few feet above the ground. I swing my Sword into motion, planting my feet at the last instant as I swing my sword forward in a terminal sweep aimed right at his midsection-

To find my foe every bit as fast as me, leaping up into the air, above the reach of my blade.

>>266761
I use the Boots of the Earth, gluing my left foot to the ground as my right is propelled skyward like an eruption, my rising body letting my size get the blow in range. Already midair, my foe cannot adjust further, and tumble as he might he cannot dodge my boot to his chest. With a sound like rolling thunder that sets nearby snowdrifts to shifting, I punt my airborne foe skyward, his form easily rising some seventy feet into the air. But as he begins to descend, I note no rag-doll limpness to his body as he sets himself into a vicious spin, carefully hefting his sword.

Excellent, he is not as delicate as I feared.

I charge forward, racing to meet him when he returns to the earth, but his flight path puts him outside the established fighting ring, and I must navigate around clan-members. I am a second too slow in reaching him, and he makes groundfall first. As he does, his spinning form snaps out that thin stone blade of his, its edge sliding into the earth like water, and pulling stone after it as he shapes a stone shield about his landing point just before I arrive.

>>266777
>>266780
I refuse to give my foe time to think. Whatever this trick of his, this shaping of earth, if I don't give him time to use it-

Legalloth sings in my hands as I cleave through stone like paper, sheering away my foe's protective barrier, revealing his smaller form within-

His sword already dipping into the earth again.

As it's tip flicks towards me, I smash my sword down, its magic annulling forces stopping cold the flowing stone racing towards my legs-

As I snap the blade forward, looping it around to strike directly at my foe's stone sword. The blades near eachother-

[4 vs. 14, +10 FAVOR RED KNIGHT CLAIMANT]
My sword passes through his like it's not even there, layers of shale and slate forming about the blade as it becomes naught but a club, a leaden weight in my hands as my foe draws back that slender stone blade of his, aiming for my throat. With my blade so weighted, I could not reverse my swing in time to counter this....





What should I do?
Do I have any idea of what mechanisms drive his sword's magic?
Or do I have any guesses as to what his strange red cloths or his brassy runed armor do?
Should I start employing the Boots of the Earth to earth-slide, knowing it makes turning harder in exchange for the greater speed?
[Once more, will need 1d20 roll for combat plans to match against my roll.]
>>
No. 266797 ID: 2b7df1

Oh, did I forget the part where someone in the room right now probably speaks common and could translate? I did, didn't I?
>>
No. 266800 ID: d4f98d

rolled 14 = 14

>>266796
As I recall, you were pretty fuckin limber and agile, Lorgk. Smash the club into the ground as hard as you can, use it's weight as an anchor and your boots to flip off the ground, out of the way of his strike. As your own weight brings you back down, use YOUR weight and the force of your falling, plus attraction to the earth via your boots, as an anchor for lifting the club, and bring it smashing into his back.
>>
No. 266809 ID: a69afd

>>266796
A sheath for Legalloth? How quaint.

Regardless of what your foe's fancy tools can do, you have skill and experience beyond what many warriors could ever lay claim to. And even further beyond, you are unpredictable! Use this, and overwhelm the warrior before you. Your boots of the earth, they are operated under false pretenses- Who says turning is even necessary? As long as you stay properly braced, you may slide in the four cardinal directions. Slide about your enemy and strike him from unnatural angles and positions, he does not know the earth as you do, he does not know Mordreden as you do, and he does not know the Drazken as you do. This challanger does not know Lorgk, War Chieftain of the Drazken Clan, soon to be Over-Chieftain of all Premen. Teach him.
>>
No. 266811 ID: d4f98d

Regarding what his sword does, it can't be actively interacting with your own blade, as the anti-magic crystal would negate the effects... so perhaps it traces the location of the borders of an object, and generates the stone there?

It would imply that he's heard of your own weapons properties, and specifically worked to counter it...vexing.
>>
No. 266812 ID: 46c430

rolled 6 = 6

>>266809
Rolling for this guy because he forgot.
>>
No. 266839 ID: 834f7d

>>266796
>Reminder: Lorgk understands only some words of Common

Can't we use Phohn like we always do in these situations?
I would like to know this guys name and what the hell is up with all these Red Knights killing each other?
Are red knights something like Highlanders, "There can be only one" type of deal?
>>
No. 266843 ID: d4f98d

>>266839
Phohn requires a connection to be established to a person before contact is made, if I recall. Some item or similar to form that connection is needed.
>>
No. 266844 ID: a76809

>>266800
[14 vs 2, +12 to Lorgk, +10 FAVOR RED KNIGHT CLAIMANT BECOMES +2 FAVOR LORGK]

I slam my stone-entombed sword into the ground, repelling both of my feet from the ground as I do so. My body cartwheels through the air, flipping about my iron grip on Legalloth as my foe's sword catches nothing but air. I twist my body about, channeling rotational force from my writhing form into my entrenched blade, wrenching its laden from free from the mountainside as my body comes to a dead-stop in its gyrations and immediately begins to plummet. With all my weight behind it, the sword-turned club strikes down like a falling star, straight towards my foe.

His sword rises to block, stone pillars jutting from it to the ground in an attempt to brace against my blow-but he did not anticipate how much weight there was to displace, and his countermeasures shatter before slowing my strike. The stony club slaps into his chest and carries him down to the ground.

Instead of caving in his chest as I expected, the blow ripples through his armor, and the ground beneath him flashes with sudden cracks, shattering in a manner unnatural to my attack.... the attack's might was shunted into the ground? Vexing.

[DAY 161: DAY 1 OF WEEK 2 OF MONTH 5:]
[Zakday of the Second Cycle of Libiturnius (Summer)]


>>266809
>>266812
[6 vs 2 +6 FAVOR LORGK]
I refuse to let up. The moment my feet touch the earth I use my magic footwear to slide about, leaning on my entombed sword, still pinning my foe to the ground. I spin about the crater he rests in, stone chipping and flying away from my blade, slowly bringing its anti-magic edge to the surface. Sooner or later, I will be able to ignore that armor of his, and my greater size means that pinned so, he cannot reach me.

My foe seems to come to a similar conclusions, and stabs with his narrow stone sword-

Not up, but down towards the stone beneath him.






What should I do?
Should I ignore his action and keep grinding on his chest, knowing my current plan will end in my foes death?
Or should I react to his actions, and if so, how?
>>
No. 266851 ID: d4f98d

rolled 15 = 15

>>266844
I suspect that his armor may require contact with the earth to shunt damage so. Test it, slide your foot beneath his form, and repell the boot from the earth. Kick him into the air. Then utilize your own speed magics to keep apace with his airborne form while dragging your Blade against the ground, hopefully freeing it from it's prison.

If the blade is freed, move the strike your opponent's hilt, not the blade itself. If it's still encased, use your tremendous strength and go for a larger target: his arm. Try to break it.
>>
No. 266862 ID: a69afd

rolled 5 = 5

>>266844
End this with one blow, brace yourself for a two-handed upswing. Use all your strength to knock the blade from his hands, simultaneously activating speed boost and earthslide to dash past him. Pose like a boss.
>>
No. 266863 ID: 46c430

Yo, the pommel and ends of the crossguard are exposed crystal. If we need to, we could probably whack him with those parts of the sword (Or heck, take the sheathed blade in hand and use the entire thing as a bloody makeshift warhammer) to get through his magic armor.
>>
No. 266881 ID: 1e9d01

rolled 10 = 10

His sword controls earth in a chaos-infused way to CREATE masses of from small bits. It most likely used the bits of dust on your sword to create that big shell on it.

Him jamming it into the ground is bad news. Keep him from doing that. In fact, stick a foot under his arm and repel it from the ground.
>>
No. 266887 ID: a76809

rolled 13, 19 = 32

[Rolls not required this round due to reversal.]

>>266851
>>266863
>>266881
Such emphasis on earth-but would his defenses work away from his realm of power? I lodge a foot beneath my foe, and repel my foot as forcefully as possible. My foot leaps skyward, and anchored beneath my foe's spine it drags him skyward with it, the horrendous acceleration breaking away more of the entombing stone about my blade. With my remaining boot likewise repelled an instant later, I follow my foe skyward, my grip shifting on Legalloth as I heft it like a hammer, its spiked cross guard swung laterally in a short and brutal arc. The crystal spike slides straight through my foe's armor-

But his body proves too light, and he begins to move before I can drive its point farther than an inch into his side. I try to catch him, yet his myriad of scarlet cloths flare about him like a thing possessed-

An instant later the motion dies, and in my hands in naught but some cloth, where-

[Rolling: Lorgk Perception, Red Knight Claimant Luck]
>>
No. 266890 ID: a76809

rolled 6 = 6

[Rolling for RK]

>>266887
[13]
My magically augmented senses scream out to me, and my head whips about-

[19]
To see my foe standing on the ground already, his notably shorter covering of fabric in no way impeding my view as I see him slide his sword into the ground, blood leaking from his side.

roughly one thousand cubic feet of stone and earth disappear from beneath and around my foe, his body now at the bottom of a crater as he slowly raises his sword, its runes appearing no different yet emanating an ominous force that draws the eye.

I begin to descend, still some fifty feet up (seventy feet above my foe, with his decrease in elevation) as I realize my opponent stands precisely where I shall fall.






What is my plan of action now?
How do I plan to face a foe waiting for me on the ground so confidently?
>[ROLL DEM d20s]
>>
No. 266891 ID: 04c3a2

rolled 17 = 17

DID SOMEONE ASK FOR A D20
>>
No. 266892 ID: 834f7d

Jesus, he's going to shoot all that earth at through that sword of his!
>>
No. 266893 ID: d4f98d

rolled 1 = 1

>>266890

All that earth and stone had to go somewhere, perhaps he intends to direct it at your airborne form.

Your blade is still covered in stone! Angle the flat of of against the ceiling, and aim yourself behind your foe. Keep a firm grip on your blade hilt, and place your boots against the stone encasing it: REPEL the earthen ward, and see if you can blast the rest of it off while redirecting your fall and launching to an unexpected position.

When you land, lift him with on hand and snap the wrist that holds his blade.
>>
No. 266897 ID: 04c3a2

Alright, here's how it'll go down:

Attract your boots to one of the sides of the crater, then slide down so that you can actually maneuver and are not simply dropping down to be slaughtered when he dodges your attack.

Then you need to blast the rock off your blade with the repulsion of your boots. You don't need much of the blade, maybe the last 1/3. Then, dodge his first two attacks, unless they come from the ground, then you'll need to repulse into the air and attract yourself to one of the sides of the crater again. Then, if he has a third attack, dodge that as close as you can and strike him.

You shouldn't allow him to hit Legalloth with that stone blade of his, otherwise he will just cover it in stone again.
>>
No. 266902 ID: bdd665

>All that earth and stone had to go somewhere, perhaps he intends to direct it at your airborne form.

I think he intends to refil the crater with us at the bottom
>>
No. 266906 ID: d4f98d

rolled 14 = 14

I apologize for this in advance
>>
No. 266916 ID: a76809
File 129340276641.png - (744.14KB , 600x833 , Yeti Trollzaru Now Magic Eater.png )
266916

>>266893
[1 vs 6, -5]
>>266906
[Double or nothing substitution, 14 vs 12, +2]
>>266891
>>266897
[17 vs 6, +11]
[+13 COMBAT ADVANTAGE, LORGK]
>[>+10 ADVANTAGE]

I swing my stone-encrusted sword beneath my feet, and trigger the repulsive effect of my boots. Latching onto the stone about my blade, I feel flesh tear in my hand as I grip my blade's handle, but ultimately I blast away the rock, showering The Wall with debris as my trajectory shifts. I find myself just barely close enough to the crater's lip, and attract my feet to its edge, gaining purchase in a jarring rush. The moment my feet make contact, I begin Earthsliding as swiftly as I can, blasting across the crater's bottom towards my foe, his eyes still not fully tracking my new position. Still prepared to unleashe death to those above, he is unprepared when, in a replication of my opening move, I come in low and fast, a single, vicious slice my attack.

My foe's torso falls to the ground as strips of severed cloth puddle about his sagging legs. I pluck his sword from the ground, noting it a narrow dagger in my hands, and decide such a weapon could hold value.

With the challenge dealt with, I roar my might to the warriors around before I make my way back to the worked ice throne, listening to the scouts report once more, recalling he came in with words most urgent just before the challenger arrived.

>[Scout]"Over-Chieftain, the most wanted was seen, the yeti Trollzaru!"
"Where?"
>"A half-day south-southeast of here, on the lip of the lowest mountain."
"Forces?"
>"Alone."
"Intent?"
>"Unsure, thought to be magical in nature."
"Anything else?"
>"...He's now more of a monster than Goran."
"Explain."
>"At least thirty feet tall, just as heavy, body covered in bone and eyes, Teeth and mouths."
"How was it recognized?"
>"Like the last time Trollzaru was seen, this yeti monster was found standing in a patch clear of snow with fresh plants growing. ...It also smelled like him."
"Detected?"
>"No. Approached from downwind, no reaction noted to observations."
"Dismissed."




What do I do with this information?
And with the threat dealt with, should I do anything else before grabbing some sleep for tomorrow?
>>
No. 266921 ID: bdd665

>this yeti monster was found standing in a patch clear of snow with fresh plants growing

>snow with fresh plants growing

That seems very odd, could we get Mordre's teraforming deepspawn to check the spot for anything unusual? It almost soulds like the yeti was useing something in the ground to supercharge itself. (feeding off the leylines?)
>>
No. 266924 ID: 188f4e

>>266916
shit should we call Mordre or maybe his companion mage who was recently here?
>>
No. 266928 ID: 4c6638

>>266921
>TROLL
He's trolling the mountain.

>Greatest thereatr to your people ever has just been seen
>So should I do anything else before I catch some Z's?

Lorgk = Badass

in any case, report to Mordre.
>>
No. 266931 ID: b6269e

TROLLZARU!?

Damn!

We can't engage him without Mordre. Not only because it is very dangerous but also because we will not be able to claim his soul if we kill him.
>>
No. 266933 ID: 1e9d01

Call fucking Mordre and tell him that we have the location of Trollzaru. We need reinforcements to attack him. Specifically that timelock Deep Spawn. With it on our side, the Yeti are not so bad.
>>
No. 266952 ID: a76809

>>266921
Could the yeti scum have been feeding off the veins of Zakrath? I know where the veins go, life follows, it is an old saying passed down through the generations... could that be the source of his prolific growth, far greater than the tales I heard of Goran himself? The thought is chilling, but I expect no better of such mongrels, his tainted mind thinking to feast even on the world itself. I must be wary.

>>266924
>>266928
>>266931
>>266933
Phohn!
Yes mortal Lorgk?
I wish you to communicate my thoughts to your master and his companion, Kyorto.
And so I tell them both of what was found, a clue to Trollzaru's whereabouts at last... but a strange one, full of questions. I share my thought he could be feeding on the world's veins.
Both consider this estimation accurate, while Administrator Mordre inquires as to whether a response has yet been initiated.
I thought to contact Mordre first before taking action.
Mordre advises he is sending Burduko, Velada, Vandgurd and Nihilino, to participate in any strike force sent.

Even as the words filter into my mind I hear a crack of thunder as Burduko appears, his new form still alien to my eyes as he brings with him the named trio. ...One that can reject the Magic of Ages, one as indomitable as the mountains, one who unravels reality, and one the master of wind. Ugrokk and Oggroth both poke their heads out of their tents at the flurry of sound and wind. On spotting the Deep Spawn, both emerge prepared for war (more easily accomplished for Oggroth now). I consider the two hundred veterans to the Drazken name, all hand-picked warriors garbed in enchanted gear forged of felled yetis. I likewise consider the twelve hundred Warriors beyond that.... all of this can be brought against Trollzaru. If we really did spot him without being noticed.... and even if it is a trap, with Velada present....

I find myself quite inclined to bring my two generals and go with the Deep Spawn, our squad small but swift. I fear if we lingered to move a sizable force... Trollzaru may have already moved on.





Who should go with the Deep Spawn to hunt down Trollzaru?
>>
No. 266965 ID: bdd665

>>266952
>and even if it is a trap, with Velada present...

we should keep in mind that the Yeti has magics other than Chronomancy
>>
No. 267015 ID: c0f679

It's time to hunt in force. I reckon Lorgk, Ogroth, Ugrokk, the Deep Spawn and some 10-20 of your fastest moving veterans should go. Get Vandgurd to carry a pack of spare weapons in case enchanted weapons are somehow at a disadvantage against this new magic eater. Either way bring spears and javelins. It would be great if you could throw a volley of spears and use Velada to negate any time-based defenses at the crucial moment.

Make sure Mordreden stays alert in your absence. It would be like he yeti to try to draw you away so they can attack, but if Burduko can move key players around at great speed then you could return home to command the defense if necessary.

As a longer term goal could it be possible to replicate the Mordreden ice wall function. You could repurpose it to create anti-yeti weapons since they seem to die once they enter the infuence area of the walls. Have the shamans look into that.
>>
No. 267051 ID: 903f16

Hm, I missed a rather large glut of posts. I do however have a late response for the people wondering abound Red Knights and why they kill each other. It all has to do with Belief. Normally with a tittle one makes it themselves and it's fairly specific to them. The person then build up Belief up around it from their deeds and draw upon that Belief to empower themselves. In the case of Lorgk and The Red Knight tittle, it's an old and generic tittle with a large pool of Belief built up by previous holders. Due to the generic nature of the tittle multiple people will hold it at a time, some acquiring unintentionally like Lorgk. This benefits the tittle as a whole because the belief pool will grow from the deeds and tales of each of the holders. However it's generic nature is also the source of the conflict because with multiple claimants the Belief pool must be divided among them. So to they will kill each other when possible to keep the number of ways it is split down and have more power for themselves. I posed this theory to Bob a while ago as the reason why The Red Comet was killing other Red Knights and it was true, so I assume the other Red Knights are killing each other for the same reason.

Also Lorgk needs to look into how this guy found him. I doubt word of Lorgk spread far into the south. The Premen have very little contact with the outside world and they seem to be the only ones who refer to Lorgk as the Red Knight, so I doubt any of the general Premen population have spread it. We have only a few followers who know of his new tittle or could have seen his gear and ascribed it to him, those being Kyorto, Lorgk, Oggroth, and Jojo. I can only see Kyorto or Jojo having the ability to spread it and I don't see any reason for them to do so, beyond Jojo just dream chatting with Ulzrick and he stopped doing that a while ago. I guess it could be Dregas and some crazy marketing ploy or something, but beyond that I don't think word of mouth spread is likely. Hell, just the logistics of him getting to Mordreden are puzzling. It's in the middle of a frozen mountain range and this guy doesn't speak a lick of Premen so just locating the right place seems impossible.


>>266952

>Who should go with the Deep Spawn to hunt down Trollzaru?
Contact Dorgrum as he is your representative to Eldghodd and tell him what you have seen so he can relay it to Eldghodd. Tell him about your suspicions regarding Trollzaru messing with the leylines and request we be allowed the use of an aged individualized Deep Spawn like Khordu to help us remove a threat to the system. Then go with Oggroth, Ugrokk, the Deep Spawn, a handful of veterans, and Khordu if you were allowed to borrow him. Load up the veterans with the technology you've been gifted, it's rather potent against large creatures. And remember to bring your new dagger, it seems like it'd have great synergy with your boots. Right before you leave I'd get some tactical advice from Lukgo before you leave and check on the odds of this being a trap.
>>
No. 267062 ID: f6360f

>My foe's torso falls to the ground as strips of severed cloth puddle about his sagging legs. I pluck his sword from the ground, noting it a narrow dagger in my hands, and decide such a weapon could hold value.
Might want to order his armor and cape to be analyzed by your shamans, and if they can't figure it out pass them on to someone else working for Mordre. For that matter, speaking to your shamans about the sword might be good, too; they might be able to tell you how to use it, which would be nice. Drop by before you leave, or have a shaman look at it while you move.

>The Premen have very little contact with the outside world and they seem to be the only ones who refer to Lorgk as the Red Knight, so I doubt any of the general Premen population have spread it
I'm still wondering how the hell the Premen even have a word that directly translates as "knight". They don't have anything even remotely resembling the sort of tiered culture that generates knights, nor to the best of my knowledge have they had extensive interaction with a culture that does. Does their word for "armored warrior" just translate that way? If it does, exactly how flexible are Belief sets, that they can have many different languages and cultures with their own spins on the same general concept all emptying power into the same pool?

>Who should go with the Deep Spawn to hunt down Trollzaru?
All highly competent warriors who can move very quickly. Try to bring along a capable shaman so that you've got someone with a good grasp of magic to give advice and help with putting anything extremely sorcerous into context. The total party should probably not number more than fifty, at most, if you're willing to restrict yourself to the speed of the veteran troops.

Make sure that whomever you leave in charge keeps in touch with you and lets you know if anything goes horribly wrong.
>>
No. 267069 ID: 69bee4

The most likely candidate for giving out the info about him being known as the Red Knight is the Yetis.

This Red Knight could not speak Premen, so he did not learn it from a Premen most likely. However, we do know for a fact Yetis can use runes for communication. Consider that if the Yetis spread this information, all of the other Red Knights, people who are all at least Heroics, this becomes a free set of assassins after the premen chieftain, who will not turn them down on matter of pride. If the chieften ends up dead, this goes wonderfully for them.

As far as who should go, your general, Deep Spawn, anyone who can keep up, Jojo is either there or can be sent for I believe. Avoid mages though too much, as if hes copied Goren, hes likely a mage eater.
>>
No. 267075 ID: a76809

rolled 65, 35 = 100

>>267015
>>267051
>>267062
>>267069
"Mingsk, Oggroth, Ugrokk, and tent three of the veterans, all will be departing to hunt down the monster Trollzaru. Delro and Suggro will command until our return, both are to make contact if anything happens. ...DORGRUM!"
" Yes, mortal 'Chieftain Lorgk', what is it?"
" ¿ʇı sı ʇɐɥʍ ',ʞbɹoן uıɐʇɟǝıɥɔ, ןɐʇɹoɯ 'sǝʎ"
"Did you hear what was spoken of?"
" The rogue mortal that claimed the Organic Soul Grave sample, yes. That it has modified itself with the sample-and gone on to feed on the System, as your data suggests-Eldghodd is telling me to go with you personally. I am at your disposal."
" ˙ןɐsodsıp ɹnoʎ ʇɐ ɯɐ ı ˙ʎןןɐuosɹǝd noʎ ɥʇıʍ ob oʇ ǝɯ buıןןǝʇ sı ppoɥbpןǝ-sʇsǝbbns ɐʇɐp ɹnoʎ sɐ 'ɯǝʇsʎs ǝɥʇ uo pǝǝɟ oʇ uo ǝuob puɐ-ǝןdɯɐs ǝɥʇ ɥʇıʍ ɟןǝsʇı pǝıɟıpoɯ sɐɥ ʇı ʇɐɥʇ ˙sǝʎ 'ǝןdɯɐs ǝʌɐɹb ןnos ɔıuɐbɹo ǝɥʇ pǝɯıɐןɔ ʇɐɥʇ ןɐʇɹoɯ ǝnboɹ ǝɥʇ"
"This saves time. Is anything required before we travel?"
" No longer. As Liason my restrictions have been altered, allowing less restrained movement on the mountainside."
" ˙ǝpısuıɐʇunoɯ ǝɥʇ uo ʇuǝɯǝʌoɯ pǝuıɐɹʇsǝɹ ssǝן buıʍoןןɐ 'pǝɹǝʇןɐ uǝǝq ǝʌɐɥ suoıʇɔıɹʇsǝɹ ʎɯ uosɐıן sɐ ˙ɹǝbuoן ou"

One minute after the termination of this conversation, my group stands assembled.

-Deep Spawn: Burduko, Nihilino, Vandgurd, Velada, and Dorgrum
-Heroes: Lorgk, Oggroth, Ugrokk
-Shamans: Mingsk
-Soldiers: Tent three, the pursuit squad, fastest of the veteran warriors of the Drazken Clan.

Another minute is spent gathering conventional weapons, in case Trollzaru can in some way feed on magical attacks of all sorts. Loaded up, the remaining Drazken Clan shaman, several score in number now, set a group enhancement upon us, our bodies becoming marginally lighter for the immediate future. So disencumbered, we set off, south-southeast, in pursuit of Trollzaru.

Dawn comes.... and goes...

Two hours later, we find a wide swatch of ground where the snow has only just begun to fall on fresh greenery-he was here, and recently.

We start circling the area, looking for tracks. Nothing seems to crop up, until Velada completes its thorough circuit, a previously unmarred patch of snow revealing misshapen clawed footprints larger than Mordre's-larger than Goran's. East-northeast. We restructure our marching order and Velada leads the way, revealing our trail as we follow on behind. ...Chronomantically wiped tracks, no wonder we never found his trail before.

An hour later, we spot a patch of green a few miles away-another patch of life, where the world's veins were fed upon, and Trollzaru's tracks lead right towards it. We begin racing down the slope, when something gives me concern: I can already make out trees in that patch of green, so why can I not see Trollzaru, something-

[Roll 1d100 for Lorgk's perception test, then a 3d20 for the squad's perception. My roll is for YETI ASSHOLERY, IMMEDIATE AND DISTANT, in order.]
>>
No. 267078 ID: 69bee4

rolled 9 = 9

GODDAMN YETIS NEED TI DIE!
>>
No. 267080 ID: 903f16

rolled 14, 17, 7 = 38

Rolling for squad perception.
>>
No. 267083 ID: 9a5057

rolled 59 = 59

>>267078
and then Lorgk remembered to open his eyes...
>>
No. 267087 ID: a76809

>>267075
[Trollzaru: 65]
>>267078
>>267083
[9+59=68/2=34/65=52.3%]
>>267080
[34+14+17+7=72/65=110.8%]

I cast a glance downward as I realize what I feel underfoot-the snow is lessoning. But that would mean-

Velada reveals a tree hidden in thin air, and as our march starts to skid to a halt, Trollzaru's arm, covered in blood-stained white fur and thick bone ridges, several mad eyes darting about as a clawed hand wraps around Velada's beating hive-heart, the rest of Trollzaru, a thirty foot nightmare of fanged maws and fey eyes cackling and ogling me from his titanically bone-armored form. Before any can act Trollzaru speaks, the voices of several of his maws blending together to form intelligible words.

"A TRADE. YOUR MASTER'S SPAWN LEFT ALIVE, UNEATEN, TO LET ME LEAVE THE MOUNTAINS. A SOULBOND WILL BE SWORN IF NECESSARY, NO INTENTION OF COMING BACK"

[35]
Mortal 'Chieftain Lorgk', Delro bid me to tell you a yeti attack has come from within the mines, a new passage having been carved out. With Dorgrum and the other supernatural fighters away, they are proving a disaster to remove. This concludes his report.





All of us are between thirty and forty feet from Trollzaru, what actions should we take?
What should I advise Delro do about the unknown number of yeti invaders in the mines?
>>
No. 267104 ID: a69afd

>>267087
"We cannot trust you nor your traitorous ilk... How many times have we offered the yeti a chance to partner with us, only to be spit upon for our good will? Trollzaru, where does your greed end, what drove you to betray EVERY ATTEMPT we made to bridge the gap between our people? We have no guarantee you will leave, no way of confirming you won't just send more of your filthy bretheren... Your kind will haunt us forever more unless we eradicate the yeti people completely! It matters not if you flee, or fight with what little dignity your coward hide houses- Take pride in your actions, scum- the events you set in motion herald the end of the yeti race, you have brought upon a genocide these mountains will never forget."
>>
No. 267106 ID: d3dfb8

Send a message to Mordre, tell him to ready his railgun. Have Burduko teleport Mordre here, oriented toward Trollzaru then teleport him back once the railgun has been fired. Have Mordre set Ozmand's soul to full order to dispel magic.
>>267104
Stall for time using this.
>>
No. 267107 ID: 701fbd

>>267087
let him leave. seriously.
>>
No. 267109 ID: 701fbd

Tell him that we have every reason to fight him. But we really should just let him go but we should keep our guards up. Something is not right I mean this dude can easily hold up against us if he is a quasi-Goran with yeti magic.
>>
No. 267111 ID: d4f98d

GUYS. Having Burduko Teleport away and back to fetch Mordre is liable to get our good friend Velada EATEN ALIVE.

Also, fuck talking, even if we did try to come to a deal, given the fact that Trollzaru's been EATING FROM THE SYSTEM, I really really doubt Dorgrum is allowed to let him wander off to do so in other places.

We need a plan to free Velada's hive from Trollzaru's grasp. If we do any talking, its going to have to be specifically to buy time for this purpose. For actually freeing Velada, Burduko's incredible flight speed and heavily severance inclined blade will be best suited for parting our Trollish friends arm from his person (as I recall, it was likened to the Golden Axeman's Axe, which carved through BLACK STEEL, a conventionally indestructible material). This leaves the problem of preventing the possibility of Trollzaru eating Velada in that time, however high or low that chance is.

The only thing I can think of right this moment, in this situation, that would be faster than Burduko...is a laser. Like the electro-laser mounted in Uggrok's hand.

Eye's are almost always a vulnerable spot, causing intense pain and shock. However monstrous he may be, he's still a living thing with a somewhat conventional nervous system. I wonder how Trollzaru would handle the shock from a Weaponized laser to one of his many Occular organs :p.
>>
No. 267112 ID: 445c48

Tell Burduko, through Phohn, to grab some more deep spawn and bring them to Mordreden to help defend (And I'd say the Rageluts but they're busy! And we'd have to wait for them to get in the box. I'd say Maybe some Militiamen, but...). And How's Kyorto doing in the defense?



Let him leave. No need for a soulbond. Just a couple of dudes as an escort out of the mountains. (I'd say a sneak attack later, but we don't want to stoop to yeti-level deal-breaking[Though, perhaps a sneak attack by the AirCav once he's out of the mountains?]). Ask him what's the deal with yeti-dealbreaking anyways.
>>
No. 267113 ID: d4f98d

>>267109
Theres alot more of us than last time for a direct confrontation, they're all wise to some of the tricks of magic eating, and each one is alot more potent individually than they were in the fight with Goran.

Not only that, but however quickly Trollzaru has been feasting, he's still new to being a Magic Eater. Goran had generations of experience. Trollzaru reverse engineered his ability from a piece of Goran only days ago.

To add even further to this, Trollzaru's never exactly been the most stalwart and brave of combatants. He seems very much the sort who likes to stack the odds overwhelmingly in his favor before committing to an engagement, something that is not the case here. He's isolated, with limited intel on his foe's new capabilities, outnumbered, incapable of hiding.
>>
No. 267114 ID: 445c48

Mordre's still getting his runes "did", so he wouldn't be able to jump in with a railshot, guys. Probably best to not interrupt the runing, might explode! Or something. Shit, I don't know how that works.
>>
No. 267117 ID: d4f98d

>>267113
Additionally, simultaneous to Burduko's assault, you can have Vandgurd Punch Through Space against Trollzaru. Of all the combatants here, Nihilino, Burduko, and Vandgurds new abilities are the absolute least likely to be known. With a combined assault, we should be able to free Velada.

He's going to Kill Velada WHATEVER WE DO, Deal or no deal. Velada fucks with his whole schtick too thoroughly for him to let her live. Our only option is to free her ourself, or get trolled AGAIN, and this time there will be noone to blame but ourselves.

Cooincidentally, Velada's existence is the only reason a surprise attack could work now, thanks to the fact that she prevents his Chrono defense.
>>
No. 267118 ID: 69bee4

Don't forget to consult with your blade's ancestors, as you must have nearly a millennium of dealing with Yeti and their dastardly ways held within.

As we can not trust a Yeti, we have no choice but to save that Deep Spawn and kill this menace here and now. First thing is that our stopping his time shenanigans must be secured, to this effect, Nihilino can target the entirety of Troll's body that is near Velada while moving closer, risking grabbing the Deep Spawn again phasing him into nothingness, Burduko has instant speed and can cut through anything, so he is tasked with removing the arm and moving outside of Troll's range, while close enough to keep his time power locked. Vandgurd should be able t punch through space for a surprise hit to the face, for at least enough stun lock to free the hostage first. Using Phohn while talking should allow the spawn to coordinate perfect timing.

After this happens, the runners need to secure a perimeter so that if Troll does try to escape somehow, we have people who can point Burduko and his chrono stopping payload into the right direction. Mingsk I believe helped when dealing with the Deep Spawn before, so if bleeding begins to occur on any side, he should be able to use the magical blood as a form of buffing power again.

Everyone else is on assault, preferably long range attacks to protect possibly lethal effects from Uggrkk's arm to protect both yourself and The Mountain.
>>
No. 267132 ID: 259738

>>267087
Don't agree to any sort of deal with a yeti. Especially this yeti.
>>
No. 267134 ID: b6269e

Yeti attacking in the mines?

Have Burduko teleport several other spawn to Icy Bastion and have them deal with it.

Oh, shit. Lets teleport Nidhogg! That is something that I am just positively sure that Trollzaru never took into calculation.

Also, in case we kill Trollzaru several updates later, have Mordre telport and claim his soul immideatly.
>>
No. 267140 ID: 21e57a

>>267111
This, this, oh god this, why are we even arguing, this.

I can't remember if Velada can do any chronological dickery, but it would be nice if it could possibly ignore or reverse any screwing around The Yeti did, and then pause time as Burduko warps in, removes arm, and warps back to Mordreden with Velada and Dorgrum in tow.

Immediately as Burduko saves Velada EVERYONE IDES OF MARCH THAT BASTARD! CHARGE!
>>
No. 267142 ID: 9a5057

>The only thing I can think of right this moment, in this situation, that would be faster than Burduko...is a laser. Like the electro-laser mounted in Uggrok's hand.

Then why not shoot the laser at his hand?

In any event, stalling seems to be the order of the day, whatever other plans may be in motion, and calling Troll a bastard who cannot be trusted stalls for only the second and a half it takes to get that far in the sentence. If we are looking to buy time, we need to play along, but suspiciously.

"I appreciate that you did not simply attack, and have stopped rather than immediately eat the swarm, but how can we trust you, Betrayer? Even if you swear on your soul to leave my mountain, how can I know you will not simply strike at me from a distanace safe from reprisals? What of your tribe? unless.. *speculatively eye his body, covered in blood and too many body parts* you have already eaten them yourself? Speak quickly, I have no time for your games."

>>267140
Velada was CREATED to deal with time shenanigans from the likes of Goran. And Figment, though we later learned it probably would not work on him, due to not being time shenanigans exactly. Embodiment of temporal stability and all that.
>>
No. 267158 ID: fbca7a

Vandguard: Grab his hand, lock it.
Burduko: sever his hand and tele with Velada.(take the hand if needs be, but you must remove the hand as soon as possible.)

NOW you can chat or whatever.
>>
No. 267166 ID: b6269e
File 129347863174.jpg - (550.19KB , 1944x2592 , 27122010256.jpg )
267166

Wait,
Wait

Isn't Mordre being updated right now at this moment?
Haven't we influenced these kind of procedures with fan-art and lyrical bonuses and what not?
Shouldn't we be churning out arts to have the result be even more awesome? Like Arkus figures out something cool or Bobobo gives some upgrade we never though of???

Anyway, here comes Santa-Mordre bearing gifts
>>
No. 267192 ID: b6269e

Oh right, this is important: have all of the orders be transmitted through Phoh so that that asshole can't hear us.
>>
No. 267201 ID: d4f98d
File 129348585768.jpg - (272.38KB , 777x1003 , VeladaRough.jpg )
267201

This one was more aggravating than I thought it'd be.
>>
No. 267301 ID: a76809

rolled 11 = 11

>>267106
[Mordre cannot be moved or physically act (including firing the cannon) until the runing process is complete.]
>>267112
[Burduko still cannot transport mortals outside of places of sameness.]

FIGHT
>>267111
>>267118
>>267140
>>267142
>>267158
My choice is clear. There is no compromise, no negotiation with Yeti filth. They are a blight to be purged, any threats they make ignored. So long as a yeti draws breath it will continue to destroy and decieve, there is only one real solution. I speak to Phohn, asking him to convey my words to all my comrades as I ask them to strike. One half-second after Trollzaru stops talking, all of us leap into a flurried frenzy of action.

Burduko flickers into existence beside the yeti's arm, a blade seemingly forged of his own metal flesh slicing through the air, running straight through Trollzaru's wrist-the wound immediately healing as the blade passes. Vandgurd's arms leap out across the intervening space, swelling and looming until they dwarf Trollzaru's own as each wraps about an arm, immediately constricting. I see Ugrokk's hand seperate, the air humming for a brief instant as Trollzaru's body jumps and contorts, hand unable to clench further thanks to Vandgurd's applied pressure, the demon warrior unfazed by Ugrokk's metal hand and its power.

>>267201
Trollzaru seems to recover some focus, and I see Vandgurd's grasp slackening, chunks of metal falling to the ground as the manifold mouths of Trollzaru set to work feasting on the offending grapple. In the moment of lessened pressure, the yeti's grip on Velada's heart clenches-

[FANART BONUS]

Before springing open, the mechanical bees that both make up Velada's body and spawn swarm the yeti's flesh, burrowing and feasting with such abandon the regenerative abilities are slowly being overwhelmed-or perhaps Velada's link to time is slowing our foe's regeneration.

>>267166
As Vandgurd's hands recoil, his own regeneration not taking place, his hands still a ruined wreck. Before Trollzaru can even attempt to recapture Velada's heart in spite of the swarming bee spawn eating away at his hand, Burduko acts again. Seeming to have learned from his first strike, Burduko's attack is a blur, his arm fading into invisibility for an instant as he jets above the yeti's arm.

[FANART BONUS]

In his wake, flesh and bone alike falls to pieces, Trollzaru's arm cut into dozens of slices in one fell swoop, each incision repeated multiple times to prevent flesh remerging mid-cut. ...A stunning display of swordsmanship.

All of this, I see in making a leap that thus far has taken me some fifteen feet towards my foe. He loses his hostage, and an arm.

Maybe not.

Howling tentacles explode from the stumbling yeti's arm, already piercing through three of the slices of recently dissected arm and racing for more as I see the hundreds of eyes glare at us all. I draw back my sword, the stone longdagger at my waist as I see Ugrokk, a glowing axe in one hand and Drazken-runed one in the other, followed by a thundering Oggroth, already getting his strange weapon ready, hammer gripped with white knuckles as his iron wrecking ball threatens to deform beneath his grasp. Burduko looks to be going in for another aerial flank attack, Vandgurd's hands are still presenting issue, and Velada is about to fall behind our lines to safety, while Nihilino takes up the rear, somberly marching forward, a lone orb of abject shadow slowly swells in his grasp, that horrifying non-face of his almost contemplative.

With my flight path bringing me towards Trollzaru's belly, which has no less than three mouths larger than me, and twenty six eyes bracketed into the latticework of bone armor tracing paths through the oft-stained white pelt, I consider:




How should I make my attack?
Do I have specific orders for any of our allies?
[Roll a d100 with any posted plan, to match up against my roll for Trollzaru.]
>>
No. 267302 ID: 6a6cb9

rolled 98 = 98

Burduko: Teleport Trollzaru
Sever a bodypart
Repeat sans severed bodypart.

This will take something out of you, but keep it up.
Teleport in front of Nihilino after the second time.
Nihilino, slam him with the orb.
This will stop his regeneration in it's tracks, at least for a time, a time which Budurko will take full advantage of with slicing and teleporting.

Lorgk, draw yourself to the ground with your boots and absorb as mush earth into the dagger as possible, making it a huge blade.
Choose a point in the air and swing with all your might.
Burduko will teleport him there so he can get hit, see if you can activate your speed abilities to get more cuts in.

Oggroth: eat all the fallen pieces, we can't risk him retrieving them and speeding up his regen or some rubbish.

!DING!
LORGK: When you have determined that you cannot get anymore swings in, step on the sword and earth slide+speed up to Trollzaru.
Rend him in twain.
Anti-magic FTW.
>>
No. 267303 ID: b6269e

>>267301
>>267166

soooo....

We can't influence upgrading process with fan-art then?
>>
No. 267304 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 62 = 62

Uggrock, if your arm isn't doing anything try using your chained twin of gavrock.
>>
No. 267307 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 71 = 71

If Vandgurd is still having trouble regenerating call in Murhyihal.
>>267302
Burduko, Phohn, Vandgurd, team building exercise. While doing this plan Burduko tells Vandgurd via Phohn where he is teleporting Trollzaru. Vandgurd then proceeds to punch the shit out of the place where Trollzaru appears.

Rollan for Vandgurds reaction times.
>>
No. 267315 ID: 1e9d01

rolled 34 = 34

I would like to suggest that Burduko somehow teleport Trollzaru's neardead corpse to Mordre so that we can soulsuck him. WITH Velada so he can't just time magic his way out of that. Burduko can't teleport mortals, this is true, but I'm sure he can teleport other deep spawn.

Also if the Yeti are in the mines... what about Eldeghodd's other deep spawn? I'm sure he has more in attendance than just the two we saw. I'm thinking... we let the yeti stay in the mine. In fact, see if we can collapse their entrance so they're stuck in there.
>>
No. 267319 ID: 45be60

rolled 33 = 33

>>267302
>>267307
The problem with both of these plans, despite good rolls, is that they involve attempting to rapidly chain-teleport an utterly massive living foe bursting with the metaphysical weight of consumed souls. Burduko will quickly fall over from the effort.

Allow me to suggest the refinement to Falcon's cut-and-teleport plan by recommending that Burduko instead teleport severed pieces away from the main body before Trollzaru can collect them again. Far away. And away from eachother too. Like, one chunk per teleport box across the planet.

Lorgk, we need to find out how effective your magic severing blade is on this bloated soul/world monstrosity. Aim to sever a limb, legs are a good choice. Try to avoid the teeth, and time your blow to coincide with Oggroth and Ugrokk at least. More simultaneous attacks make it harder to properly respond to any of them.

Grumble grumble then maybe Dorgum can show this walking Xerox smudge what it really means to have enough mouths.
>>
No. 267320 ID: b6269e

rolled 84 = 84

>>267315
I'm liking the idea of having the corpse teleported to Mordre.

Of course Oggroth could try to eat him too .... but I am afraid that he will not be able to cope with it.
>>
No. 267331 ID: d4f98d

What're Mingsk and Dorgrum up to?
>>
No. 267338 ID: 71eb9b

>>267319
Burduko only has problems becuse he's trying to get us there in one piece, something he does not have to worry about now.

"Oh crap did I leave your arm back there? Sorry man"
>>
No. 267347 ID: d3dfb8

>>267319
oooooo, we could teleport them to Bang! He'd love to analyze some of this shit.
>>
No. 267369 ID: 445c48

Damn, if Burduko wasn't so kickass at fightan, I'd recommend he either grab some more Deep Spawn, or have Mordre Phohn the Arcanoworks and order the militia into the box, so he can teleport them to help defend Mordreden. But Burduko's busy bluh
>>
No. 267380 ID: d4f98d

Regarding the situation at camp: I'm not TOO worried, as there's still the Sons of Mordre, the lions share of the Veterans, and every other combat-shaman in the Drazken. If they absolutely can't hold off an attack in the mines, a narrow area with only one viable exit into the village proper, from the diminished Yeti presence in this area...well, somethings desperately wrong with our warriors. They're far to damn reliant on a small group of elites, and some hardcore shaping up is in order, if thats the case.
>>
No. 267386 ID: 43ed11

>>267380
indeed, plus they have the anti-yeti wall. They should be cool.
>>
No. 267396 ID: 259738

>>267319
Trollzaru can't possibly have as many souls in there as Mordre does, and our second core upgrade to Burduko pretty much fixed his problem with teleporting Mordre.
>>
No. 267399 ID: f247ab

>>267386
On the topic of the anti-Yeti-magic (not anti-Yeti) quality of the Wall, we seriously need to extend that quality beyond just the Wall; perhaps even create an anti-Yeti field around the whole region (which would take an absurd amount of power, most probably, but...). Happily, there is a mass of Yeti bone and blood (and, if the Drazken shamans know any Soul Magic at all, Yeti souls) aplenty for such a field, I think.
>>
No. 267401 ID: d3dfb8

>>267399
anti-yeti field AROUND THE ENTIRE WORLD
>>
No. 267421 ID: 21e57a

>>267320
As do I. Hopefully with this roll it'll work.
>>
No. 267445 ID: a76809

rolled 91 = 91

>>267303
[Correct, Mordre's upgrade is proceeding along its own eventualities based on how you set up the situation. At this juncture cannot be influenced until complete, runing is not something you can haphazardly stop midway with, not when working with more complex runes.]

>>267302
[98 vs 11 OKAY THEN]
I find myself holding far greater respect for Burduko as one of Mordre's minions, as his sword blurs again, shredding the lashing tendrils at the base just as they finish coiling through each sliced section of arm. Before Trollzaru's regenerative abilities can begin to act, Burduko lays a single hand on the yeti monster's shoulder and-

I feel the wind howling behind me, and there is a horrendously booming absence of sound, painful and jarring on the ears, as Trollzaru's form flickers like a mirage, now short a leg from mid-thigh down. ...Nihilino then. None other feasts so completely as the eternally emaciated. All this happens as I order Oggroth to eat fallen pieces of Trollzaru's body as possible through the mind demon Phohn, and engage my boot's earthen attraction, my attack dipping earthward as I whip out my stone long dagger, dragging its edge through the cold stone underfoot as if it were water, the blade flowing-and feeding, a massive gouge left in its wake. I feel a sense of possible weight building ever higher in the stone totem, and as I finally eradicate the distance between us my closing thought, just before I begin whipping my body about to bring Legalloth to bear, is of mobility. One legged, if I could but anchor his one remaining leg....

As the stone totem's tip leaves the ground, the stone erupts and melds about Trollzaru's foot, leaping up to surround and trap his remaining leg to the knee. I sharply repel myself from the ground, flying skyward as my body begins its lethal contortions, a full-bodied, sky-splitting slash, is mapped out in my musculature, as I make what I envision real. My back tightens and knots as my legs snap in tight, arms akimbo as I stabilize my spin. My legs snap out, my arms draw in close, and I spin about my spine, body now tilted.

Hopefully enough to dodge that arm reaching for me-

>>267304
[62 vs 11]
I'll never learn whether I had guessed correctly. A reflective cannonball slams into Trollzaru's wrist, snapping his hand aside, the chain whipping the ball back along its flight-path, which I note mid-revolution is in Ugrokk's hands, his charge halted to draw and brace for that strange weapon he bears. My sword slips up, and parts Trollzaru's remaining arm mid-wrist, just as Burduko bisects his anchored leg and slaps a hand down on the monstrous yeti yet again. This time he teleports both of them twenty feet back, sans severed forearm and lower leg.

>>267307
[71 vs 11]
Burduko vanishes from view as I watch Trollzaru's every severed limb explode in thorned tendrils, already weaving together to form new monstrous limbs-

BAM

Vandgurd's clasped hands slam earthward like a meteor, immediately rebounding away as Trollzaru's body is shoved a body-length deep into solid stone-

Burduko appears with Trollzaru's body again, once more vanishing as this time paired fists slam in from either side into Trollzaru's body, before Burduko flickers into view again and after stabbing Trollzaru a few dozen times in a heartbeat, they vanish again, this time in front of a semi-distant submerged boulder, some hundred feet away.

Vandgurd's fist, massive enough I think the mountain themselves are moving for an instant, slams into Trollzaru, obliterating the multi-thousand ton boulder as Trollzaru is sent flying-

To have Burduko bring his body back again, after he races within his swirling vortex after Trollzaru's airborne form, Velada staying close to keep its chronal stability field on the mangled body.

Bruduko and Velada flicker back into view right before me just as I finally land from my midair slash, Trollzaru's body still trying to regenerate despite the savage beating its been taking.

We shall simply have to hit it harder.

Burduko wishes to report that Trollzaru has proven immune to the damage caused to most organics transported outside of established synchronized locations
.....
Normally those who Burduko transports die unless somehow beyond death. Trollzaru seems to qualify as the same group as Deep Spawn or Administrator Mordre

>>267315
>>267319
[34 vs 11]
[33 vs 11]

From Trollzaru's broken yet still recovering form, some twenty monsters burst from suddenly gaping mouths, abominations that look like some fusion of Goran and the common yeti, oversized heads with freakish mouths everywhere I look, a sudden entourage for Trollzaru's regenerative attempts. Burduko is immediately beset by five, as another four dash towards Vandgurd, closing range to reduce that distorted attack he now possesses. The remaining twelve-

split to jump at Ugrokk, Oggroth and I in quartets.

>>267320
[84 vs 11]

To my right, I see the four attacking Oggroth open their mouths wide. His opens even wider, as he breaks and feasts upon them without ever breaking stride, a whirlwind of strength and hunger. To my left, Uggrok's hand once more splits open, one of the yeti-monsters exploding into fire while a cannon round takes out another's skull before the remaining duo are upon him-

And the downed two are already starting to get back up.... they are in every way like the spawn of the Ground Demons. This thought chills me even as my sword disembowels three attacking me in one vicious arc-to have guts pulling themselves back into the wounds, hands still reaching for me.

As if in answer to my thought, I feel the thunder of feet behind me as blocky metal dolls rush forth to our aid, countering Trollzaru's spawn and allowing Uggrok and I to chase on after Oggroth, who is just now reaching Trollzaru's still prone form, now a semi-misshapen mass of thorned tendrils and coils exploding from his many wounds, hundreds lashing free in the air around him. Oggroth ignores it all, blood dripping from his mouth as he roars his challenge, shoving his wrecking ball in Trollzaru's side and swinging his hammer home with every bit of might he holds. With a sound so sharp and clear I hear an ominous rumble from the mountainpeak overhead, the iron lump drives into Trollzaru's side, a make-shift nail breaking bone and tearing flesh.

...Oggroth leaps back, his chain dangling loose, his wrecking ball gone.

Trollzaru's body explodes into scarlet thorned vines, all lunging and lashing out towards one and all.

>>267331
Brother Dorgrum wishes to report that he, the mortal Mingsk and the other mortals with him are being assaulted by one hundred fifty three of Trollzaru's spawn. They erupted from his severed arm. Currently Dorgrum's assistance is occupied preventing the spawn from overwhelming him or the mortals under his care as Emissary.

A veritable wall of pulsating, vibrating thorny tendrils seeking to tear us asunder in front, a tiny army of immortal soldiers attacking our rear.

....Yetis.






What actions should I take?
Do I have orders via Phohn for my allies?
>{Roll 1d100 with any posted plan to match against my roll for Trollzaru]
>>
No. 267458 ID: 45be60

rolled 71 = 71

Contact Mordre. Inform him that the yeti Trollzaru appears to have become a Ground Demon using the skills pilfered from Goran, and is now spawning yeti minions to defend himself and to attack your city from the mines. Request the assistance of all combat ready Demons currently available, to put an end to this.

Have those here already summon up their own spawn to tie up the attackers as much as possible. Given sufficient damage, it IS possible to overcome their regeneration, but we do not have time to kill each one individually. Sever the head, and the body will whither. Well, maybe not literally in this case, damnit, but it might be worth doing to Trollzaru anyway.

[Pssst. Hey Phon, did you keep up the whispering into Trollzaru's head shenanigans from the first time you met him?]
>>
No. 267460 ID: 49f06c

>>267445
>rolled 91 = 91

Damn it.
>>
No. 267466 ID: 6dd58d

rolled 43, 44, 54 = 141

Right, three possible courses of action.

First, the next time Trollzaru gets a large wound, before it can close up again why not send Velada's buzzers into it? Damn dirty yeti would have to rip himself open to be rid of the problem and in the meantime he'd be getting his regeneration suppressed while being shredded up internally by BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES.

Second, again taking advantage of an open wound, get Vandgurd in close enough to punch into one, then let Burduko warp him away to a distance the moment Van's fist begins to penetrate into the gash. Should theoretically let the fist expand as per usual since the punch is still in progress during the transit.

Thirdly... Many mouths, only one set of lungs. Proposing a Burduko + Nihilino-spawn combo. The spawn are basically mobile spheres of annihilation, so that should entend to the air around them as well. If the spawn arranged themselves around Trollzaru and Burduko dicked about with the wind in the local area, perhaps it could weaken the bastard through oxygen deprivation.
>>
No. 267468 ID: 04c3a2

rolled 76, 13, 40 = 129

>>267466
Rolling to help.
>>
No. 267469 ID: 21e57a

rolled 55 = 55

Eh, one roll to help because I can't think up a single plan. Hopefully this'll be good.
>>
No. 267479 ID: 6dd58d

rolled 31 = 31

One last ploy from me. Have Vandgurd ping-pong the big bastard back and forth between his hands from a distance. This might not do much in and of itself, but with Oggroth's ball inside him, the inertia of all that metal should whiplash the ball back and forth internally to hopefully liquify a few organs.
>>
No. 267482 ID: 6dd58d

Hey. Hey, Murphy. Fuck you. With an electric cheese grater coated in superglue.
>>
No. 267493 ID: 7d1a34

rolled 37 = 37

>Spawn
>Nihilino

HAHAHHAHAHA
Nihilino, take care of his spawn. Should be an easy clean up.
To make it better, Vadguard, gather them all up in one big hand, ignore wounds and hold em for Nihilino.


Now on to the main event
Lorgk:
Swing your dagger of earth, of stone, create a dome around your foe.
Seal him in a prison most tight, ensure he has no room to fight.
Assault him with spikes, slice him with blades,
contort his prison, tighten his chains;

Uggrok:
Become as a specter, evade your foes, focus on the source of your woes.

Oggroth:
EAT HIM!
EAT HIM NOW!


Trollzaru must be defeated post haste, we cannot afford for the avalanche to cover him.
This is the best chance we have of defeating him without Mordre.
Make Mordre proud boys.

[I miss the caged one sword now]
>>
No. 267496 ID: 7d1a34

>>267493
The heck is up with these rolls?
>>
No. 267514 ID: b6269e

>rolled 91 = 91

Do-ho-ho

Trollzaru is stepping up his game. I knew this was not going to be simple.

I guess some fan-art is in order, unfortunately I don't have means to scan/photo it anymore so I request someone does something.
>>
No. 267542 ID: b6269e

Just summon all of our spawn.

Get even Nidhogg in here.
>>
No. 267578 ID: 252e1b

rolled 6 = 6

Use your stone totem to make a hole around the majority of the thorny mass. A fire-break, if you will. You need a little breathing room.
>>
No. 267580 ID: 252e1b

>>267578
Oh man
>>
No. 267598 ID: 650d23

rolled 22 = 22

Frig it.

Vandguard: Throw him into orbit
>>
No. 267600 ID: b6269e

Stop rolling, guys!
You are making it worse. At this point everything that has happened in previous post going to be for naught.
Maybe the next update will have a more favorable roll.
>>
No. 267605 ID: b6269e
File 129366680896.jpg - (150.69KB , 1429x807 , HERE COMES THE PUNCH TRAIN.jpg )
267605

Since no one is willing to accept my request I going to use my half-assed MsPaint skills to whip out something to try to remedy the situation.

Anyway, here's Vangurd, the punch monster!
>>
No. 267609 ID: 650d23

>>267605
That's actually not bad.
not bad at all.
>>
No. 267615 ID: b6269e
File 129366843358.jpg - (178.00KB , 1429x807 , IT KEEPS ON COMING.jpg )
267615

Huh.. now would you look at that?
It's almost like I didn't completely suck at all.

Which one do you guys like better?
The "Michael Bay X-treme Special Effects Now with 50% More Action LineS!"
Or the humble, crude, pixelated, old-school version?

>>267609
thanks
>>
No. 267661 ID: b6269e
File 129367346562.jpg - (101.96KB , 633x475 , please kill me.jpg )
267661

And this atrocity here is supposed to represent Burduko, in case you couldn't tell.

Shit, I knew it was bad idea to try to draw him, especially with those tools.
>>
No. 267701 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 82 = 82

FFFFF GET THE FUCK OUT OF THERE
>>
No. 267733 ID: a76809

>>267458
[71 vs 91]
Phohn, tell Mordre what is in my mind right now, all that we have thus learned in fighting Trollzaru, his spawn, his regeneration, everything.
At once Mortal 'Chieftain Lorgk' It should also be reported this one has been continuing to whisper thoughts into Trollzaru's mind every moment of every day. With the connection distorted it is unknown if the transmission was successful, but if it was, you may wish to call yourself 'Cagliostro' to potentially create an opening
Understood.

When I whipped my head back to see the state of our more distant allies myself, I note Nihilino having no issue with the spawn facing him-wherever his gaze does fall, foes simply... evaporate, becoming dust, then dissolving to nothing in seconds. Those that get closes enough try to sink teeth or claws into his slender form, but wherever they appear to pierce his flesh, they draw back, missing teeth, nails, skin and muscle all wherever they dared touch the consummate consumer.

If only he was headed my way, rather than to aid Dorgrum, Mingsk and the rest against the better part of the yeti spawn population.

>>267469
>Wants to 'help'
>Okay!
[55 vs 91]
My gaze sweeps farther out, to see Vandgurd himself swamped with a flood of Trollzaru's spawn, pressing so close he cannot employ that perspective based space folding ability of his. He will be of no help in this, I fear.

>>267493
[37PLUS RHYMES vs 91]
I slam my stone totem into the ground beneath me, imagining a massive dome enclosing Trollzaru and his thorns-

I fail to fully analyze the sheer scope of what I attempt to encage. The expanding sphere of questing tendrils has expanded well past his original size, and I feel the sense of weight vanish from the totem before the dome is halfway complete, watching the thorns climb over the impromptu wall in a wave. Oggroth charges forth alone, as Ugrokk and I pair up as the waves of thorns and tendrils descends.

>>267578
[6 vs 91]
I think to perhaps undertake another stone crafting-only to realize with my dagger drained, I cannot attempt any such thing.
[6 vs 91 CANCELLED]

>>267701
[84 vs 91]
For the briefest of moments, I consider facing that descending wall, my blades, Ugrokk's axes and Oggroth's hammer against those untold thousands-

Before I realize how foolhardy that is. We have no regenerative gift, such an attack would be suicide. I scream through Phohn to withdraw, an order for the two with me alone, and all three of use reverse as swiftly as we can, arms frantically working as we fend off the most adventurous tendrils while building momentum. It is at this point that two things happen.

>>267615
I hear a heavy thump, bodies flying by in my peripherals as I see a massive hand, scores of feet across, flung wide into the air-Vandgurd has freed himself.

>>267661
Burduko is finally visible again, the shredded mist that was once spawn swirling in his wake as he screams down, plunging into the walled enclosure Trollzaru resides in. Sounds of butchery accompany sprays of blood, the swirling winds that follow Burduko coiling and twisting about the spray, catching every last drop, a scarlet cloud of blood mist slowly forming overhead. The advancing vines jerk, and fall limp to the ground, before being pulled back into the pit from whence they came, likewise shredded in Burduko's blender.

Burduko flies up into the vortex still feeding the cloud overhead, its whipping winds scouring off the fullbody coating of blood he's gained. With Trollzaru's spawn still not vanishing, I pay close attention to the words Phohn puts in my mind.

Brother Burduko reports Trollzaru's soul was not present in his body, and that he noted a small tunnel through the stone-it is presumed Trollzaru made some small vessel with burrowing capabilities-or an affinity for eating stone-and fled. The hole goes down at least seventy feet before it turns. As an addendum to Burduko's report, I note none of us under Administrator Mordre's service are sufficiently small enough to pursue.

[ULTRA SECRET BONUS 001: TRICKSTER'S RULE OF THREE-------MISSED]

I move then with Oggroth and Ugrokk, systematically hacking down individual spawn as our own Ground Demons bring their focus to bear. I fight in a haze as we slowly but surely whittle away their numbers, the demons on our side going to great lengths to keep us mortals out of harms way. None of it really gets through to me, even as we finish cutting down the last of Trollzaru's spawn. Only an abject aversion to the terror Nihilino inspires as he accounts for the majority of spawn kills manages to pierce my fugue. So what if Burduko claimed every drop of Trollzaru's blood, so what if all this bone and imbued flesh could prove invaluable supplies for the clan's shamans, Mingsk's eyes even now gleaming? So what if all this meat may let Oggroth evolve further as his own variant of Feasting?

Trollzaru, alone, faced the best of the Drazken clan, with a quintet of Demons as aid, and nearly overwhelmed us all covering his own retreat. Had he stayed to face us... he may have won, loathe as I am to admit it. Three times. Three times this Yeti has toyed with us, wounded us and fled vengeance.... what would my ancestors say?

As I report to Mordre (who asks for Trollzaru's blood and bone alike, trophies I am happy to give him for his minion's service) and organize our group, I look to Dorgrum, noting his complexly warped face to look contemplative, if such a term could be applied. Burduko flies up to his side, and the two spawn Demons engage in conversation, Burduko flickering as he periodically removes the spoils of war from the battleground mid-sentence. I look to the silent Vandgurd, the reserved Velada, the ominous Nihilino. I look to my warriors, I look to Ugrokk and Oggroth one and all while we set to marching back to camp, the demons staying behind.






What should I do?
Should I try consulting the souls of my ancestors about what just happened?
Do I have any words to share in this lackluster hunt? [Keep in mind Lorgk is not a flowery or lengthy speaker, he is excessively direct and concise.]
Do I want to speak with Mingks, Uggrok or Oggroth, and if so what about?
After returning to Mordreden this afternoon, is there anything I should do before finally getting some sleep?
>>
No. 267744 ID: 252e1b

>>267733

Say something like, "That yeti is a complete bastard, but we did well to force him to run. He knew he couldn't beat us, so he ran like the dog he is."
>>
No. 267751 ID: 445c48

Say some stuff, what someone else says, but then get Burduko to teleport the Deep Spawn back to Mordreden, they're still fightan right?
>>
No. 267758 ID: d3dfb8

Blood is a powerful link, after mordre is done with the blood iron pass it on to keddic and phohn. Phohn so he can pierce the connection distortion and perhaps track him. keddic so that he can become immune to trollzaru's trolling and hopefully the puppetry thing will aid him in a potential fight against the yeti as well. I recommend that keddic hold off on the blood until he's got a better grasp of puppetry.

Anyway, Lorgk your village is under attack get your ass in gear! have Burduko teleport the spawn into the village ahead of you, to aid in the defense.
>>
No. 267774 ID: f6360f

>Should I try consulting the souls of my ancestors about what just happened?
Might as well. They could have good advice; your tribe has been fighting the yetis for a very long time, after all.

>Do I want to speak with Mingks, Uggrok or Oggroth, and if so what about?
Speak with Mingsk. Ask him what of the spoils gathered he could make best use of, and what he'd do with them; if you tell Mordre of some plan that your shamans have proposed for the use of that blood or bone, he's likely to give it right back to you unless he has a specific use in mind for it.

>What should I do?
Speak with Dorgrum. Trollzaru's escape is a serious threat not only to your people but also to the System that he protects, given the yeti's habits. He or his master may have feelings on what should be done about it, or be willing to deploy resources to the continued hunt of that vile yeti.

Also, the fact that his spawn were able to emerge so easily within the mine is disconcerting, and he might have some opinion or aid to offer on that general matter. It cannot hurt to ask.
>>
No. 267778 ID: 45be60

So you're not even going to TRY and follow him then? I mean, that dagger you confiscated from the challenger is capable of removing stone at a rate far in excess of any conventional method with a skilled hand to wield it. He cannot run forever, soon he will have to find a place to sit and recover. He may yet escape, but you don't have to make it easy by just giving up.
>>
No. 267792 ID: 8fc896

Should I try consulting the souls of my ancestors about what just happened?
sure, it couldn't hurt

Do I have any words to share in this lackluster hunt? [Keep in mind Lorgk is not a flowery or lengthy speaker, he is excessively direct and concise.]
something along the lines of 'these mountains will remain Premen lands,or something

Do I want to speak with Mingks, Uggrok or Oggroth, and if so what about?
can Oggroth gain anything from what he eats? If so, it couldn't hurt to feed some of the yeti.

After returning to Mordreden this afternoon, is there anything I should do before finally getting some sleep?
>>
No. 267805 ID: b6269e

>[ULTRA SECRET BONUS 001: TRICKSTER'S RULE OF THREE-------MISSED]
Aww, man... is it because we didn't kill him again .... or because we didn't fall into yeti trickery for the third time?


What are Dogrum and Burduko talking about?

Can't burduko summon one of his lesser spawn to follow Trollzaru through the tunnel? Or one of Veladas bees? Are they small enough?
If not, we could summon Sardromn and have him summon his snakes, I am sure they would be small enough.
We need to know where that ass hole went.

Have there been any losses at Mordreden? Are there any serious injuries which will be fatal? Maybe we should summon Mury for a while too?

>>267778
2nd, though the dagger may be drained. Maybe our ancestors can chain some of their power to recharge it?
>>267758
Also second.

Trollzaru was eating from the system, right? Maybe Mahklargg can help pinpointing him and locations where he has weakened the system?


I sat we keep Velada behind to ensure that no chronal shenanigans will be done unnoticed.
>>
No. 267813 ID: d96260

>[ULTRA SECRET BONUS 001: TRICKSTER'S RULE OF THREE-------MISSED]
>FFFFFFF-

Also, RUN.
>With a sound so sharp and clear I hear an ominous rumble from the mountainpeak overhead
AVALANCHE APPROACHES

>'Cagliostro'
Phohn has style


In any case, silence is good. leave every man to his own thoughts unless they say something.

Ask your blade what they thought, and why Draz won't talk to you even now.
>>
No. 267827 ID: dae664

In regards to the trolling of Trollzaru with Phohn, Have we been getting things back from The accursed yeti? I mean, Phohn has in effect, made a conversation with him so we may be getting fragments, or even full blown responses from Trollykinzu.
>>
No. 267829 ID: a69afd

>>267813
The caged one's influence destroyed any semblence of sanity that Draz had ever possessed, his mind is GONE. Restoring his consciousness is... impossible to say the least. The Draz of this timeline and reality is but a comatose soul encased in a crystal blade. Hmmm... Souldreaming requires the recipient/victim to be broken in either body or mind yes? Draz had BOTH broken, by a piece of the caged one itself no less. Wouldn't that qualify Draz as the BEST SOULDREAMER EVER, EVEN BETTER THAN FIGMENT? Under the right circumstances, could we evolve the soul of the most powerful premen into Drazathoth? Demonbane Lorgk would certainly give us an edge against the angry planet god that wants to obliterate all life.
>>
No. 267832 ID: 252e1b

>>267778

The stone totem is drained, we'll need a way to power it back up.
>>
No. 267841 ID: b6269e

>Cagliostro

What does Phohn mean? Who is Cagliostro supposed to be?
Also, has he learned anything about Trollzaru from his trolling? If so, what exactly?
>>
No. 267862 ID: 445c48

>>267841
Probably the name he's given as the source of the head-whispers
>>
No. 267864 ID: 21e57a

What should I do?
>Should I try consulting the souls of my ancestors about what just happened?

Later, when we are at peace inside Mordreden. Ask them of our history with the Yeti and any ways to overcome their evil.

>Do I have any words to share in this lackluster hunt? [Keep in mind Lorgk is not a flowery or lengthy speaker, he is excessively direct and concise.]

"Deep take that trickster! We would have had him had he not fled. Minsks! Set the shaman to the task of hunting this beast down and magics that would help me kill it."

>Do I want to speak with Mingks, Uggrok or Oggroth, and if so what about?

Yes. To Mingks, ask what may be harvested from this weak hunt. To Oggroth, consirn for his hunger and massive stomach for eating such a foul trickster. Uggrok, how the wonders of the Lowlander technology and magic seem to be working in tandum.

>After returning to Mordreden this afternoon, is there anything I should do before finally getting some sleep?

Clean up the yeti invasion at home. Find any losses, and bury them with honors. Find if anything had happen while we were gone. Speak with Kyorto and Welgahoo.

>Anything else.
First! Teleport back to Mordreden! It would be foolish not to hurry to the combat.

Privately request Phohn to start mocking the Yeti for his cowardice and reliance on deep spawn and not Yeti magic. Also begin to offer a stream of bad advice that is not Cagliostro. Also, yes, find out what Cagliostro is suppose to be.
>>
No. 267865 ID: 45be60

>>267832
My impression was that the stone dagger was drained of STONE, not of magic. Its function appeared to be to draw stone from the ground and then reshape that stone into the world somewhere else. If this was not the case, then I should be considering a different approach to the problem. Hey Mingsk, c'mere and have a look at this magic thing that needs more magic.
>>
No. 267877 ID: b6269e

>>267864
>Ask them of our history with the Yeti and any ways to overcome their evil.

Oh that's good.
Ask them how many times in our whole history have we been tricked by Yeti. And if they have ever honored their word at all in whole of the history.
Ask them if being traitorous bastards is something they can't help but be or if some kind of event between Premen and Yeti put forth mutual hate.

>Uggrok, how the wonders of the Lowlander technology and magic seem to be working in tandum.
I was thinking, wouldn't it be great to give Premen permission to visit Gilagorra islands on their own to acquire equipment and technology on their own? Like buying new harvesting/farming equipment/tech, siege engines, armor, weapons and body modifications?
Since we are so rich, have Burduko transport 100K Marks to Mordreden or use rubies.

I'm sure Uggrokk would love any excuse to visit Gialgorra *wink wink**nudge nudge*
Anyway, ask Mordre for this. (I wanted to do this while we were in control of Mordre but that might take a while)
>>
No. 267878 ID: d9ac01

Phohn is trying to perform inception.

We should give him another core so he can do it. Or make him link up with Dompaggio.

We could do an erfworld style linkup with Phohn, Dompaggio and Bobobo, and make them attack his mind.
Bobobo can see what happened in the other instances to use as possible history, Dom can sense the direction the questioning should take and Phohn can link em all up.
>>
No. 267880 ID: 445c48

>>267878
Close, but Phohn isn't quite a thinkamancer...
yet.
>>
No. 267989 ID: a76809

>>267751
[Nope. Mordre needs them for issues in the State related to the Domintus invasion. Burduko will be teleporting them after he finishes moving Trollzaru's remains. Dorgrum will be transported back to Mordreden as well.]

>>267778
[Three things make tracking him insanely hard, beyond the fact that's not really how the stone totem works-. 1: The battle to kill the rest of his spawn before they murdered everyone took a quarter hour, and taking anyone off of fighting for tracking duty could have resulted in significantly more casualties, given only Deep Spawn could track him effectively. 2: Once outside of Velada's chronal stasis field, nothing prevented Trollzaru from restoring himself to a past state prior to your recent battle, and 3: Once outside Velada's field, nothing prevented him from using his chronal transportation shenanigans. It would take resources you do not have to follow him at this point.]

>>267827
[Not once has Trollzaru responded.]

>>267758
[Mordre is sending some of the Blood to Keddic already, but is harvesting Blood Iron and more from the rest, destroying the blood cells and rendering them unusable waste, as well as claiming carbon from Trollzaru's bones. He is planning to look at his Sable Executioner, thoughts of what Goran's blood did to it tumbling in his mind.]

>>267813
[No avalanche THIS TIME]

>>267744
>>267751
My first concern is my troops as a whole, and the image I portray as leader-I cannot let myself wallow in depression over failing to take the yeti's head.

"The vile trickster! We would have had him had he not fled. Should the yeti return it will receive the death it fled today! These mountains are OURS!"

I can feel the uncertainty I'd sensed earlier fading in the participating veterans, taking heart in the thorough beating dispensed, and the legendary fight experienced. I note Ugrokk nodding with a subtle smile on his lips. Oggroth simply continues onward, the immense lump oblivious to our exchange.

>>267774
>>267792
>>267864
>>267877
[Remember: Teleportation of mortal things, like Lorgk and the rest of the Premen, outside of the teleport boxes or similarly identical locations, is LETHAL.]
I decide to open my mind to Legalloth, my ancestors within, to seek their guidance on recent events. I ask them of our history with the Yeti and any ways to overcome their evil. I feel thoughts shifting and rumbling about within their crystal cage, before I am bombarded with thoughtss.
A plague in my time, the greatest threat we faced.
They were NOTHING when I lead the clan!
They struck but once during my rein after Draz.
They were a constant nuisance, nearly starving the clan out!

On and on the voices go, all sorts of interactions with the yeti. And through it all... I see no pattern, no rhyme or reason to their behavior. My ancestor's combined mental might could not predict their actions, and likewise found them notoriously difficult to stamp out with their natural camouflage. I propose another question, curious both how many times the yeti have tricked our bloodline, and how many times yeti have honored their word. Hundreds of voices clamor, raging of the trust betrayed, treaties broken-and thousands more remain silent. But one voice speaks up, about a yeti that kept its word.

We had yeti problems. Worst in generations. One day, a lone yeti came, besting the entire clan without slaying a single one of us. He saw our rage, our hate, and asked what it would take for our disgust to be undone. He was told only the death of his clan and all other nearby yeti could convince us we need not fear him. He used some strange wording, but said that a deal had been struck. Two weeks later he came back, his pelt starting to fall out and died pale pink from blood. He said he kept his end, and wished to depart these mountains to never see a Premen again. When our scouts checked, fifteen different yeti communities were found slaughtered, thousands dead. He slew his own to prove himself different, washing himself in an ocean of blood.
....Interesting. Was there a name?
None was asked for nor given.
Was there some origin to their viciousness, or is it their nature?
I recall tales that long before our clan was founded a Premen betrayed the mother of all yetis, and she cursed us to forever doubt our dealings with her descendants.
I heard no such tales, nor any reason why they behave so.
It must be their nature!


I cease my internal focus, restoring my attention to the marching I do, slogging through the thicker snow before we can pick up speed. I speak to Oggroth, my words immediately drawing his attention after the prolonged silence.

"Does it seem likely consuming Trollzaru's flesh would grant you any power or strength?"
>[Oggroth]"....Maybe. Makes sense."
>[Ugrokk]"I would assume it to expand the breadth of his bodies assimilation of Deep Spawn feeding styles, between his modified form and that of Trollzaru. Perhaps we could put forth effort to recover Goran's frozen remains, still trapped amidst the ice coating on our mountainside?"
>[Oggroth]"...Gotta talk so much?"
"Did you even get the chance to eat any of his flesh before this ended?"
>[Oggroth]"No. Burduko will save some, yes?"
"He will."

Nothing else needs to be said, as we regain our loping pace, dashing through the snow, re-using the trail we blazed on our way out here. It takes several hours, but we finally reach Mordreden, to find Dorgrum awaiting our return. He speaks as we approach.

" The mortal yetis have been purged. On consuming their memories it was noted that they spoke with Trollzaru, and were told he would come to their aid, attacking the village here from above ground. The conclusion is drawn that Trollzaru intended them to be a distraction, as several recall Trollzaru mentioning voices he heard, and conclusions he drew based on their existence. He analyzed Phohn's existence just through being the target of psychological warfare. ...I have reported this to Eldghodd, and he shares my concern about the knowledge Trollzaru now holds. Mordre has been informed, as are you now, that should he ever be your opponent on these lands, Eldghodd would be pleased to aid you. And yes, I did check with our surveyors, up until two hours ago, they could still track Trollzaru. Last they detected him on these lands, he was headed south. ...Well, with my duty as liason handled, I shall return to Jojo's tent, unless Mortal 'Chieftain Lorgk' has further questions."
" ˙suoıʇsǝnb ɹǝɥʇɹnɟ sɐɥ ,ʞbɹoן uıɐʇɟǝıɥɔ, ןɐʇɹoɯ ssǝןun 'ʇuǝʇ s,oظoظ oʇ uɹnʇǝɹ ןןɐɥs ı 'pǝןpuɐɥ uosɐıן sɐ ʎʇnp ʎɯ ɥʇıʍ 'ןןǝʍ˙˙˙ ˙ɥʇnos pǝpɐǝɥ sɐʍ ǝɥ 'spuɐן ǝsǝɥʇ uo ɯıɥ pǝʇɔǝʇǝp ʎǝɥʇ ʇsɐן ˙nɹɐzןןoɹʇ ʞɔɐɹʇ ןןıʇs pןnoɔ ʎǝɥʇ 'obɐ sɹnoɥ oʍʇ ןıʇun dn 'sɹoʎǝʌɹns ɹno ɥʇıʍ ʞɔǝɥɔ pıp ı 'sǝʎ puɐ ˙noʎ pıɐ oʇ pǝsɐǝןd ǝq pןnoʍ ppoɥbpןǝ 'spuɐן ǝsǝɥʇ uo ʇuǝuoddo ɹnoʎ ǝq ɹǝʌǝ ǝɥ pןnoɥs ʇɐɥʇ 'ʍou noʎ ǝɹɐ sɐ 'pǝɯɹoɟuı uǝǝq sɐɥ ǝɹpɹoɯ ˙spןoɥ ʍou nɹɐzןןoɹʇ ǝbpǝןʍouʞ ǝɥʇ ʇnoqɐ uɹǝɔuoɔ ʎɯ sǝɹɐɥs ǝɥ puɐ 'ppoɥbpןǝ oʇ sıɥʇ pǝʇɹodǝɹ ǝʌɐɥ ı˙˙˙ ˙ǝɹɐɟɹɐʍ ןɐɔıboןoɥɔʎsd ɟo ʇǝbɹɐʇ ǝɥʇ buıǝq ɥbnoɹɥʇ ʇsnظ ǝɔuǝʇsıxǝ s,uɥoɥd pǝzʎןɐuɐ ǝɥ ˙ǝɔuǝʇsıxǝ ɹıǝɥʇ uo pǝsɐq ʍǝɹp ǝɥ suoısnןɔuoɔ puɐ 'pɹɐǝɥ ǝɥ sǝɔıoʌ buıuoıʇuǝɯ nɹɐzןןoɹʇ ןןɐɔǝɹ ןɐɹǝʌǝs sɐ 'uoıʇɔɐɹʇsıp ɐ ǝq oʇ ɯǝɥʇ pǝpuǝʇuı nɹɐzןןoɹʇ ʇɐɥʇ uʍɐɹp sı uoısnןɔuoɔ ǝɥʇ ˙punoɹb ǝʌoqɐ ɯoɹɟ ǝɹǝɥ ǝbɐןןıʌ ǝɥʇ buıʞɔɐʇʇɐ 'pıɐ ɹıǝɥʇ oʇ ǝɯoɔ pןnoʍ ǝɥ pןoʇ ǝɹǝʍ puɐ 'nɹɐzןןoɹʇ ɥʇıʍ ǝʞods ʎǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʇ pǝʇou sɐʍ ʇı sǝıɹoɯǝɯ ɹıǝɥʇ buıɯnsuoɔ uo ˙pǝbɹnd uǝǝq ǝʌɐɥ sıʇǝʎ ןɐʇɹoɯ ǝɥʇ

Hm. Beyond him I see tons of mutated yeti flesh, Trollzaru's own, piled beside scores of fresh yeti corpses. I note the flesh of Trollzaru to be bloodless and boneless alike, Mordre having claimed his tithe.






What should I say or do?
Do I have any more questions for Dorgrum based on what happened and what he just said?
Do I have further questions to consult my ancestors with?
Is anything else important enough to keep me awake any further, considering I've now been up for a total of three days?
>>
No. 267991 ID: dae664

Hm. First priority: Asses Mordreden
if the warriors did well, Reward & Such.
If they didn't do so well, Training.

Training Training Training.
Actually, If the warriors did well, Reward THEN Training Training Training
>>
No. 267992 ID: dae664

>>267991
Oh, Right.
After the assessment: Catch some Zzz's
>>
No. 267993 ID: 2d9875

There is a fundamental difference between what Trollzaru did and the other Yeti did.
The other yeti came and asked and paid a heavy price, Trollzaru captured and threatened an ally.

Even if he would remain true (which I somehow doubt) he crossed a line he should not have.

Trollzaru is an enemy, he will never be something more.

The deep spawn are timeless, see if you can uncover more about your history, but for now, sleep.
>>
No. 267995 ID: a69afd

>>267989
I think the yeti are magically bound to the mountains, perhaps even the SNOW. We now have two accounts of yeti that wished to leave their homeland and they both asked a premen clan for permission to leave. Perhaps that so-called curse the yeti-mother cast was somewhat of a double edged sword? If it is, I imagine the constant yeti aggression stems from trying to break the curse. Probably some loophole that destroys the curse when one of the races involved dies out completely.

Lets see if we can't track down this ancient matriarch of the yeti people, surely she must still be alive in some shape or form? Maybe we could murderherviolentlypersuade her to end the curse?
>>
No. 268025 ID: b6269e

No one liked my idea of investing further into Mordreden? >>267877

I still stand by it.
>>
No. 268037 ID: dae664

>>268025
Hm.
I did not see this.
Support : gained
>>
No. 268040 ID: bdd665

>>268025
Not sure just how much money mordre has at the moment but giving some gold to the premen and letting them travel over to Gialgora's island sounds ok, we just have to remember to remind everyone to be on their best behavior and make sure anyone who goes can speak the lowland tongue or travels with one who does(they use gold instead of rubies to keep the ruby mine secret)

>>267995
>I think the yetis are magically bound to the mountains, perhaps even the SNOW. We now have two accounts of yeti that wished to leave their homeland and they both asked a premen clan for permission to leave.

I am not sure what to make of this but the idea that the yeti need permission of the premen to leave the mountains seems both correct and to have great potential.
>>
No. 268057 ID: d4c9f6

What should I say or do?
go check up on the camp's condition: it will make you look like a concerned leader, and when change back to Mordre we can come up with ideas to improve it.

Do I have any more questions for Dorgrum based on what happened and what he just said?
i got nothing

Do I have further questions to consult my ancestors with?
ask them about Draz

Is anything else important enough to keep me awake any further, considering I've now been up for a total of three days?
nah, go snuggle with your wife
>>
No. 268077 ID: a76809

>>267991
I check upon the clan at large, to find no real concerns from the attack. our healing tent prevented all but two fatalities, the rest stabilized. Our warriors performed well, not a one falling to the yetis even in the tight quarters-the injuries were from the initial attack on Makers. They see the mounds of flesh. the remains of the beast, and make assumptions. I correct them-knowing we ran off such a monster offers some solace, but we do not receive the heroes' welcome I had hoped for. Still, I command the warriors that responded to rest and enjoy themselves while the mages set to dissecting the claimed bodies and fleshy chunks, Mingsk at their head.

>>267993
>>267995
I consider the tales of a yeti long ago that asked permission to leave... and they way Trollzaru did the same. I wonder... could the yetis need permission to leave the mountain? There is the tale of a curse involving our two peoples-perhaps to escape their end of the curse they must ask to leave? I consult with my ancestors on this, asking if any know of yetis that left the mountains without seeking permission.
No, I don't.
Not me.
There was that yeti I mentioned already, but he sought permission.
I never saw any evidence they wanted to leave.
Not once.

Could there be merit to the lore of a curse?
It would fit....
It seems preposterous to assume such, it must be a yeti trick of some sort!
If that were true, other clans may have been asked, and have legends of yeti that left in such a manner.
More pressingly, Trollzaru is likely seeking out another village he can seek permission from-if this idea is accurate.
I know not how, but I assume the yeti to be laying a grand trap in this.

I thank you for your counsel.

>>268025
>>268037
>>268040
Maybe it is fatigue causing my mind to wander, but I consider Ugrokk's arm, and the wondrous weapons built into its form, separate of the armor and gun he bears, both magical in nature. The arm was made for him by a lowlander Mordre knows, a Toledo Gialgorra.... I believe the term for his craft was inventor? Through Phohn, I petition Mordre for more of the coins the lowlanders barter with, so that Mordreden as a whole could start trading with the inventor-Ugrokk brought back tales of how massive his home was, and the manifold lights of other lesser inventors about his land. Something to aid the magics already wrought, some way of further improving defenses, expanding the clan's usable land on the still frozen mountainside, weapons, agricultural aids-anything to bridge the numbers gap we face concerning the larger two rivals vying for dominance of the clans. Phohn's response brings a smile to my face.

Administrator Mordre has authorized Mortal Dregas to come with Burduko tomorrow morning, so that you may travel with him-along with whoever else you wish to bring-to seek wares from Gialgorra or any other inventors on the island. Be aware that while Gialgorra's work is unrivalled, Dregas notes it to be costly no matter how one barters, whereas other inventors could provide far more wares for the same price

And just like that, I set our clan to follow in Ugrokk's example. I pass on this knowledge to Jojo, Lukgo, Fersh, Mingsk, Ugrokk, Delro, all those who occupy leading roles are made aware, so they may decide if they wish to come along on the morrow. With my last duty for the day done, I finally retire to my igloo, finding time at last to rest, my mates embrace warm and soft.

[DAY 162: DAY 2 OF WEEK 2 OF MONTH 5:]
[Morday of the Second Cycle of Libiturnius (Summer)]


I wake up after dawn, a rarity for me, my body revitalized now that I finally got the rest I sought. I exit my abode and meet with Ugrokk, who reports on who has already requested to go to see the inventors:

-Ugrokk wishes to go again, though he does not have any complaints of functionality.
-Oggroth wishes to go, to find some replacement for his destroyed wrecking ball to restore his ball and hammer.
-Several of the warriors that ended up losing limbs that Jojo and Fersh were both unable to restore wish to be 'weaponized' as Ugrokk was, a total of fifty two warriors.
-Lukgo would like something to more ably protect his head, considering the frailties his injuries incurred.
-Fersh wishes to go with several of the more seriously injured who lost entire limbs, hoping to get replacements as Ugrokk did. Not counting Fersh, 16 Makers wish to have new limbs made.
-Delro requests that we find construction and farming aides of some sort, as well as suggesting finding some tools to more easily work with ice, with how many treasures are still buried under the ice.

As I mull this over, Buduko pushes open the doors to the metal teleportation cage, Delro at his side with a wagon bearing three iron-bound chests. Dregas speaks, and Phohn translates into my ear.

Mortal Dregas has already asked me to inform Gialgorra of our impending visit, and he has prepared time to meet and discuss what he could make. Dregas has brought with him six hundred thousand Marks, authorized by Mordre as funds for a technology refit for the Drazken Clan. Dregas also has had dealings with several other inventors at our destination, who could possibly be better suited to mass-production works than Gialgorra. Mortal Dregas would like to go now, the cold does not agree with him.

And so, in three trips, all those with things they seek from the lowland inventors are transported into a halfway complete stone and metal fortress, paying our respects to Mordre before Dregas turns to us, inquiring through Phohn if he should bring us all to Gialgorra, or if they should visit the port shops first. He also notes he knows several trusted traders who would work with the Premen fairly even without a translator and barterer to aid them, as well as traders that would not be averse to the magical communication Phohn offers.

There are choices to be made.





Of all those here (Myself, Ugrokk, Oggroth, Fersh, Lukgo, the fifty two warriors and 16 makers), who is going to Gialgorra's manse with Dregas?
Who is going to the ports to trade with Dregas's trusted sources, and how much of the six hundred thousand marks should they bring?
What kind of things should we be looking for?
>>
No. 268080 ID: d3dfb8

Every named character and 1 warrior and 1 maker.
We have Gialgorra design a set of standard combat limbs and a set of standard workmans limbs that can be easily mass produced by the lesser inventors.
We then take the blueprints down to the lesser inventors and have them produce 62 and 26 limb replacements. 10 extra of each for future losses.
>>
No. 268088 ID: d3dfb8

Also, bring as many rubies as possible.

Offer Ugrock the chance to go train with Oz for a day instead of coming.
>>
No. 268091 ID: 21e57a

>>268077
"Ha ha! Fine, find, I can see that Ugrokk trip to this Toledo Gialgorra has made an impact on us all. We shall all see what this island is like, and return with a great bounty for every member of the Drazkens!"
>>
No. 268092 ID: 364f93

I think if we are going for overall Mordreden improvement, we will need a lot of inventions, tech and equipment. Gialgorra is extremely expensive and if we go to seek our wares there, we are going to spend a lot of money on little amount of equipment (which will be the best)

I think we need to establish trading connections with the trusted traders that Dregas mentioned.
Like I said, we need stuff to improve the icy bastion overall. I would suggest seeking out agricultural technology and equipment, this will allow us to keep even bigger population and may serve as a safety if our magic based argiculatural expansion fails.

Automatons.
We should commission several, automated robots which will help with building, farming, mining and some other things.
OH! We should also commission heavy transport which can move fairy fast in snowy landscapes and carry a lot of Premen, that will allow Premen to deploy and react fast.
Artillery and siege engines would be useful too.

I think it would be a great idea to hire several scientists and invetors and have them move to Mordreden, there we will establish a College of sorts, where they will work and teach more gifted Premen.

We might want to try to build our own factories and manufacturies in Mordreden, then we will be able to trade not only rubies but some finished products too (we could shipe them to Lowlands and LoD)

I guess every named character and several makers will come to Gialgorra.
The others will break into several groups (makers with warriors to protect them) and will go to ports to seek intresting stuff that can help them expand Mordreden. Don't give them money yet as they could be scammed, they just need to look around for good potential stuff. Later we will meet with them and with Dregas help we will strike fair deals.
Of course, tell them to contact us through Phohn if something goes wrong.
>>
No. 268093 ID: b88840

>>268080
I support this.

Also, see if you cant get the guy that helped out the Sons of Mordre the first time to come to the meeting with Gialgorra. (i.e. Del Roga)

Ask Mordre about it.
>>
No. 268094 ID: 364f93

>>268088
>Offer Ugrock the chance to go train with Oz for a day instead of coming.
Ha! Do you really think that Ugrokk will lose his chance to visit Gialgorra mansion to go train with Oz? Training that he doesn't particularly like.
>>
No. 268095 ID: 364f93

>>268092

Never mind some things I said in this post. I am tired and lost a good deal of Bobs update and didn't get the part that said that all of our regular Premen are handicapped.
Unfortunately, I don't think we can afford to replace with top of the line Gialgorra limbs (like Ugrokks)for everyone of them. Maybe we'll take mid-tier limbs? Also try to negotiate for a better deal as we are buying bulk orders.
>>
No. 268098 ID: 364f93

Also, take a look at the castle that Mordre crafted from inside and outside (I just wanna know what Mordre has whipped out)
... Or maybe we'll get full-scale detailed description when we switch back to Mordre supplimented with picture?
>>
No. 268099 ID: 445c48

It would probably be best to see what the inventors other than Gialgorra have to offer, the proposed effectiveness and price, especially for the Maker-limbs which don't need all those fancy integrated weapons, and the tools. Shop around! As for how much money to bring, leave that up to Dregas, as he's the money-man, but be sure to guard the dosh.

See if there are any inventors willing to move and live up in Mordreden, so you've got one on hand to repair shit, build things that aren't big enough to warrant a trip down here, and join in on R&D.

Ask Dregas if he knows anyone that knows stuff about alchemical augmentation, the costs, what all it does, any risks, etc.
>>
No. 268100 ID: d4f98d

Six.

Hundred.

THOUSAND?

Didn't we only recently break the 1 million mark point? If so, thats roughly half our total funds! I imagine our basic income exceeds our expenditures for running the arcanoworks by a huge margin given our fortune's growth rate, but still, JESUS. I really hope the Premen realize what we just gifted them.
>>
No. 268103 ID: 364f93
File 129383928446.jpg - (26.52KB , 829x376 , CAPTAIN MORDREDEN.jpg )
268103

Hey ,remember we made hard points on Ugrokk arm for posible future upgrades?
Well, I had this idea since we made the arm.

Basically it is a small buckler srapped at the shoulder hard-point, which looks like an oversized pauldron when not used.
When needed it extends to a full-blown shield. It has magic properties so that Ugrokk can throw it and expect it return, a-la Captain Amerika.
It can also move between the hard-points, so it can go from Shoulder point to elbow point, to hand point.
It also has anti-magic properties.

Here is my abysymal MsPaint representation of it.
>>
No. 268104 ID: 364f93

>>268100
... we made that money in just few weeks if not days.

>Maker-limbs which don't need all those fancy integrated weapons, and the tools
Maker limbs will have intergrated worker tools instead of weapons.
Like, all the types of screwdriwers, hammer, saw, drills.... basically Swiss-knife limbs.
>>
No. 268105 ID: 364f93

>>268103
>It has magic properties

I meant magnetic! Not magic ...
... I really need to sleep.
>>
No. 268106 ID: d3dfb8

>>268100
What's the point of money if you don't spend it?
It's going toward the future of our secret fighting force.
>>
No. 268107 ID: 5f0943

>>268106
> What's the point of money if you don't spend it?
Put it in a money bin and swim in it, DUH!
>>
No. 268108 ID: 364f93

Hey, this fight in Mordreden was pretty hard, no?

Have we gained more hero-like Premen?
A couple maybe? Just one at least?


...
Man, I miss our blood-based Shaman. WHY DID YOU HAVE TO KILL HIM BOB? WHY!??
>>
No. 268109 ID: 364f93

Roads, plumbing, electricity, new building technologies.

Trains... well, not really, but rails that extend into the mines so that Premn can haul minerals with small automated carts.
Mining.drilling equipment..
>>
No. 268111 ID: 5f0943

>>268108
He died because of bad rolls.
>>
No. 268113 ID: bdd665

>>268100
I suspect Dregas has been exploiting the hell out of the teleport-trading, on top of our existing wealth.
>>
No. 268114 ID: f6360f

>>268077
I bet Gialgorra and his daughters could give Lukgo a brain scan of some kind and figure out exactly what happened with him. And possibly make it more awesome. See it done.
>>
No. 268116 ID: 903f16

>Of all those here (Myself, Ugrokk, Oggroth, Fersh, Lukgo, the fifty two warriors and 16 makers), who is going to Gialgorra's manse with Dregas?
Everyone but Ugrokk and perhaps yourself.

>Who is going to the ports to trade with Dregas's trusted sources, and how much of the six hundred thousand marks should they bring?
Have Dregas sort out the money, get Ugrokk to go and tell Delro to get over here himself to help look for the tools he wants.

>What kind of things should we be looking for?
Give Oggroth a weaponized steam hammer/jackhammer. Attach this new hammer via a heavy chain to another wrecking ball, but this time one with extendable spikes. Forge it out of tougher material than what Del Roga was using. It needs to be heavy and hyper dense stuff, the kind that even a monster like Oggroth cannot break easily. If possible find a mage that can rune it up nicely, as I recall there are a couple working on the island helping some of the inventors make magitech. I'm not sure what exactly, but I'm sure there are several viable designs that could work on such a weapon.

It should also be fairly obvious to you that you will not be able to outfit each of the warriors with a limb to rival Ugrokk's, but that doesn't need to be a bad thing. You can ask an inventor for simple warrior limbs that have a single extendable weapon and order that they be made to be heavily modifiable with plenty of attachment points. Then tell the warriors that if they wish to have a limb like Ugrokk's they must prove themselves worthy. This will encourage better battle performance as they will be given inventive by being given the opportunity to acquire upgrades to their limbs.

Lukgo's helmet piece for his head should be a part of a protective suit that it can attach to. Having a suit will give a bit more stability and support for the helmet. The helmet itself needs to give him full protection, but still provide good visibility as he'll likely be using it on a battle field. With this in mind I propose we take a page out of Bioshock's book and give him a sort of armored deep sea diving helmet with the suit being leather and covered in armored plates. For style use Yeti leather in the base suit.

The Maker limbs just need to be heavily articulated to allow fine work, add a basic hand tool or two and that's it. Giving them a whole compliment of small tools isn't as cost effective as just buying the base tools in bulk is cheaper and less complimented than having them integrated into the arms. One of Gialgorra's daughters had a rather nice hand of this type as I recall, perhaps a more basic version of that. Try asking Gialgorra if he could produce earlier versions of this limb or give us schematics to the earlier design to get the limbs produced.
>>
No. 268118 ID: a76809

>>268113
[That he has.]

>>268088
Coordinating through Phohn, Burduko reappears to hand me a heavy sack, some six thousand carats of ruby within, the total sum of unused gems yet mined in Mordreden. I know these jewels to be prized by lowlanders as they are by our own kind-this may aid in buying power.

>>268080
>>268092
>>268093
Fersh, Lukgo, Oggroth and Ugrokk all accompany me, along with a representative collection of makers and warriors, three each, as we set out with Dregas towards Gialgorra's base. The rest of the makers and warriors split up, seeking out the traders Dregas describes to them through Phohn, looking for ice working tools, construction tools, agricultural tools, and mining tools. We say our brief fairwells as the crippled masses depart, hobbling towards the port, confident their immense size comparable to lowlanders will keep them safe along with their numbers. They go with instruction to use Phohn to ask after items and their function, and to call us is something goes amiss.

It isn't until late in the afternoon that we reach Gialgorra's home, built inside the heart of a mountain. We are ushered inside by a metal man after Ugrokk steps forth-the creature seems to recognize him. We are allowed entry, and I become lost in the wonder of the moving parts, the winding toothed wheels, all manner of contraption to this inventor's name. I dimly note Dregas making introductions for us to a lowlander female who seems more than happy to stare at Ugrokk, before we are escorted upstairs, and wait within an all-metal room filled with assorted devices as the female runs off. Some time later a male appears-from Dregas and Ugrokk's reaction, I presume him Gialgorra. Again, Dregas occupies a great deal of time talking, while the inventor walks about us, inspecting us all with interest. He says something to Oggroth, and after several seconds nods while the titan smiles, before moving on to Fersh. Again he says something, but after a pause Fersh begins to weep as Gialgorra nods. He speaks with Lukgo next, and when he moves on Lukgo bows his head as if in prayer. Finally he reaches me, and says something in his lowlander tongue as I pay attention to Phohn's translation.

Mortal Gialgorra notes that Oggroth request to restore and improve his weapon can be met with a steam/pressure based jack-hammer augment for his hammer, and a tungsten-based, rocket studded kinetic engine as a replacement wrecking ball. He estimates the cost to be some fifty thousand marks to make the weapon sturdy enough for Oggroth. Mortal Gialgorra reports that Fersh's request to see and walk again can be met with artificial legs designed to decode vibrations, and translate this 'tremorsense' to visual stimuli for new eyes. He reports this would likely cost at least seventy thousand marks, as he would need to build the system from scratch. Mortal Gialgorra reports that Lukgo's request to ease the pains in his head, when coupled with a description of his injury, can be treated with cranial surgery and implantation. The inventor can improve his cogitation abilities and restore him to normal fighting capacity for some thirty thousand marks. He is also aware you desire schematics for bionic limbs with two different sets of inbuilt devices for your maimed, and can provide such under the condition that he gets the names of every person you bring the schematics to. Collectively, our projected bill is at two hundred thirty thousand marks, including the rights to use the schematics as we see fit. He is curious if that is all you want and he can begin ironing out the specifics of the price and timeframes with Dregas, or if you have any commissions of your own to request? Lastly, two seperate groups in the port report they have discovered a new type of tool that doubles as a weapon, that involves teeth on a metal belt spinning about a central piece. It is noted the shopkeepers with such items call them 'chain-saws'. It is speculated that great military and utilitarian use can be had from such devices.




What should I say or do?
Do I have any personal or general requests or commissions for Gialgorra?
Should I allow Ugrokk to place an order, as he seems intent upon doing, or is his existing augment enough?
Once we have brokered our deal with Gialgorra, what should we do next?
>>
No. 268121 ID: 21e57a

>Should I allow Ugrokk to place an order, as he seems intent upon doing, or is his existing augment enough?

Of course you should!
>>
No. 268122 ID: d3dfb8
File 129384655782.jpg - (70.58KB , 312x511 , iron-preman.jpg )
268122

Gentlemen
>>
No. 268123 ID: 445c48

Get some paint for a wintery camoflauge theme on everyone's armor. Yours especially, since we don't want the other Red Knight to get on your case about the title. Or maybe purple. Purple is a great color, I love it.
>>
No. 268126 ID: bdd665

multi-use chainsaws?

We could have Gialgorra design/create a few hundred highly efficient engines for the chainsaw-swiss army knife and made into the hand held part of the tool. If he can do it, have the device able to swap the blade with other tool bits, saw, drill, jack hammer/piston etcetera

basically make a Lego tool that can be taken apart and made into several other tools and easily returned to its original state.
>>
No. 268127 ID: 1743a2

>Tremorsense
He does know that this man will be in snow right?
I can't imagine that working properly there.

In any case, we should get the sight augmented by a mage so he can see normally and have the tremorsense as a plus and fail-safe in case of anti-magic


also>>268122
Heck yea.
>>
No. 268129 ID: 17159b

Hey guys remember Scars of Yesterday's jaws?

Here's the MOTHERFUCKING PLAN.

Yesterday's Gaurd:

A pauldron-arm-gauntlet set of armor with manyfold functions, this is traditionally worn on the weaker arm. It can, however, change sides with minor alterations.

The pauldron is notable for being covered in inch-long spikes of high-quality metal, better quality than the rest of it. Small jets rest along the bottom of the back of the pauldron, allowing a speedy charge slam.

The arm section of the armor is braced along the elbow with another, much larger jet, designed for a single massive blow once in a great while.

The hand, however, is where the bulk of the money lies. Imitating a rare breed of shrimp, there is a small hammer and empty space set in the bottom of the wrist. With a simple motion, the hammer slams down with an enourmous amount of force, imitating the Pistol Shrimp's ability almost exactly... though this manuever eats up an enourmous smount of energy to compress the air enough to create the miniature sun and air bubble with sheer force instead of hydrodynamics.
>>
No. 268140 ID: 46c430

Get small manuevering rocket-thrusters located in strategic places about your armor, so that you may better use the earth-sliding ability. Their problem is lack of control over direction? Well, this is an excellent chance to counteract that. Circle-strafe for the win!
>>
No. 268142 ID: 46c430

>>268140
And ask for a big-ass gun, too. Maybe arm-mounted. We need a ranged attack.

...Hell, just go with >>268122 and ask what a suit of power armor would take.
>>
No. 268149 ID: d4f98d

I suggest, for Lorgk personally, an upgrade to his armor. A total retooling of it into an enhanced suit, possibly powered.
>>
No. 268150 ID: d4f98d

And get those chainsaws. I suppose I must agree, if we're gonna spend, Go for Broke.
>>
No. 268155 ID: 254486

GEt tons of chainsaws, buy out the whole damn dock.
We gonna trade em to the Deep Spawn and get awesome junk.

Also, happy new year guys.
>>
No. 268160 ID: a76809

>>268122
>>268140
>>268142
>>268149
I convey to Phohn my desire to make my armor more durable, more mobile, and more powerful. I also explain my desire for some form of long ranged weaponry. Gialgorra nods as he listens to Phohn's litany, before I hear Phohn responding to me along with Gialgorra's spoken word.

Mortal Gialgorra has acquired the Shell of Gavrock, a powered suit of armor he had retooled not too long ago. As a piece of Magitech, he sees no reason to keep it around, and would be willing to use it to refit your Salyer's Bastion into a Magitech item. In the process, he will mout a secondary engine, one that renders air into fuel for thrusters to be distributed about your form-you will be capable of flight. Lastly, as armaments he suggests thermite mortars mounted on both shoulders and forearm mounted grapnels linked to twin tertiary engines, these electric in origin. So, in addition to armor that adds strength you your movements and armors you more able, you will also be capable of flight, have mid-ranged electrical grapnels and long-range mortars. I did mention your boots gifted by Bang, and he believes he could work that in as well. We will give you a molding kit with instructions on how to make Thermite, and five hundred rounds to start along with the refit.

Gialgorra taps his chin thoutfully.

His estimate places such a comprehensive refit at ninety thousand marks.

>>268126
>>268150
>>254486
I try to explain to Phohn my curiosity about 'chain-saws' as both weapons and construction devices. After a brief back and forth to be sure he understands my request, Gialgorra pulls free a pen, and makes some rough sketches as Phohn gives me his response.

Modular steam engines, capable of mounting warfare based and utility based chainsaw blades, jack-hammers, chain-axes and jack-picks. Gialgorra could likewise make schematices for such an equipment set and gift us the rights to use it as we please. He would estimate the cost of such schematics at forty five thousand marks, giving their interlinked nature. He also notes that between this and the limb schematics, the mortals of the Drazken clan will be acting as living advertisement.

Our current total now dragged up to three hundred sixty five thousand marks, the inventor moves his attention onward, towards Ugrokk.

>>268121
I let Ugrokk give his own request to Gialgorra, who grins as he finally turns back to me.

Mortal Gialgorra reports that Ugrokk's request to add utility to his armor can be met with a refit, building an engine into his armor and attaching twin combination limbs, both arms built to house a grappling cannon and an air to fuel converter for elbow-mounted thrusters, making these back-mounted limbs phenomenal aids to mobility. Beyond this, in place of hands spiked tungsten maces are planned, each spike a perpetually spinning drillbit. This refit can be accomplished for fifty five thousand marks.
...Out total is now up to four hundred and ten thousand marks.... but once such weapons are in our hands-I use phohn to tell Dregas to begin his haggling, and to seek out a completion date estimate. Thirty minutes later, Phohn brings me his response after a lengthy period chattering with Gialgorra.

Dregas reports he got the price lowered to three hundred eighty thousand marks. Lorgk will have to leave his armor, and report for at least three test fittings, as will Ugrokk. Fersh and Lukgo must stay here while the implants are built and surgically grafted. Beyond that, assuming nothing major comes up, he should have everything done within a cycle.

Again, there is more chatting, and time is spent letting the inventor and the younger females that shortly join him (and likewise eye Ugrokk like the other) measure and disassemble my and Ugrokk's armor, while claiming Oggroth's hammer after putting the lumbering warrior through a barrage of strength tests. Fersh and Lukgo alike are escorted away by some of the females as Dregas makes more noises at the inventor, and eventually ushers us out. I shrug in the bulky robe I now wear, compliments of the inventor whilst he labors on my armor-and oddly able to accommodate my (and Ugrokk's) size and shaping, disparate as they may be. This inventor must get all sorts of visitors. The maimed likewise stay, as Gialgorra investigates something about each one's individual set of stumps. Perhaps he seeks some commonalities to work with. After Dregas removes one of the three chests we brought, along with nearly all the coins in another, we finally depart, making it to the port town itself by nightfall.

I find myself still having issue with the concept of an ocean, so much water covering the land-though I suppose ice is naught but the same in a different guise. Almost immediately on arrival, we note the late-night crowds still seeking trade with lit shops, but mostly crowding about to look at something. In short order we find them observing a group of a dozen clan members, intrigued by such novelty. Dregas speaks with the bystanders for a while, before he conveys his words to me through Phohn.

The Mortal Dregas reports that each of his known contacts has been met by members of your clan, and that they are currently the subject of town gossip, looking somewhat inhuman and all crippled in some manner or other. He says this is ultimately a good thing, as we could seek out nearly any type of shop, for any kind of ware. We could seek people who could mass-produce based on Gialgorra's coming schematics, or people vending standalone devices. He notes he has three friends that trade in cheaper mundane technology, one with normal prices and two that charge more but have a great deal of respect for quality to their names. He also knows two magitech merchants, both more expensive than his mundane contacts. One charges a high rate but produces adequate material. The other is nearly as expensive as Gialgorra, but creates masterful pieces. All of these contacts are capable of mass-production, either on their own or in a partnership with others. Mortal Dregas wishes to know specifically what items you would like to purchase, and which of his contacts you would like to approach about mass-producing the modular weapon/tools, and replacement limbs.

Hrm.





What should I say or do?
How much innate quality do I want to pursue with finding a manufacturer for my schematics?
Do I want to risk spending even more to get a magitech crafter to be our partner?
What kinds of items am I looking for now, and should I look in Dregas' contact's shops, or should I peruse other stores?
>>
No. 268175 ID: 254486

We want limbs that can perform AT LEAST as ably as the normal ones, so don't skimp on the price for that.

For the warriors, cheap magitech that would make their limbs sync properly and not rust would be good. So a very small mix with blue steel for the warriors limbs.

When a warrior has made a name for himself, he can approach you to have his limb improved or a weapon crafted, before that, he better have his own money if he wants the good stuff.
>>
No. 268182 ID: f6360f

>What should I say or do?
Find out if any of the other Premen have discovered something incredibly interesting or potentially useful in town. Best to remain well-informed and on the lookout for other opportunities, after all.

In particular, anything to strengthen your clan's non-military side, beyond chainsaws and replacement limbs, is likely something that others have good ideas about. Agricultural tools, ways to rapidly excavate or carve ice, even just higher-quality tools for the makers, that sort of thing.

>How much innate quality do I want to pursue with finding a manufacturer for my schematics?
Well, Mordre gave you six hundred thousand moneys with the clear expectation of your bettering the clan as much as possible with them. It would be remiss of you to have change. Not to mention that your clan, as Mordre's first and most loyal supporters, clearly deserve the best. Pay no great mind to price when ensuring that your people are adequately outfitted and cared for. Start with Dregas' contacts, of course; they can likely be counted upon to do the best work.

>magitech merchants ... nearly as expensive as Gialgorra, but creates masterful pieces.
This man. You must contract him to build you one or more devices capable of piercing or destroying the concealing chronomancy and other magics of the filthy yetis. If they can also provide other detection enhancements, so much the better. Velada is cool, but there's only one of her; if there's something that you can give your scouts to make them capable of scouting more effectively against this foe, it would be a very good thing.

Also, premen in magitech tactical detection visors is an awesome mental image.
>>
No. 268199 ID: f66a23

Mounted automatic cannons to put up on our walls.
Couple of moveable personal chainguns which can be used as suppresive device in case of a mass attack like we had with yetis. Schematics for these weapons and ammo so that we can supply ourself.

Lets hire half a dozen of small-time inventors and scientists and a single great one (to be the head of the staff) and implement these ideas >>268099 >>268092
The idea is that we will first pay for our own Colledge of Engineering and Science but that will serve as a foundation for further expansion of our technology.
Also, hire couple of guys who will help us learn Common.
Make sure that people we hire have 'strong'stomaches, don't want them to be put off when they realize that Premen practice cannibalism (what, imo, should be abolished. It's alright to use them for magic and shit, but not eating)
Also, automatons which help us with some really heavy stuff (big-scale mining, ice reclamation)

And of course the non-military stuff, like argricultural and mining equipment. But not just tools, also the technologies, cultures that can survive in harsh winter, seeds, fertilizers...

>How much innate quality do I want to pursue with finding a manufacturer for my schematics?
>Do I want to risk spending even more to get a magitech crafter to be our partner?
As much as our money alows it, at least "good" level of quality.


Also, establish trade routes/connections! Or has Dregas already took care of this.
>>
No. 268211 ID: b6269e

Besides Marks we still have 6000 worth of Rubies, or roughly 300000 Marks.

Like >>268182 said, we should try to spend as much as possible but without blowing off any money.

Ask the makers, warriors and the Named characters what they think we should acquire for the betterment of Mordreden as a whole. Also ask Dregas for input.
Maybe they will think of something that we have missed.

Oh, ask the Ancestors too, it is always good to have their opinion.
>>
No. 268215 ID: 1efa05

Wait guys, can we make an artificial body for Heol to possess?
>>
No. 268235 ID: bdd665

>>268215
possibly but the best choice to have work on that would be Kyorto as it would almost certainly require some familiarity with the banned soul magic
>>
No. 268238 ID: a76809

[Total funds: 220,000 Marks, 6,000 carats (Rubies), valued at 300,000 Marks]
>>268215
I wonder now, once I'm well away from his abode, if that inventor that promised so much, could he help the spirit Jojo has been working with? One of our shaman we all thought gone by the name of Heol has been persisting in spirit even as her body wastes away. I ask Phohn if the inventor thinks himself capable of making a whole artificial body, one that a soul could anchor on. His response is not as thrilling as I'd hoped.

Mortal Gialgorra reports that he can craft a comprehensive mechanized body, complete with replicas of every organ. To make a soul anchor to the body, he believes that creating a codified behavior set-what he programs into the automota-blank, and leaving it as much processing power as possible, he may be able to tap the connection between the two. However, to make such a thing, and refine it enough to guarantee it works would cost some hundred fifty thousand marks-this would include the weapons/utilities that could be built into the body in the same manner as Mortal Uggrok's arm, and the planned limbs for Mortal Fersh, but applied to the entire frame. Conversely, he could make a more weaponized form, more on the scale of golem bodies, with some transforming capacities along with even more weapon and utility options, but making a golem-sized body would cost between two hundred and fifty thousand marks and three hundred thousand. He does note that if we make such a thing, he feel confident he could make it capable of either breaking or building a castle on its own.

>>268175
>>268182
>>268199
>>268211
[As of right now, none of these merchants would be willing to move, live somewhere that cold, and only be able to talk through voices in their heads.]
I tell Dregas that I'd like to know how much the cheaper magitech, the two more expensive mundane along with the mid-range one, for building either of the proposed sets of schematics on a regular basis. Through Phohn, I explain how I want to know how much they would charge per limb, if they'd offer a discount for bulk purchases, and what kind of quality to expect. Dregas nods and sets off through the crowds, as I ask my clan members to report on any interesting devices or contraptions they found. Slowly but surely, I compile a list of findings in no particular order, all of which catch my eye.


-The makers found shops selling hand-powered but much more advanced construction, manufacture and mining tools, and have compiled a list spanning seven separate shops of tools they desire. They have a price estimate range compiled from gestural bartering, that would put supplying the Drazken Clan's current maker population would cost between five and fifteen thousand marks.
-Some makers noted several variants of the 'moving tool' concept seen during this visit, and have identified a couple models that are ideally suited to ice-cutting, and were crafted in relatively basic shops. A purchase of these type of tools could immediately grant Mordreden the ability to harvest the spoils from the war against Goran still trapped in the ice about our home. Price estimated at two to ten thousand marks.
-Forges and metlaworking tools have attracted a great deal of interest from the makers, and they wish to purchase an extensive list of tools and devices, all for the purposes of refining, working, molding, heating, tempering, polishing and in general manipulating metal in all its forms. To purchase everything on this exhaustive list is estimated to cost sixty thousand to ninety thousand marks, with the more expensive versions including some rudimentary fabrication devices to further jumpstart our industry base.
-Some of the maker groups found agricultural item-sets, what they believe to be soil analysis machines, fertilizer analysis machines, and codified lists of different crops. They believe that with these devices soil could be brought into perfect balance for a given type of plan to grow in. Coupled with thermal stakes connected to hand-rechargeable power devices, this could act as a potent supplement to Welgahoo's efforts. Price range estimated at fifteen to thirty thousand marks, to get enough machines and stakes to fully use.
-Warriors have reported finding lens making shops vending goggles that can make seeing in darkness easier, or switch to reducing the glare of the sun. Some of these goggles even come with some form of inbuilt magnification mechanism, allowing the wearers to closely inspect something tiny or very distant. Warriors and makers both want this, and considering how much glass would need to be made, the price estimate for supplying the clan is twenty five thousand marks to sixty thousand marks, with only the more expensive versions having the magnification feature.
-Warriors have found shops that sell terrain supplements, and believe that lower-body support struts anchored to a back-mounted steam engine would be useful. They grant increased jumping and jogging ability through supportive movement, and can support a snowshoe attachment that can be deployed to spread out weight, and prevent the wearers from sinking in dense snowdrifts. To fully outfit the warriors with such devices, the estimated price range is twenty to seventy thousand dollars, with the more expensive ones coming with comprehensive, minimalistic leg armor along with the exoskeleton.
-At a shop with a creature that acted as a spoken translator, some found a magic sword called Slicing Mobius Mayhem, it's blade a runed floating, twisted loop of flat metal, with blades running along its edge without pause while fanged wheels spin on the flats of the metal ribbon. It floats freely above a long, sturdy hilt, and was valued at sixty thousand marks, with claims it would be lethal to any organic foe.
-Another finding in this shop are massive metal gloves that can collect and dispense heat called the Handy Neat Heat. They can be used to freeze water by stealing its heat, before igniting timber when emitting the very heat it just stole. These gloves also seem to be able to feast on and eject lightning as well. The set of gloves, which seem Premen sized (if not Oggroth sized) are marked at thirty nine thousand marks.
-A third item noted as useful within this shop is an engraved, ticking sphere, dials and gears constantly clicking and clacking, called by the translator creature a 'Time Tomb Boom'. It consumes chronal magic in the area until full, then can be triggered to create a chronal magic only magic dispelling burst. It is priced at forty five thousand marks.
-Warriors found a ballistics section of shops, and found a special type of cannon called a 'mounted turret'. From having compared different types, they have settled on a drum-fed, tripod mounted 'shot-gun' that fires two pounds of metal dispersed through a hundred metal spheres. Such weapons would let us suppress any attackers coming to our walls well before they could reach the gates-but to get enough to fully outfit our capital would cost between forty and eighty thousand marks, including ammunition molds so that we may forge our own ammunition.


I ponder this lengthy list of findings as Dregas finally makes his way back to us, reporting how much each of his contacts would charge, along with further details.

-Dregas' mid-range price mundane merchant contact, Fretolli Craftings, can build an arm or leg either for eight hundred marks each, or make ten legs and ten arms for fifteen thousand marks. There is no price difference between warrior limbs and maker limbs. As to quality, they will have an expected wear rate of two years moderate use, two thirds of a year heavy use (such as regular combat).
-Dregas' more expensive mundane merchant contact, Gagano Metalworks, says they can build the limbs at one thousand per arm, nine hundred per leg, with warrior limbs costing two hundred marks beyond these base prices. They have no bulk prices. As to quality, Gagano's works are known for being durable and long-lasting, and will likely survive even years of heavy use if cared for well without the need to come in for mainenence.
-Dregas' most expensive mundane contact, Luccaro Crafting Company, can make limbs at a base price of a thousand marks, costing three hundred marks extra to make it a maker or warrior version from there. The only discount prices available are fifty limbs or the same type (leg/arm, left/right), and for fifty thousand marks he'll make them all complete with making as many maker or warrior as desired. As to quality, this contact is known for making goods that can be submerged in water for a week, dragged through the desert and dropped into a blizzard and still keep functioning. They will require more personal maintenance to keep them running at peak performance, but will have longer lives as a result of it.
-Dregas' less expensive magitech contact, Stelton's Rune-Smithery would charge two thousand five hundred marks per limb, irrelevant of leg or arm, warrior or maker variant, and he can make a full set of two arms, two legs, all the same warrior/maker variant, for nine thousand marks. As to his quality, because he threads blue steel into his craftings and runes the steel/blue steel hybrid thereafter with general wear-resistance and body-harmony runes, making stronger, more responsive limbs that feel more like a part of the body.


So many choices.... and with five hundred twenty thousand marks worth of barter material left to our names, not all can be picked.






Which of Dregas' merchants should we go with for making limbs?
How many limbs should we get, enough to fully outfit those with us, more or less? (Use the following breakdown for reference)
>Fifty two makers: seventy seven limbs missing total, thirty two arms, forty five legs.
>Sixteen makers: twenty nine limbs missing total, sixteen arms, thirteen legs.
What should we get with our remaining refit bubget, out of the listed findings?
Once we have finished with our perusing of this land of machinery and water, is there anything I should do before I, Ugrokk and Oggroth return to Mordreden while the refits are being done and our maimed being restored?
>>
No. 268240 ID: b6269e

How about the expensive magitech?
Or is it just too expensive?
>>
No. 268241 ID: b6269e

>and for fifty thousand marks he'll make them all complete with making as many maker or warrior as desired

Also, I don't really understand this part.
Does that mean that for 50k we can outfit everybody?
If so, it is a good deal though I don't think it will be like that.
>>
No. 268242 ID: a76809

>>268238
>seventy thousand dollars
>DOLLARS
>Pretend I said Marks.
>>268240
[Expensive magitech is the shop with the three magic items, so yeah, too expensive for bulk goods.]

>>268241
[No, they are saying they will make fifty limbs of a given type, be it arm or leg, left or right, and you can choose which are made maker style for utility, and which are warrior style for combat.]
>>
No. 268243 ID: 259738

>>268238
The stuff the makers found all sounds pretty good to me, we should probably grab that.

137,800 marks to get everyone new limbs from the most expensive mundane guy. Don't think we should go with Gialgorra's offer for a body for Heol. It was implied that a body would only be a crutch for her at this point by someone, and Kyorto might be able to do it better anyways.
>>
No. 268247 ID: 46c430

According to my calculations, we can get everything from the first list, minus the named unique items, at maximum quality/expense, and enough limbs for everyone from the most expensive mudane contractor, for 492,800 marks, within our price range.

However, Jezebel is already working on night vision goggles, so it might be possible to take that off the list. Maybe buy one or two pairs of goggles to give to her to reverse-engineer, and then we just make our own.

So, taking the goggles off the list, and putting enough limbs to supply the whole camp from the magic-smith contractor, we come to... 560,000 marks, 40,000 marks over budget. Slightly over 40,000 marks over the budget, actually, since we'd need to get samples of the max-quality goggles. ...Let's ask Mordre if we can borrow the extra money needed for such a thing, he might consider it worth it if it's so we get THE VERY BEST.
>>
No. 268251 ID: f6360f

>>268238
>Mortal Gialgorra reports that he can craft a comprehensive mechanized body
>For a fuckton of money
On the one hand, I want to see this done, and it is cruel to leave any member of the clan to suffer as Heol does. On the other, it's very expensive; what could we put into such a body that would justify the expense on behalf of the clan? And how would Heol feel about the matter? These are heavy questions, and perhaps worthy of further consideration... but at a later time. Gialgorra is not going away, and from what Jojo has told us of Heol she is not either.

Things we should buy:
>Most expensive mundane limbs for everyone
137800, the best we can reasonably get
>hand-powered but much more advanced construction, manufacture and mining tools
15000, this could be very very good
>immediately grant Mordreden the ability to harvest the spoils from the war against Goran still trapped in the ice about our home
10000, and we'll get something worth (arguably) more- why not?
>jumpstart our industry base
90000, fuck yeah. Let's move our clan into a better era.
>soil analysis machines, fertilizer analysis machines, and codified lists of different crops
30000, for more delicious food to cement our greatness and let us grow like nobody's business.
>goggles
60000 marks I'm willing to spend.
>Time Tomb Boom
45000 marks that could grant us a chance against Trollzaru we would otherwise not have... do it.

Comes to 387800 marks, for all these things. That's a price I'm willing to spend.
>>
No. 268252 ID: 46c430

>>268247
And I forgot to take into account that the magic-smith contractor offered a 9000 two-for-one if a warrior or maker needed a 'set' of two arms AND two legs. Bob says 18 such sets are needed. Argh, lemme get my calculator again...
>>
No. 268254 ID: 46c430

>>268252
Ok, at this point, I don't even know. I feel like my head is going to explode.
>>
No. 268256 ID: b6269e

>[reposting, made some mistakes.]

Anyway, here's my (rough) estimation on how much this will cost us at maximum price and assuming we buy all limbs from one vendor only:

-Everything from the list: 499,000 Marks

-Cheap trader: 50,800 Marks
-Medium trader: 106,000 Marks
-Expensive trader: 137,800 Marks
-Magitech: 265,000 Marks

(correct me if I am wrong)


As to what we are buying:
>selling hand-powered tools
Buy - 15000M
>'moving tool'
Buy - 10000M
>Forges and metlaworking tools
Definitely buy - 90000M
>agricultural item-sets, what they believe to be soil analysis machines, fertilizer analysis machines, and codified lists of different crops
Definitely buy - 30000M
>goggles that do something
Do not buy as Jezebel is coming up with something similar. No, buy one. The best one. And send it to Jezebel.
>terrain supplements
buy - 70000M
>Slicing Mobius Mayhem
Do not buy
>Handy Neat Heat
Do not buy
>Time Tomb Boom
Do not buy
>'mounted turret'
Buy - 80000
Total: 295,000 Marks


As for limb replacement, I say we go with full magitech which will come out 265,000

And in the end we need .... 590,000 Marks (if I did not do any mistakes)
Now remember, I took the absolute maximum we will have to pay for all this, the Warriors and Makers just estimated the costs. If we unleash Dregas with his mad barteting skills I am sure we will be able to afford all of this and maybe even have some left over. If we do have something left over then buy that "Time Bomb Boom" device.

Or if this is too expensive, buy stuff from 'expensive' merchant instead of 'magitech': 432,800 Marks
>>
No. 268260 ID: 46c430

>>268252
>>268254
Ok... I THINK that this amounts to 247,000 marks.

Everyone on the first list, minus bulk buy of goggles and unique named items, at max quality, comes to 295,000.

542,000 marks. Total. I think. If my calculations are correct.
>>
No. 268261 ID: 45be60

As much as everyone wants them, the best goggles need not be standard issue. Get enough of the fancy magnification goggles that that each patrol can have one or two, and to equip sentries on the wall. After that, and after other orders have been made, you can use any money you have remaining to purchase more of the basic goggles for mass use. (And it would be nice if you could find sets of fancy and simpler goggles that look similar from the outside)

The basic and ice cutting tools are a no-brainer. Get those. The metalworking equipment is also worth investing in. The thermal stakes for farming would be very nice, I suspect that they would have a greater return on your investment than the analysis and fine-tuning equipment, especially with Welgahoo already on the case, so get those at least. A greater variety of seeds to try out would be nice too. Leave the fancy sword.

I would recommend the Luccaro Crafting Company for your limb contracting. Reliability is your primary design requirement. The added regular maintenance should be ample discouragement to prevent any young, foolish premen from taking needless risks in the future because they don't see a downside to losing a limb.
>>
No. 268264 ID: b6269e

>Once we have finished with our perusing of this land of machinery and water, is there anything I should do before I, Ugrokk and Oggroth return to Mordreden while the refits are being done and our maimed being restored?

Say, Lorkgk, isn't this the first time you actually left Northern Mountains and visited Lowlands?
What do find of this? What have your impressions been so far?
You have only visited Gialgorra and only a part of the Ports. Maybe you should just walk around this place and get a feel of it for a while?


>[As of right now, none of these merchants would be willing to move, live somewhere that cold, and only be able to talk through voices in their heads.]
Okay, okay...
How about we find a great teacher (or two) and establish a class of... let's say of 20 Premen and then have them come to these lands to learn the language. The'll come by morning and come back home by evening (just like a real school!)
Then, when they feel comfortable enough they will start teaching what they have learned to other Premen back home.
Be sure to pick Premen who are willing to learn and are generally smart.
>>
No. 268265 ID: b6269e

>>268261
>any young, foolish premen from taking needless risks in the future

But that's the perfect recipe to evolve to a hero-level!
>>
No. 268266 ID: d3dfb8

>>268256
I agree with this, but buy the schematics for the turrets rather than the turrets themselves.
We can then make the turrets ourselves with the metalworking stuff we got and give our makers a chance to get used to it.
We can get the metal from the Arcanoworks trades with the Blue Knight.
>>
No. 268300 ID: 94d318

>>268256
I agree with this except that I think the Luccaro quality mundane limb replacements offer the best value. They can probably be enhanced by shamans using additional runes/yeti leather wrappings to make them extremely formidable whereas the magitech ones are already enhanced, but only for durability.

These shot turrets and terrain support/supplements. Could they be used together? Like the steam supports allowing the strongest Premen to carry autocannons into battle? Because that would be awesome.

Also seriously consider the time bomb because Trollzaru will try to strike when Velada is away if possible and this thing would be a nasty surprise.

Heol's body can wait. There might be other solutions available.

Before you leave make sure to discuss future matters with the merchants. Let them know that you are modernizing your people and that future designs will be evaluated and considered. Could they for example come up with a good explosive that can be mass produced for mining and warfare use?
>>
No. 268311 ID: 252e1b

Which of Gialgorra's daughters were the two giving Ugrokk the eye? And how well did he get to know them when he was here earlier, anyway? Is the admiration mutual?
>>
No. 268312 ID: b6269e
File 12939259228.jpg - (190.96KB , 1203x721 , ANGRY PREMEN.jpg )
268312

>Cyborg limb replacements
>Neuro-Optical implants
>Full-body cyborgs possibilities
MFW Premen are one of the first races to reach Trans-Humanity. Or should I say Trans-Premenity?

Anyway, here's some angry Preman with a mounted cannon, hopefully it will do us good with our upgrades :)
>>
No. 268316 ID: a76809

>>268240
[Expensive magitech had the three magic items, as price reference. Sure they would be awesome, but at least ten grand a limb.]

>>268247
>>268256
>>268260
>>268266
>>268300
I pose a question of Dregas, after Phohn appraises him of the items and services. I ask if we could acquire all save the mounted guns, goggles, and named magitech items at maximum quality, a single set of goggles showing as many features as possible, and Magitech replacement limbs. Then, instead of a full supplement of cannonry, a few examples, and a set of comprehensive schematics might be more servicable-since we intend to expand our industry. I query him as to whether he thinks with those cutbacks the clan could afford all this with our budget. The lowlander trader stands still for a time, stroking his brown beard in contemplation before he nods his head. He believes it possible, then. Excellent. Dregas departs to do his dealings, after he speaks with another lowlander that ushers us towards one of the few wooden buildings to be seen, and unlike the rest of this cramped village there is some room to breathe within. I wait within with Ugrokk and Oggroth as we talk about what these new craftings will mean for our tribe, and how best to use them.

[DAY 163: DAY 3 OF WEEK 2 OF MONTH 5:]
[Atenday of the Second Cycle of Libiturnius (Summer)]


It is some time after the night has become morning when Dregas returns, Phohn carrying a report to me. It is done, all our rubies and all the marks traded away. All said and done, different goods will arrive at different times, but within two cycles every single purchase will have been assembled, tested and transported to Mordreden. Dregas also notes that any and all Premen will likely get preferential dealings from here on out, with how much wealth was just pushed into the local economy.

So, for nine hundred thousand marks, we will be recieving:

-Oggroth's Steam/Pressure Jack-Hammer and rocket-tungsten wrecking ball weapon augment.
-Fersh's new eyes and legs, granting her mobility and the ability to see vibrations felt through her legs.
-Lukgo's cranial surgery and implant panel, to remove his physical frailties while improving his existing mental boost.
-Ugrokk's armor is being refitted to have two back mounted arms with a gestalt engine system designed to massively improve mobility.
-My armor is being refitted with an existing piece of magitech, Gavrock's Shell, as well as thruster mounts for flight, and two paired weapon systems, for mid and long range.
-Schematics for making artificial limbs, complete with inbuilt slots for tools/melee weapons, as appropriate, and in-built engines that do not need external charging, so long as supplemented by body heat and nervous system activity.
-Schematics for modular engines that can be fitted to chain-weapons or heavy-duty construction tools.
-Schematics for Premen-scale mounted shotgun cannons, and twenty existing models along with ammo molds and a half million molded shots.
-Replacement magitech limbs for every crippled clan member.
-A comprehensive bulk order of hand powered mining, construction and manufacture tools.
-A wide range of powered tools for larger construction/mining/manufacture jobs.
-All types of metalworking tools and devises in bulk, along with two portable forges.
-Agricultural analysis tools for improving crop yield.
-A set of masterfully crafted goggles that can dim or enhance light, and can zoom to distant objects.
-Enough armored, snow-capable support struts to arm our entire warrior force, complete with backpack generators.
-The schematics for the above powered snow struts.

Content with out purchase, I make no fuss as Dregas begins hounding me with details on when each of us should go where, so the crafters can get our goods done as fast as possible. ...For now, it seems that the Drazken Clan shall be less active than it has been-but once everything set in motion now is put in place, we should be able to finish sweeping the mountains, and unify the clans. I can see my goal in sight, as Legalloth hums pridefully at my side.


......................................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: JEZEBEL]......................................................................

[DAY 164: DAY 4 OF WEEK 2 OF MONTH 5:]
[Washiday of the Second Cycle of Libiturnius (Summer)]


Frig!

I've checked the sealant on the pressurizer four times, and I STILL read pressure loss! The dissected T.A.S.T.E. o' Doom sitting before me seems to mock my attempts to scale the weapon up. Sure, I can get enough electrical charge stored for discharge, and I scaled up the magnetic round so its now a cartridge-load magnetic cannon. My issue.... is the water.

What tied this weapon together, and made it worthwhile despite its demanding construction, was the water. It made conductivity bloom, fully took advantage of the electrical discharge, and softened material BEFORE the magnetic round impacts. The trouble is that water doesn't stay in a controlled beam over much of a distance, and so it just turns into a mist after fifty feet. If there was some way I could remove wind resistance from the equation, it might work, but... how would I do that?

I pinch the bridge of my nose as I make my way to the window, looking outside to see the smithing apprentices under Del Rogo swarming over the Golem armors (we have eleven now), fitting in shoulder mounted armaments and making sure no issue occurs with my upscaled WASP spears. Seeing them undergoing refit again reminds me of my still waiting task-but I find myself distracted again by Burduko appearing, to claim the daily shipment of food, water and guns for the capital. Creepy monster of magic it may be, but the Mage found a use for it, that he did. If it weren't for our shipments, by my understanding the capital would have already fallen. Not sure how much of that is just grateful hyperbole, but still.

>[???]"So, I hear you are having trouble with water's flow, is that correct?"

I whirl about, to find that new mage, Kyorto, standing in my workshop, hands clasped behind her back, once more wearing a heavy robe as she seems wont to do. ...I did not hear her coming up the stairs, nor bothering with any doors, and just now there was no noise to distract in the lab-a light step, this one.

"And? So what if you have heard such?"

For a moment she does nothing but smile at me, her lips stretching marginally wider, before she continues.

>[Kyorto]"Did you know that electricity can change air pressure levels?"
"Of course I do, its....."
>[Kyorto]"Well, I just wanted to stop by and see your lab. I shan't keep you."

Without waiting any further, she makes her way to the door, and departs before I can say anything.


....Hm.






What do I make of the fact Mage Kyorto came to visit me just when I was in a slump with relevant advice?
How DO I go about solving the issue with water diffusion over long ranges, considering I need a cohesive beam that can outrace cannonfire?
>>
No. 268320 ID: d3dfb8

Bright one that, wonder where Mordre dug her up from.
Of course Mordre has been good at drawing the best and brightest to his cause. Just look at you or Arkus.

What are your thoughts on Mordre?
>>
No. 268323 ID: 445c48

When in doubt, use magic. I'm sure there're some Aquamancy runes that would help the water maintain cohesiveness. Hire a lesser mage and go at it. Mordre's got plenty of dosh and wouldn't be opposed to spending some for bigger guns.
>>
No. 268329 ID: 02e758

Integrate an electrolaser into the design. Ionizing the atmosphere along the beam's path will provide a conductive channel to the target, thereby eliminating the operational limit of the weapon being dependant on the water resevoir's capacity. The water component can still be made useful however, just encapsulate it in a glass or ceramic canister so it will shatter on impact when launched, instead of relying on a pressurized stream. Granted it makes it easier to miss with the fluid component but it would improve the overall range of the weapon considerably. You could even package it into the bullets the rifle fires and make them two-stage munitions, with the metal part of the projectile hollowed in the rear to fit the water pod, although that would likely require enlarging the rifle bore and projectile itself to a large extent so as to accomodate the substantial fluid payload. Also you might want to use oil in the package as well as water, it'll also conduct electricity and may potentially ignite from the discharge to add thermal damage to the medley of electrical and ballistic trauma. Actually, now that I think about it, if the shell manages to create a fluid pocket inside the target, when the water vaporizes it should make for a nice little internal rupture due to the rapid expansion. I would consider this to be an extra design feature.
>>
No. 268331 ID: b6269e

WHAAA?
No fan-art bonus? >>268312
I will have you know that MsPaint is just as hard as real life drawings, and if I had means to upload pictures I would have doen it by pencil
Tsk, tsk,...


Anyway,
I have absolutely no idea how to help Jezebel.
Maybe reshape the spears themselves so that take advantage of the aerodynamic laws?


Anyway, personal question time!!!

Hey Jez, baby, how are you doing?
How has life in Arcaneworks been treating ya? Do you like it here? How are the people here treating ya? Have you made any friends?
Aren't you glad you left the Western Islands?
What do you think of Mordre and his retinue?

Also, what's the deal with Ulzrick? What do you think of hiiim?;)


Hmm..
another thing, are there any things that you would like personally? Some new stuff perhaps? Some trinkets?

Oh, you know, you can visit the Gialgorra Ports now if you want. You can always catch up with latest inventions and get some new ideas to keep your skills sharp.
>>
No. 268338 ID: b6269e

Also
>I find myself distracted again by Burduko appearing, to claim the daily shipment of food, water and guns for the capital. Creepy monster of magic it may be, but the Mage found a use for it, that he did. If it weren't for our shipments, by my understanding the capital would have already fallen. Not sure how much of that is just grateful hyperbole, but still.

I do not remember ordering that. Only that the Blue Knight commented how useful it would be to supply the capital.
Not that I want to stop it or anything ....
>>
No. 268354 ID: 252e1b

>>268316

A light step, and an agile mind. She's suggesting you lower the air pressure with an ionized path for the weapon's water to follow. For it to be accurate you'll want to use a laser or some other trick to ionize a predictable pathway.

Another trick would be to use something instead of water, like a viscous syrup. A viscous conductive liquid would remain coherent for a longer distance, and is a cheap quick-fix for the range problem. I'd try a mix of agar and water. Use a little heater on the storage tank to keep it liquid, agar sets near room temperature.
>>
No. 268362 ID: a76809

>>268338
[Dregas ordered it when he noticed they kept getting messengers from Quinton asking where Mordre was-with this aid being offered, they are no longer pestering the Arcanoworks.]

>>268320
>>268329
>>268354
Several ideas come to me, based on Kyorto's cryptic words. For one, I could get more viscous liquids, it would be less inclined to diffuse from wind pressure in the first place, and there's plenty thicker conductive liquids. Beyond that, there is an ionized path in the wake of electrical discharge of sufficient force-if I could get the electrical discharge to be more reliable in direction, it could create a flight path for the liquid payload. Hm.... together, these two adjustments might fix the problem.

[MOMENT OF INSPIRATION]

...But that's half-assed, and I'll not make a lackluster product. While this would solve fluid delivery issues, I can expand on this. Why not hollow out the magnetic rounds themselves, and add another liquid reservoir? It would guarantee there is sufficient fluid for proper conductivity.... I know a few viscous, conductive, and more importantly, FLAMMABLE substances I can experiment with.... what's more, I can mix in compounds that, when mixed between the bullet's liquid and the stream's liquid, will create an explosive, in and of itself. Mass electrical saturation, along with being set on fire, all softening the impact point before the bullet hits, then on impact chemical explosion..... Okay, going to have to bump the caliber up again, have to make this a fifty five millimeter, maybe sixty millimeter cannon, make a larger electrical storage pack to supplement backpack golem engine..... and I finally get to say goodbye to these attempts to squeeze a few more hundred pounds per square inch into containment.

Yeah, I think I feel better about taking my time on this one.

After I sketch out my ideas, I set to work, and the morning slips by as I mix up compounds, and retrofit an existing up-sized TASTE weapon, before I get some assistants to bring the weapon outside for me. Noting the heavy machinery they tote, several gather to watch the test-including Eisenhardt. Great, I have a war hero watching me. I double and triple check pressure settings, connection points-everything is as in place as it can be. Ellorika walks over a Golem Armor, and rests it's hand on the handle of the weapon-

And pulls the trigger.

Our target was a stone block, granite, five feet deep. This block had been plated with five inches of steel, soundly fitted to the stone.

The shot blew through to the SECOND such target set up, the burning pieces of the shattered original target raining down on the spectators. As I allow myself to smile at a theory proved true, mind already whirling with a few more minor tweaks to make this system work better, I consider a name for this new weapon, now more than just an upscaled T.A.S.T.E. o' Doom. ...I think I'll call them Hydroshock Longbores, since they really are just longarms. My thoughts are interrupted by the gun jerking out of the handler's collective grasp, as an old, rich voice calls out to me over steady, measured claps.

>[Eisenhardt]"A most impressive demonstration indeed.... I cannot seem to find where this device was inscribed, socketed or imbued-how did you derive such power from it?"

Great. A tech illeterate. Just what I need. ...And there's Kyorto, smiling that small smile at me again... did she plan this? ...She gives me the creeps.




What should I say or do?
How far should I go explaining the Hydroshock Longbore?
Do I want to revisit any of my other past inventions this afternoon and evening, while my assistants set up to produce my newly devise weapons?
Or perhaps do I have a new idea using existing weapons I have devised?
Do I possibly have thoughts on why the last ten years has seen a meteoric increase in technology's scope and importance?
>>
No. 268363 ID: 445c48

"SCIENCE!"

What do you think of Eisenhardt anyways, since he's coming up to talk to you? Bit of a dick? Cool guy?
>>
No. 268364 ID: b6269e

Please answer the previous questions.

I don't know what other actions to give besides some personal questions.
>>
No. 268365 ID: 1efa05

What should I say or do?
Talk to Kygorto later. Tell her that you appreciated her advice but that in the future she should knock before entering.

How far should I go explaining the Hydroshock Longbore?
Tell him that is powered by science

Do I want to revisit any of my other past inventions this afternoon and evening, while my assistants set up to produce my newly devise weapons?
the thermal energy to electrical energy gun that you zapped Modre with when you first met him.

Or perhaps do I have a new idea using existing weapons I have devised?
hot air balloons that drop explosives over a specific time, light bulbs, i got nothing

Do I possibly have thoughts on why the last ten years has seen a meteoric increase in technology's scope and importance?
>>
No. 268368 ID: d3dfb8

>>268363
This.
>>
No. 268369 ID: b1d7c0

"It's not magic ya dimwit, It's SCIENCE!"

Technology is a mage killer, that's why.

You should shield the Hydroshock longbore from external magnetic influences, as Eisendhardt has just unwittingly demonstrated.
>>
No. 268374 ID: f6360f

>>268362
>How far should I go explaining the Hydroshock Longbore?
Go all the way. Dazzle him with over-the-top technobabble. Either he'll piss off and stop asking silly questions, or he'll actually understand what you're talking about and you'll make a new friend; either way, you win.

>Do I possibly have thoughts on why the last ten years has seen a meteoric increase in technology's scope and importance?
Maybe because a shit-ton of mages got killed off, and even more got banned from using their best tricks? Seems like an easy way to make people turn to other options. Of course, things are rarely as simple as they seem, but it likely contributed.

>past inventions
I have all but completely forgotten what all Jezebel's past inventions are. They don't seem to be on the wiki.... hrm. Can someone help me out here?
>>
No. 268382 ID: d4f98d

Explain to me the function of your ODIN mines.

Perhaps we could adapt these into a sort of...air-dropped cluster munition?
>>
No. 268384 ID: 45be60

Technology has been gaining steam because the people are learning to put their faith in it. They give it more support, utilize it more, and that in turn drives further development. It is an upward spiral fueled by its own success.

Some might even say that the benefit from the belief of the common citizens is downright magical.
>>
No. 268388 ID: 02e758

"It's SCIENCE you ferromagnetic fool."

Here's a concept for you. An armored metal frame shaped vaguely like the body of a wasp, with a reinforced glass canopy at the front, and large enough to fit at least two people inside, optimally 6-10 depending on eventual purpose since this would ideally be an adaptable design.

Give it an electric power plant driving a rotor mounted atop the frame to provide vertical lift. Add another smaller rotor onto the rear end of the chassis, set sideways to counter the torque from the primary rotor and spin up or down in speed to let it turn in midair or simply hover in place. Also to give the thing some horizontal momentum, some sort of system to adjust the pitch of the top rotor blades at a cyclic rate (to tilt it backward or forward as necessary and thus generate lateral momentum) and also collectively (thus adjusting altitude). A set of rails along the bottom to give it a stable landing surface would help also. Utilizing your heat-to-energy engine would help offset the power requirements by using it to both cool the primary power plant itself and siphon friction-heat away from the rotors' drive shafts. And equipping the drive shafts with a series of dynamos would provide further energy generation. You'd need to design a set of controls from the ground up to operate the craft properly, but the challenge is part of the fun, isn't it? ...Well, that and also mounting a proper armament loadout onto the frame to turn it into an aerial crewed weapons platform.


And another concept would be a small two-seated armored ground frame with an electric power plant, with an armored shield to protect both driver and passenger. It should utilize a metal track in place of wheels to generate forward motion, and a pair of adjustable skids near the front would provide resistance on a given side to help it turn, making the vehicle able to negotiate most forms of terrain easily. Now for the shield, it should wrap around the entirety of the frame level with the top of the seated driver's head to keep the center of mass relatively low and balanced, maybe using reinforced glass from shoulder-level up to provide a clear view while still affording some protection. The passenger seat's position would be directly behind the driver, wide enough to potentially carry someone in golem armor, allowing room to stand up and a little space between seats so a mount for assorted weaponry could be fitted in. Alterations to the basic frame to suit snowy environments would be easy enough, as would be retractable hydrofoils and pontoons to allow for wetland operation. Weapons-wise, some sort of autocannon would be best suited to general combat, or a launch system for electrified harpoons to engage larger targets. Perhaps even an electric discharge coil to replace the second seat entirely, putting the driver in a protective suit and thus creating a vehicle that electrocutes everything it passes close enough to.

Just some food for thought.


And as to the science/magic question, technology is something potentially ANYONE can use with a little training, as opposed to the longer-term dedication required to become adept with magic. Furthermore it's a bit more reliable in function when designed well, none of that unpredictable side-effect business like magic can potentially have. And it functions from its own power source, instead of requiring itself to be sustained by the user.
>>
No. 268424 ID: a69afd

>>268362
You've truely done well in the joint efforts to make the golem armors more capable combat machines, but an entire realm of possibilities exists for you to grasp- Now is the time to take your first official step into magitech. Tell me, while working alongside Arkus to modify the golem armors, did he mention any mortar configurations specifically for golems? I believe with enough tinkering, we can make even the most basic weaponry into something beyond amazing.
>>
No. 268450 ID: 259738

>>268362
Explain everything about how it works, if he cares to listen. He is a mage, it isn't like he is suddenly going to become a competitor. He can already do what you just did with a handy piece of metal.
>>
No. 268456 ID: 8de4fc

Ideas!: What about creating an active defense system? Armor containing fluid pockets that ablate force and become electrified when damaged. This could in turn cause the fluid to boil or ignite and explode outwards to repel the attack in a wave of pressure, heat and electricity. Also in general it could be worth trying to invent more flexible non-metal armor capable of withstanding a wider range of threats with a better weight/efficiency ratio.

Eisenhardt is clueless when it comes to technology, but he does have an instinctive beast-like grasp of magnetism and electricity. Maybe he knows some secrets that your labwork has yet to reveal, like magnetic or electric phenomenon, indirect effects from his manipulations or changes in behaviour at very high power levels. Is there anything he CAN'T explain, like mysterious losses of energy or magnetic interactions in unsuspected situations? These are things you could try to experiment with and weaponize.

The overall science growth could be because of a number of reasons. The fall of Mosmordre caused a drop in magic with magical bans and laws That along with magic staying mostly exclusive to the rich and privileged. In the following population boom and commerce growth the restricted magic might not have been able to expand and provide to match the population and available wealth. At that point people found alternatives. Especially on the islands where magic is scarce. There will also have been a few key technologies that enable further growth. Quality tools, cheaper materials and commercial successes. Finally there will most likely be magical factions that are actively suppressing technological advances for their own profit and desire to monopolize power(Mortal Coil anyone?). Something could have happened to them or the advances could have happened too quickly for them to react at the islands. There's also the belief snowball possibility meaning that the more people believe in technology the more innately viable it becomes, the passive belief boost providing enough of a kick to make things like Gialgorra's perpetual engines viable. Although I suspect the perpetual engines may just be using minute amounts of Lortoxite to amplify impacts...
>>
No. 268479 ID: d4f98d

How's Ulzrick doing? Y'know, big guy, does some magic, spec ops shit.
>>
No. 268497 ID: a76809

[All presented ideas for tech explosion are right in general, but wrong for missing the largest contributing factor.]

>>268363
>>268368
>>268369
>>268388
"It's SCIENCE you dimwitted ferromagnetic fool, no magic to this contraption-yet."
>[Eisenhardt]"Hah, really now, all technological in origin? I find that hard to believe with the bolt of lightning, the magnetic bullet, the fire, the explosion-there was no gunpowder or similar material in your projectile, so how do you explain the explosion?"
"Look, it's really very simple, a child could understand it."
>[Eisenhardt]"So explain it then."
"Alright, the round itself is an electromagnet, which i-"
>[Eisenhardt]"I am familiar with electrically charged magnetic principles."
"At least I can skip that. Well, the shot has a hollow reservoir in it, containing a viscous, highly conductive and highly flammable compound. You noted the stream of fluid that preceded the shot?"
>[Eisenhardt]"I did indeed."
"A different compound that's viscous, conductive, and flammable. This is what hits the target first, partly causing impact damage from its sheer velocity. ...Actually, scratch that, since I'm using ionization to stabilize a flight vector for the stream, there is an electrical discharge, THEN the hyper-accelerated stream, a second electrical discharge to ignite the compound, then the bullet hits. Now, those two separate flammable compounds? when mixed, they take on explosive properties. Lastly, a third and final electrical burst, to insure no pockets of fluids where left unignited, and to recharge the electromagnetic shell."
>[Eisenhardt]"The shaped, chargable magnetic round, the liquid stream, the chemical compounds, all of that I can accept-but how are you deriving electrical power without magic? I was under the impression catching lightning is still quite difficult, yet I felt it coiled up most tightly within your device, prior to firing."
"Well obviously I don't need to catch lightning, do I? I have a thermal to electrical converter hooked up to a forge in my workshop, and I charge up energy packs that then supply the electrical charge used in this and other devices."

As I say that, I realize I should try to get such a device hooked up to both of the first floor forges as well, with how swiftly our energy needs are rising. I move to walk away-but my device still floats in the air before Eisenhardt for a second longer, finally returned to the two workers who were transporting it.

>[Eisenhardt]".....Most enlightening."

As Eisenhardt blocks us no more, I look for Kyorto-but she has vanished. Wonderful.


I turn my mind back to inventions, as I wonder what to do while my assistants switch my larger machines to the proper settings for a first run of Hydroshock Longbores.... ah, it is quite nice to have asistants-focus. ...Well, I know propellers can create thrust in water, steamboats aren't exactly a new technology anymore-but air has volume too, right? Evidenced in my WASP spears. So, couldn't a propeller move air to create thrust? ...Would have to move faster to create equivalent thrust, with the lower density of air.... maybe a pair of couter-rotating propellers stacked on one another, some smaller, updright propellers on the sides for maneuvering... The issue would be weight, no doubt about it, but if I make it electrically charged, build some electromagnetic panels into the propellers to bleed off excess static energy to recycle as power.... I think I have a working idea.

MOMENT OF INSPIRATION]

I think I can make us fly, without the need for magic.

My next thought is of something.... sturdier. After all, we have a stables here... and but one horse. A METAL horse. Could not fabrications take the place of cavalry? Wheels can only go so far off the road compared to legs... so why not bring the road with us? I could loop track around the wheels, so no matter where the vehicle goes, it has stable purchase.... would probably only need two wide wheels, since this is supposed to be a single-seater. Hm, maybe it would be better to have two seat, one behind the other, would give me more room to build things, and I'd have to make less. I can envision vertically stacking six Skyfall Revolver Hand-Cannons on each side of this vehicle's front, slaving their firing to something on the vehicle's control mechanism... a total of 72 shots, each of which can regenerate in a few minutes-ah, will need to add some ammo-hoppers, to store excess metal for converting into new munitions... huh, actual Magitech, just like that. With how much speed I'd like to see this and the... the... gyro-propelled craft come up with, I think I can get to work with schematics and small prototypes for now... but I may have to speak with one of the Mages about hot to squeeze more power into a tight space.

[MOMENT OF INSPIRATION]

>>268382
With ideas already flowing from my fingers and onto parchment as I take furious notes, I growl in irritation at the undue amount of noise my assistants make, reconfiguring the shop. I proceed to speak to them at high volume, and request they set to preparing other machines for my new ideas as well. As they run to prepare the shop to run at full capacity, now that I finally cleared the roadblock in the Hydroshock Longbore's creation, I find my thoughts turning elsewhere. My O.D.I.N. mines.... I have barey done anything with them, and wonder at their utility. I had thought a pressure-triggered, hopping explosive that would activate an electrical coil within to flood the nearby area with lethal voltage while the mine itself explodes into shrapnel would have more demand, but I didn't even get one order for them before coming here, and I've not made one since hiring on. Perhaps I could adapt their general function to make them air-droppable munitions? Would have to make them bigger, as I know I'd need to pack in more punch, but what else could I do?

>>268456
Hm... the Golem Armors... I wonder, if maybe we could work some fluid pockets into its form, and excessively electrify them-maybe use a fluid that is exceptional at absorbing kinetic energy and converting it to thermal. Not like the golem armor's will let their pilot cook easily....
So many ideas... and so many reliant on magic.

>[Kyorto]"It would seem you navigated your mental block most ably-but more questions plague you now?"
"Can you not extend some simple courtesy and knock? Or maybe close the door more loudly so I know you're there?"
>[Kyorto]"Oh my apologies, I stepped through while one of your assistants was traversing the hallways, the door still open."


....I really don't like her, she's too.... too calm, too smug-she's got secrets that she just loves keeping, and it irks me. On the other hand, she IS one of the Mage's colleagues.....




Should I ask Kyorto about any of my current or planned technological projects, and see if she has any advice?
Should I ask for aid in rendering any of my inventions into magitech?
Should I ask how she arrives so quietly and serendipitously, and if she tries to dodge the question what should I do?
>>
No. 268502 ID: 252e1b

>>268497

Let her have her secrets for now, her being able to drop in on you quietly is irritating but not actually dangerous. But, you may want to try building some detection devices later to prevent her, or any other, from sneaking up on you unawares. While she's not dangerous, I'm sure there are others who have grudges against the Mage, or who simply seek to steal his secrets (and yours, since you are in his employ).

Non-magical detection... well if you used a low-power ion beam as a detection device it would invisible to anyone except people who could sense magnetic fields, like Eisenhardt or other magnetic mages. A net of them, each attached to a chime that sounds when the voltage from the ion beam drops suddenly would work. For traps meant to inflict harm instead of alert you, the chime can be replaced with the trigger mechanism.

Anyway that's a distraction that's neither here nor there. You've got Kyorto's attention now. Ask her if she has any ideas about very compact power storage.

As to the golem armor, use a sheath of a non-newtonian fluid such as cornstarch, over a layer of piezoelectric crystals set up into an array. The cornstarch will go solid when hit hard, but remain fluid when in normal use. When it goes solid, the energy from the hit will be transferred to the crystal mesh underneath, and the piezoelectric crystals will turn that into electric power.
>>
No. 268511 ID: 81f32a

Sure... ask her for advice, never hurts to get outside ideas.

Also, she's a mage, an illusionist practicer, of course she knows some kind of magic shenanigans that can make her soundless. I doubt it's so difficult.
>>
No. 268512 ID: 9eae0a

CLOSE THE DOOR
personally
while talking with her so she does not try to leave.
>>
No. 268514 ID: 81f32a

Also, are we trying to make tanks?

We should invent ICE. I don't think that all of the current engines have the power enough to drive heavy armored vehicles, planes and helicopters.
>>
No. 268527 ID: 252e1b

>>268514

Internal combustion engines are specialized designs and are comparatively expensive, in terms of expertise and materials required. The Archanoworks does have the ability to make hardened engine blocks, true, but a Stirling engine would be cheaper to manufacture, more fuel efficient, and far quieter than an internal combustion engine.

Stirling engines have the added bonus of being very easily adapted to magitech (a Stirling engine just relies on heat to run, so with proper design of the hot side of the engine you can run it on anything that burns, or on magical heat sources). Your limitation for power production from a Stirling engine comes from the malleability point of the material you used in building it. Stay under that temperature and it'll run until the moving parts gum up.

If you need extra power, like an emergency power option, flywheels can be used to store energy from the Stirling engine and then put it into the drive train when it is needed (properly geared, of course, to provide maximum power). IC engines can do emergency power by playing with the air pressure and the mix of fuel to oxidizer, but at the cost of drastically shortening the life of the engine. Another option for emergency power would be magically dumping kinetic energy into the powertrain, though the specifics of how that could be accomplished would be up to the mages.

The flywheel or magical emergency power could also be used for a quick start in a vehicle drive by a Stirling engine. Stirling engines take a little time to warm up and get running, a minute or so. The emergency power could do run the machine for that period of time, and then recharge once the engine was running.

>>268497

Two airscrews should be enough to make the flying machine work. Vary the spin rate on the screws to accomplish turning, as the screws will be working like gigantic gyros. Slow one down, and the gyroscopic force from the other will cause the entire aircraft to turn in place. If you gimbal the drive shafts for both of the airscrews you will be able to adjust their angle of attack against the air, and thus be able to yaw the aircraft. A Stirling engine should work fine for this sort of aircraft.
>>
No. 268578 ID: a76809

>>268502
>>268511
>>268512
I walk over, my eyes on her as I pointedly shut the door, speaking the moment it swings shut.

"So... Do you know magical means of storing electricity, or amplifying existing storage devices?"
>[Kyorto]"As it happens I am indeed familiar with such runic inscriptions and metallurgical preparation processes and procedures. Are you attempting to create battery operated constructs?"
"...I... Yes, I am, land and air alike."
>[Kyorto]"A flying device that is primarily mechanical? A pleasant idea-you will insulate the power source from the rest of the device to prevent accidental electrocution, will you not?"
"...Yes, but I can only insulate so much-"
>[Kyorto]"Before the amount of current exceeds mundane warding, yes a problem I have seen. Have you thought of electrically null suits for the riders?"
"I'd considered it, but since I still haven't built a prototype, equipment for variants seems a bit preemptive."
>[Kyorto]"An admirably rational evaluation. Once you have the engine and battery composite you plan for either of these types of vehicles, let me know, I'd be happy to show you what runes could be applied."
"I'll have the battery and engine ready in a few hours, I just need to refit an existing one, for the gyro-copter."
>[Kyorto]"Is that the name of the flying machine you plan? How utilitarian. Well, I have my own duties to attend to, but-"
"Actually, as you seem to know about mixing technology and magic, maybe you could answer this question."
>[Kyorto]"Perhaps. What is the question?"
"Well, I plan a starch and animal-blood based fluid that becomes solid to rapid applications of pressure, and I plan to put pockets of this fluid all over the golem armors we have."
>[Kyorto]"To what end?"
"Well, I know a few types of piezoelectric crystals-"
>[Kyorto]"I'm sorry, what?"
"Crystals that convert pressure into stored electrical charge by dint of their structure."
>[Kyorto]"Such crystals do this naturally?"
"Well yes, not like I can magic them into doing such. Now, I was wondering, would it be possible for that stored electrical energy to be shunted into a storage device that could be mounted on, or maybe even part of, the golem's furnace? It would make mounting my Hydroshock Longbore's easier, as I'd only need to provide fluid cartridges and the actual munitions-taking hits in combat could charge the electrical component, while making their suits more impact-absorbant."

For once Kyorto's smile slips, as she stares at me with more sincerity than I had previously ever seen in her gaze. For a moment I forget she is my elder as she gains some sort of timeless look, the shadows about her lengthening and shrouding her as she utters a few simple words.

>[Kyorto]"....I misjudged your capability. ...An hour or so, you said? When your engine is ready, I shall have your answer. If you would excuse me."

The smile she gives me from wtihin the shadows seems to chill my heart, as I stare at the patch of shadows where her eyes should be and feel as if some burning light and heat where pressing down upon me. The moment passes in an instant, and Kyorto excuses herself.

.....Okay, what was that? Kyorto's experienced at working with Magitech, enough so that she has picked up a few engineering principles? Other than the islands, there's nowhere where that HAPPENS now really, the State's still not really back to what it was either. I know she never worked in the ports, I've heard of each mage that did, so WHERE did she learn this? And the shadow thing, with the not-there light in her eyes? What was that? And why did she do it after my idea? I thought it was a pretty good one, and she said yes, so why the spooky stuff?



Do I have any speculation as to what's going on, or should I stop worrying about the wannabe mystery mage and just get this engine done so I can do the runic testing with her?
And once I've done my test, what else should I work on tonight, or should I take a break?
>>
No. 268587 ID: 430fc8

No time to brood over her, mages are mages and she certainly is one.

Get to work on this and then tonight TAKE A BREAK!

Go chat with some people.
>>
No. 268595 ID: 81f32a

Maybe nows the time to take a break and reflect on things?

And answer some of the questions from previous suggestions?
>>
No. 268641 ID: 02e758

By the way, as to the fluid/crystal concept, you may as well layer that onto the bottom of the armors' feet so they've got some shock absorption during running or short drops, plus they'd recharge just by moving around.
>>
No. 268677 ID: 252e1b

>>268578

Mage Mordre is considerably powerful and has proven himself to be an expert in golems, and in collecting servants and employees of the finest caliber. Someone like that, especially an older man like he is, doesn't appear from nowhere. He and Kyorto both came from the same place. That he named the archanoworks after her is a sure sign of a long relationship between them. They've likely been colleagues and friends, and perhaps more, for a long time (after all, a man doesn't name captured research base after a women unless he means to flatter and impress her).

She and the mage may both have been cloistered in a secret location. That the mage has servitors like Burduko working for him means that Mordre and Kyorto may be literally from anywhere. That they choose to keep mum about their point of origin could mean any number of things. The sorts of research they do may have recently been outlawed where they are from, or it may be that they saw an opportunity to gain power for themselves here in the State and wished to size it unencumbered by prior obligations, or perhaps they are genuinely interested in bringing stability to a region that is at the tipping point for boiling into worse civil wars and they wish to protect their homeland from repercussion if their attempts fail.

In short, wherever they are from, they probably have good reasons for not making their origin widely known. As long as their actions are to the good, there is no issue.
>>
No. 268681 ID: f6360f

>Other than the islands, there's nowhere where that HAPPENS now really, the State's still not really back to what it was either. I know she never worked in the ports, I've heard of each mage that did, so WHERE did she learn this?
Well, how old is Kyorto, really? Mordre said that she'd been a colleague of his for a long time, so odds are she's known whatever she knows for a while- by the standards of that old geezer. Don't think about the world as it is now, think about the world as it was when someone Kyorto's age would have been picking up and refining her skillset.

You're relatively young, Jezebel, primarily a product of the modern era. Most people running around are not. Think in terms of history. Where was enough magitech in use that a skilled mage would be likely to learn some engineering in the past, say, five decades? There must be a limited number of probable options.

Also: Does Kyorto have any kind of accent? Or refer to things using slightly different words than you might initially expect, like many regional variants on languages do? Might help you track down where she's from.

>...An hour or so, you said? When your engine is ready, I shall have your answer.
Well, you'd best have that ready as quick as you can manage. She doesn't seem the type to work with you that often; I got the sense that she was feeling superior to you in her knowledge until just now, when you displayed greater engineering competence than she had. Maybe she'll respect you a bit more.

Though given how she whipped out the creep, who knows if THAT is a good thing.

>what else should I work on tonight,
See if you can quickly whip up the low-power ion beam detection system conceptualized in >>268502. Putting together a simple concept test shouldn't take long, and you can use the prototype as a door chime so that creepy silent people can't creepy up on you as easily.

Then take some time to socialize. Go track down Del Roga, talk about crazy potential magitech inventions for fun. Or find Ulzrick, and see what he's been up to. Maybe ask him to test out a couple prototypes for you, or give you feedback on some ideas, or eat dinner.
>>
No. 268691 ID: 259738

>>268681
But with access to long range teleportation, there are any number of isolated places they could have come from. Even places noone you've ever met may be aware of. Like places beyond The Wall.
>>
No. 268704 ID: 445c48

She's racist, that's why she hit you with the creepy!

Haha no.
>>
No. 268708 ID: a76809

>>268587
Honestly... I don't have time to spend on some mages weird musings. I have a practical demonstration to prep for, and maybe I can get the magic that will make my ideas work. I grab my spanner, I array all manner of wrenches and sockets, clamps and pliers to my side, as assistants drag forward the three engines I'd named, earlier attempts I'd made at battery power. I set to it with a will, looking to see how best to retrofit pieces together to get a solid piece for the demonstration. I let my mind wander as I go by feel, looking for those sweet spots where curves line up just right.

>>268595
[Fine]
>268320
I find my thoughts first turning to the mage himself, Mordre. Head stuck up his ass, loves to ramble, never bothers showing up-and yet he's given me funding, a staff, supplies, a position of power and relative command-and he's been doing it while going around playing hero, from what I hear. He almost sounds like one of those childhood stories, those two dimensional characters that right wrongs without ever having secrets of their own... I don't know where I'm going with this, he pays well, he's not a bad guy, he just talks too much, what can I do?

>268311
With that mental block cleared this morning and the day having been most productive so far, I consider that things are going well. Life in the Arcanoworks has been a massive improvement over trying to run my own shop alone-having staff I can order about is to die for. Sure I don't care for much of the staff here, from that bull-headed, foul-mouthed Del Rogo, to the scatterbrained Arkus, to that Weasely eyed Derkin-but I can't complain, I'm not likely to find better collective conditions to work in. I haven't seen Keddic or that loud-mouthed Bang fellow for a while-I wonder what the mage has them up to. ...And there are also nice things at the camp. For instance, an upright farmer-turned soldier, whose been getting training in TWO types of magic, one from Mordre himself. And unlike the rest, no boasting, no bragging-he's quiet, reserved, and uses words sparingly. ...He happens to also be in rather excellent condition-and I saw him bathing once, the size of-

Well, I find Ulzrick interesting-but to learn one of those magics deals with dreams? Fascinating as it may be, to consider the theoretical meaning behind such a school-what if he saw my dreams? Or MADE them? I... I don't THINK he did, but then, would I know?

I snap back to reality as I realize I'm screwing into place the last plate of the electrical engine, having picked out the best-fit pieces between the three prior experiments. I connect the battery directly to the hearth converter, and shortly enough transport a charged engine to Kyorto's floor, where she awaits me, several books open before her in a language I don't recognize. She smiles at me pleasantly.

>[Kyorto]"So, this would be one of your battery-operated engines, then? What purpose would it serve?"
"Powering a bi-airscrew propeller scheme for the gyrocopter idea, so I need power to hold any weight airborne. Seemed smarter to start with that then the ground based vehicle."
>[Kyorto]"Your engine seems suitable to the task you describe... very well put together, I see no machining imperfections-an excellent test specimen."

I feel slightly startled as my cheeks warm oh so slightly as I feel uncomfortable under her praise. She does not seem to notice, busy delicately turning a few pages on tomes I now note to be far older than I originally thought, their archaic script on aged vellum. Then, after turning on my engine (without needing me to show her how) to observe it in motion, she turns it off and begins to meticulously take apart the construct, laying out each piece before her as she picks up a metal pick, its tip glowing with minute runes, and holds back her robe while she works. The says nothing, does nothing, save carefully, flawlessly, trace out runes, matter evaporating in the wake of her pick. Despite the sedated pace she proceeds at, the fact she needs but a single pass to make her works behooves her, and half an hour later, she is done, and already working to put the piece back together again. I once more wonder just who this mage is.

>>268677
>>268681
I try again to unravel this woman. Maybe I was thinking about it wrong. After all, she's my elder, and a colleague of that old coot Mordre-the places that did and didn't practice magitech has shifted over the decades, and that could expand her possible sources. For one, Castiliathen and the Azelhaedran State both made considerable use of magitech during the war-as did the Mosmordren Empire. At the time, there was no magitech presence beyond Gavrock on the islands, and he was a single shop, no apprentices type-it's only been recent that the islands were viable. Hm, so, other than those three places, where else... well, there was a nation a while back, I heard about it when I was a kid... what was it.. Ethudia, it had Magitech... actually, I think its just those four places in the last fifty years, really. I couldn't comment farther back than that, as I have no idea what state technology was in then. A few options-but I feel pretty sure Kyorto's not from Castiliathen. Her accent is from the valleys the rest of the warring states occupy-and the Empire occupied. I can't place it beyond that, as what is there is subtle, old, and diminishes by the day-I imagine in a cycle she'll sound like a native to this area. Not sure what to make of such an irregular linguistic analysis as that, but there it is.

...But maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way. This base is KYOgrock Arcanoworks-its partly NAMED after her. And the fact both these old mages know eachother-and the fact she's kept a healthy figure-this could be a whole mess simpler than I thought. What if she's just a lover, current or past, that learned of Magitech from Mordre, who I KNOW is familiar with it, and has come to be of aid? What if Mordre just wanted her to see a place he named after her? What if it's just that simple?

Kyorto snaps the last piece back in place, tightens the last nut, and activates the engine again. The turbines hum and crackled, and the meter I have hooked up to the rotors-

Shows a six hundred eighty seven percent increase in output, relative to the rate the battery is drained. .....In thirty minutes, she-

>[Kyorto]"I believe that should be sufficient for you to build a prototype gyrocoptor around-perhaps once you have tested such, and we know what needs to change, we can discuss how many are being built, and where I will find the time to rune them."
"..Should I bring you an engine for the ground vehicle now or-"
>[Kyorto]"Bring it when you know more about the copter first. ...Tell me, what lead you to that idea-the one about crystals?"
"That? Well, I've spoken with some of the craftsmen at the magitech shops out amongst the Western Islands, on the Gialgorra's island actually. .....Well, they were fond of crystals-more like their customers were-so they rather exhaustively learnt about what crystals can and can't do naturally, all the different sorts-and it happens that some turn pressure into electrical charge. From there, I know that corn starch and blood alike can harden, become solid under harsh impact, so pairing the two seems obvious. From there, knowing I have a means of turning physical force into power, a weapon that needs power, and a suit that is going to be hit a great deal-it seemed straightforward."
>[Kyorto]"It is a commendable bit of insight, to see how different mechanisms could be intertwined-once you have enough crystals and fluid for a suit and a complete-what did you call them?"
"Hydroshock Longbore."
>[Kyorto]"once you have both, I'd be happy to sit down with you and figure out how best to place such things-the golem armors themselves are quite solidly built, if exceptionally sparse in terms of innate firepower."
"You feel it lacking too?"
>[Kyorto]"Indeed, and I would be delighted to talk with you about possible magical enhancement for your longbore, once you have made one properly, rather than refitting that upsized model of another gun."
"Excuse me?"
>[Kyorto]"I saw the hand-held version of what you originally planned to mount on the armors-an interesting concept weapon, one that you seem poised to fully realize now, is that now so?"
"I think I have had enough of speaking with you now. I'll contact you once I have something of substance. Good DAY"

Completely unfazed by my passive aggression, Kyorto keeps smiling as I pick up my engine in a whirl and walk off in a huff. The rest of the afternoon is spent between casting and machining parts for a Hydroshock Longbore, and trying out different ideas on low-weight weapons platforms for the gyrocopter motor, all while trying to find the most efficient propeller shape. Five hours in, just as the sun is setting, I push away from a worktable with a half-finished Longbore on it, glance at the growing pile of test frames and propellers kept and discarded alike, before I decide-

That I need a break.

Twenty minutes later, I'm still in my work overalls, and there's five empty flagons in front of me, a third in my hand. Now, I sit back and let that fire in my belly spread as I sip at my sixth ale.

.........

...Ooooh, hey. Thas' Ulzrick over there. He's, he's talkin' with Vespinto, an' Derkin... an' now he's sitting down. Hey, I... I should go, go and talk to 'im. I walk over, the floors a bit wobbly but I make it, and I sit down next to him. Ulzrick looks at me funny. Hehe, he's so cute...








...What was I gonna say to Ulzrick?
>>
No. 268718 ID: 445c48

I don't think you were planning to say much. Pretty sure you were just going to stumble at him and kiss him, then stumble away and get some more ale, maybe take a nap.
>>
No. 268725 ID: d3dfb8

Ulzrick and Vespinto are rivals right? Well obviously the thing to do is to hit on Vespinto and get Ulzrick really jealous.
Knowing men Ulzrick will have no choice but to make you his, if just to prevent Vespinto from having you.

And then he will take you.
All night long.
>>
No. 268729 ID: 252e1b

>>268708

Ulzrick does the dream stuff! You were going to ask him about it, find out if he can visit dreams, or make dreams. And if he's in your dreams when he's not trying to be in them, what does that mean?
>>
No. 268730 ID: f6360f

>>268708
There's only one answer to that. Grab him, and tell him in a low voice that you want to ask him something, and it is very important that he answer honestly, or you'll electroshock him to death.

Then ask if he put himself in your dreams, or if he appeared there all on his own.

When that is done, leave to sleep off your drunkenness, and tell him as you're going that if you don't dream of him again tonight you will be very disappointed.
>>
No. 268731 ID: 02e758

Go sidle up and drape yourself over his shoulders like the intoxicated inventress that you are. It's not like you can't just shout 'em all down again if they get on your case later right? Just remember to greet him with a classy line to give the best impression. "Heeeeeeeeeey, ish ULZY! Y'know, I'm doin' a 'spermian... uh...exparma- ...PROJECT back in my workshop an' I needa helper. Howshabout you c'mon back with me an' yeh can show me how long y'can keep a hydraulic pump goin' once I warm it up an' get it primed nice'n good for ya?"
>>
No. 268734 ID: a76809

>>268718
>>268731
I lean in close an' kiss his nose, my arm on his shoulder so I don't fall as I giggle and talk to him.
"Heeeeeeeeeey, ish ULZY! Y'know, I'm doin' a 'spermian... uh...exparma- ...PROJECT back in my workshop an' I needa helper. Howshabout you c'mon back with me an' yeh can show me how long y'can keep a hydraulic pump goin' once I warm it up an' get it primed nice'n good for ya?"

I try an arch my brows at him an' make my eyes smolder, but I forgot I have goggles on, so he can't see. Ulzrick looks confused, but when I pull him upright, he comes with me.


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


[DAY 165: DAY 5 OF WEEK 2 OF MONTH 5:]
[Corday of the Second Cycle of Libiturnius (Summer)]


.....Why am I on my lab's floor?

Why am I naked?

....ooooOO deep, that's Ulzrick next to me.

He starts to stir.

Uh, uh uh....






What should I say or do?
>>
No. 268736 ID: 21e57a

>>268734
HIT HIM OVER THE HEAD WITH THE CLOSEST BLUNT OBJECT OH GOD!
>>
No. 268737 ID: f6360f

>>268734
You must take control of the situation. There are several options:
-Keep him unconscious while you figure out what to do
-Get dressed quickly and be confident about what happened when he wakes up
-Wake him up faster, immediately, with aggressive sexy action

I favor #3. Strongly.
>>
No. 268738 ID: 02e758

Obviously the most logical solution is to first and foremost berate him for his negligence, and never mind the status of your clothing or lack thereof. He should have put you into a proper bed after you passed out and then cleaned the place up a bit before taking himself home, instead of sticking around where he could possibly damage some fragile bit of your work. I mean really, he should know better, don't you think?
>>
No. 268742 ID: 445c48

>>268737
Seconding #3.
>>
No. 268743 ID: 69bee4

>>268736
OH MY GOD OHMYGOD! what the hell happened! ARGGGG, hurry, grab the nearest thing, gun, whatever, grab it! HIT HIM! what did he do!? WHAT HAPPENED!?! thisisthetimeTOPANICANDFLAILANDDEFAULTTOBLUDGEONINGANDUNDIRECTEDANGERRRRRRR

Cue hilarious anger combined with naked chase scene, and hitting people with a gun that has a chance of firing
>>
No. 268744 ID: a76809

>>268736
>>268743
Uh, uh uh uh-uhAH!

CLUNK

....Ah.

That... that was a wrench I felt.

I just hit Ulzrick in the head with a wrench, oh shit.

I stand up, only a single stocking on my body, looking around-THEDOOR'SSTILLOPENAHAH!!

I dash over and slam and LOCK shut the door before I spin about, back to the door, and slowly slide to the ground, thinking-and seeing the blood on the wrenche's head. Oh no, oh no.... I walk over towards Ulzrick, and-

....................................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: ULZRICK]....................................................................

>Not the way I was expecting he'd find this place.
>Totally worth it, did you see how wild she was?
>You do realize he is bleeding into his brain right now, right?
>I think his soul is resolving, sh.

There is no background, or foreground. There is no up, or down. There is no color, and light does not apply as a concept. Yet all about me, in numbers that shift and warp, stand hundreds, thousands.... of me. ...Where am I?

>Well, the short of it is you're in the dream, since as a bit of a lucky stroke, you got knocked in the head so hard you made it the whole way here, fully into the Dream as a consciousness.
>The problem is that same impact has started a hemorrhage in your brain. You will die soon.
Die? Just like that?
>Yes, just like that. Head injuries are not simple things.
>I don't think he knows what happened.
I don't. Last I remember, Jezebel had taken me back to the lab and-
>The morning after, she panicked, and struck you with a hammer as you woke.
She what?
>It did serve to connect you with us, something we have sought.
I'm gonna die? Hold on, hold on, this is the Dream, you're different me's-can't you heal me? I mean, dreamhealing, you know it too, right?

The shades look about themselves, before their gazes turn my way once more.
>We can heal you.
>In fact, we must.
>Because you were brought so completely into our own gestalt trans-dream consciousness, if your body dies, you could collapse the whole net.
>So obviously we have to heal you.
>The issue is a facet of Dreamhealing you do not yet know.
>Dreamhealing could be more accurately described as 'wound-displacement'
>Injuries to one's form are transferred to one of the most identical copies of themselves throughout all possibilities, settings and dimensions.
>Infinite number of limited choices, and yes its paradoxical, this is Dream magic.
>So whoever heals you gets a gift of an anyeurism-a fatal one.
Wha-
>No time, you're dying as we commune, this needs to be dealt with. ...We are the Ulzricks that have learned enough to send our minds fully into the dream, and we govern all our selves, as all Ulzricks, dreamers or no, share the same... voices.
>Our thoughts naturally breach worlds and reality, but only for ourself.
>Three of our number, those Ulzricks that do what we can to keep our collective existence safe, have offered to heal you, and save our gestalt, collective existence at the cost of their personal existence.
>We shall describe each to you because in their sacrifice, an imprint of their personality will cling to you, and if it does not match your mindset the process could fail-fatally.
I-
>Only acknowledge that you understand that you are being given a choice who will die to save you, there is no TIME.
>You die even now!
I-I understand!
>I am the first who would die for you. I am an Ulzrick of muscle and might, war and strife-I seek battle to fuel myself, my body, my life coming to its full gleam only when I'm pushing myself past my limits in a struggle for my life. I discovered the Dream when one of my many foes hired an assassin talented in such, who tried to slay me in my dreams. I battled the intruder and consumed them, adding their Dream essence to my own and waking myself to this world. Once I learned my voices were not insanity but my own, I vowed I would do anything I could to keep myself safe, personal safety becoming a communal endeavor. If my individuality buys our collective safety, I will make the sacrifice.
>I am the second who would die for you. I am an Ulzrick of study and research, of knowledge and magic. I also am a fond user of multiple types of hallucinogens. In one particular drug binge, I twisted Will magic so madly that when I passed out, I inadvertently pulled my mind into the Greater Dream, where I became aware of what my own reality fully entailed. I would sacrifice myself because in communing with all our possibilities, I have learned more than I ever could in my own lifetime-and I am content to pay for what I learned, if I must.
>I am the third who would die for our mental health. I am the first, the original Ulzrick to reach the Greater Dream, the one that began collecting others with such gifts to manage our multi-dimensional existence. I have dedicated myself to preserving and protecting our hive existence, and will do whatever I can for it. In perfect honesty, I also believe there to be a viable chance I shall survive the process, as I am the most talented with Dream of all Ulzricks. Since such a procedure has never been attempted before, I cannot be sure, but we shall see. Should I fail, I imagine what I know of the Dream will be imprinted on your soul, should you enjoy to gamble.
>You've heard the three who would offer their lives.
>Time is fleeting, the death of Ulzrick approaches.
>Who will die for you, the first, second, or third to offer?
>CHOOSE?







....Which me shall die for me?
>>
No. 268747 ID: 21e57a

Third and, dude? I'm sorry. Really and completely. Erm, yeah. Third, or first, he might be able to fight it. Please pull through you all, I haven't even met like, a percent of you guys, ok? Shit, Ulzrick, I'm sorry.
>>
No. 268748 ID: 445c48

The second one.
>>
No. 268749 ID: 46c430

First.
>>
No. 268750 ID: 430fc8

The third broham

There is a chance he will survive (though I truthfully think he's bluffing), so in an attempt to secure the survival of all Ulzrick's, we shall choose the option with the highest likely hood of overall success.
>>
No. 268751 ID: f6360f

>>268744
The third. If there's any chance that any of you- of me- could avoid dying, I... thank you.

And I'm sorry.
>>
No. 268753 ID: 02e758

Number three.
>>
No. 268755 ID: a76809

rolled 18 = 18

>>268747
>>268750
>>268751
>>268753
>Choose.
>CHOOSE!
-T-THE THIRD.
>...Then I shall make the sacrifice. I wish you well, Ulzrick.
The brightest replica of myself in the vast void winks out of existence, and-




[Roll for Ulzrick, I need a 1d100 roll, and five seperate 1d20 rolls, first rolls taken only.]
>>
No. 268756 ID: 04c3a2

rolled 48 = 48

D:<
>>
No. 268759 ID: 21e57a

rolled 14 = 14

I roll in penance.
>>
No. 268760 ID: f6360f

After thinking about this for a moment... why can't we give a thousand Ulzricks each one-thousandth of an anyeurism? Dream-healing isn't instantaneous, and-

-but I guess they'd know better than you would, as they're presumably more expert. Dammit.


Anyway, if we're going with the third guy: They warned that the process could fail if your mindset isn't compatible enough. There's not a lot of time, but you might try to be as much like he describes himself as you can. Realize how incredible, how important it is that you've now got a thousand of other yous all linked to you, what an unbelievable opportunity that is. Not only can you talk to them about anything, but you can know that they honestly know everything about you, and accept it, that they have your best interests at heart because their interests are your interests. It's a gift beyond price, an opportunity beyond measure. Is that not something that it's worth spending a great deal of time and energy- even a lifetime- to nurture and protect? Shouldn't you be trying to do your part for the rest of them from now on, even as they've done their part for you since you first heard their voices in your head?

Might not matter, but it won't hurt either.
>>
No. 268761 ID: 46c430

rolled 17 = 17

ULZRICK!
>>
No. 268762 ID: 21e57a

rolled 9, 7, 10, 9 = 35

Please roll well, dice.
>>
No. 268763 ID: f6360f

rolled 15 = 15

>>268755
And a roll.

Fortune be with you, Ulzrick. Both Ulzricks.
>>
No. 268765 ID: 252e1b

rolled 16 = 16

Must have been some night for her to freak out like that in the morning after.

Better get a post-relations breakfast out of the deal, at least.
>>
No. 268771 ID: 21e57a

Ulzrick, open your mind. With the power of the first you gain strength, and a respect for all the other Ulzricks. You will be their guide, their beacon. Your dreaming self will reach to even higher hights, but you are now burdened with being a leader. Learn from the First, from all of them, grow wise, strong, brave, cunning, become a Ulzrick of all Ulzrick, and honor his sacrifice. What wisdom he had will be your's and all Ulzrick's. Make right our folly.
>>
No. 268774 ID: 445c48

Ulzrick, you need to save your skin. Not just yours, but the rest the dream Ulzricks'. Going to have to be a lot more careful from here on out. Learn to trust your paranoia. Practice your combat, not to charge and kill people, but to defend yourself. Treat people well, especially the militia, because they're more likely to help you out, take out a guy you didn't even see, if you're a bro.
>>
No. 268775 ID: 21e57a

>>268771
I guess, to summarize: Open minded. A burning desire to learn and teach. Bravery. An urge to learn and grow strong. A sense of family with everyone around you. An undying will to protect that family.
>>
No. 268776 ID: 46c430
File 12940356185.jpg - (408.34KB , 1696x2333 , Ulzrick_Pillar_of_Illumination0001.jpg )
268776

DISPENSING EMERGENCY FANART
>>
No. 268780 ID: a76809

rolled 43 = 43

>>268756
[18 + 30 Mastery Bonus vs 48, TIE]

>>268760
I feel so strange, so torn and whole, so broken and well, so wrong and right-I have to get my mind in harmony with this new force, or we'll tear eachother apart. Even through the barrage of shifting sensory data from a mending body, I try to put together some thoughts on who sacrificed themself, the First Dreamer... the first me to reach this place. I hold in mind concepts of honor, of humbleness at the privilege of having so many others to speak to that know and accept EVERYTHING about me, a resource so precious... one would die for it. I wonder, as I consider this, and the gift I never knew I had, if this will bring me in more harmony with the raging sense of power, personality, dream and soul I feel pressing against my existence, trying to forcefully fuse with me. I feel myself coming apart.

>>268759
[14]
>What are you doing, get your act together! ...Dammit, I knew he should have chosen me, I could have made the fusion easier, the first is too much for him!

>>268760
[14 +17 = 31]
>Ah quit yer bellyachin', we get to keep living, and all we gotta do is make sure the newbie doesn't fuck it up. 'Asides, I probably would have eaten his ego in the fusion anyway, always wondered what I taste like.

>>268762
[14 + 17 + 9 = 40]
>I may not be as capable as some of our number, but I know enough to help! You'll be fine, trust yourself!

>>268763
[14 + 17 + 9 + 15 = 55]
>I hope you appreciate the fact that as we converse I'm losing a customer of seven years from my shop-and Dream-forged goods customers don't exactly grow on trees. Best be grateful!

>>268763
[14 + 17 + 9 + 15 + 16 = 71 vs 48, ULZRICK COLLECTIVE SUCCESS]

>>268771
I think about what this means. The eldest Dreaming version of me, representing the peak of Dream knowledge I was capable of reaching under any set of prior life choices and events. ...This is power I gain, in this fusion, and no mistake of that. He spoke of the gamble it is-and as I feel the tearing, breaking feeling subside, I realize that his essence was not quite so pure as I thought. He knew of, and nurtured his own power, there is no question that he would, and a drive to reach ever higher. He liked to take risks. Not a saint-but still a leader. These thoughts feel far more in tune with the one being sacrificed, and as I feel some connection to me snap, I feel the faintest hint of a voice.

>No.......

And then it is no more. I try to look about, finding nothing visible before me-and finding my eyelids shut. I hear someone speaking, a frantic, squeaky voice, shakily rambling on. ...Jezebel?

I open my eyes and sit up, My bleary eyes showing me Jezebel standing stock still, naked and a fair bit of delicious curve gleaming in the sun, scream for a half second before she dashes over and starts jerking my head about.

>[Jezebel]"But I-I saw the blood, it's still here on your skin-why are you fine-oh ULZRICK!"

Jezebel throws her arms around me, and sobs against my chest, a hand feebly beating against my breast.

>[Jezebel]"I THOUGHT I KILLED YOU!"

For a moment longer she sobs into my chest, perhaps an entire extra second, before her crying terminates rather abruptly, and blushing madly she pushes herself away with enough force I tumble over.

>[Jezebel]"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU PLAYING AT, ACTING LIKE YOU WERE DEAD! GET OUT OF HERE!"

And so I find myself shooed out of her lab, able to claim my trousers and one boot before being outed-I put on the pants, at least. And as I walk down the steps in the Arcanoworks-

>Okay, you're alone, yes?
Yeah, I don't feel, see or generally sense anyone on this level, and there's those sound barriers. ...What just happened?
>Okay, those idle thoughts you've had about hearing voices that were you? They were accurate. They're all just versions of 'you' that made different choices then you specifically did.
>But since every Ulzrick can hear his own thoughts, even THROUGH possibilities, Ulzricks inevitably end up connecting with eachother-or going insane or getting killed, but hey.
>The one who sacrificed himself, the one who was First among us, was skilled with using both dreamspace itself, and tapping Dream to manifest false memories into reality.
What?
>What Fourth and Twenty Third are trying to tell you, is that the First could not only treat our collective dream as his personal playground, but in reality, he could fabricate memories of past events, make those memories real, and through that pull an action into existence retroactively through the Dream.
>For example, he could remember punching someone, and make it have occurred without ever moving his arm, as the punch was already delivered.
>If you want to make your way back to the Greater Dream, and meat with yourself again, you should think upon that, and see if any of the First's precious knowledge can be salvaged from this incident.
>Until then.... do what you want. We have much to do, having lost our leader, and do not have time to pamper you now that you are alive and well.

With that, the voices dim almost to nothing, and I am left with myself-a much more lonely prospect than is normally the case.

.....What just happened? And what is this about memories and Dream, time magic, what? I died to take my head injury and keep me alive? What the deep just happened?




Do I know what's going on?
And do I have any thoughts on how to pull out this Dream knowledge I am supposed to have inherited?
>[For Dream Exploration idea roll a 1d100, HIGH is good.]
>>268776 [FANART STORED FOR DREAM EXPERIMENTATION BOOST]
As if all this wasn't enough, what do I think about Jezebel's reaction to last night?
>>
No. 268784 ID: 46c430
File 129403718654.jpg - (428.61KB , 435x1125 , Ulzrick_the_Light_in_the_Void0001.jpg )
268784

More fanart, anyone?
>>
No. 268785 ID: 252e1b

rolled 73 = 73

>>268780

You remember a memory that's certainly not your own. It is the First, placing the key to the top floor of the Archanoworks behind a brick just above the doorway to your left. Pull the brick loose, and the key will fall into your hand.
>>
No. 268786 ID: f6360f
File 129403805398.jpg - (91.67KB , 574x562 , manymanyulzricks.jpg )
268786

>>268784
Unskilled permutations of others' fanarts, anyone?
>>
No. 268788 ID: 45be60

rolled 85 = 85

Remember when you grabbed both of your boots on the way out of Jezebel's lab?
>>
No. 268789 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 97 = 97

You remember not getting hit on the head last night.
>>
No. 268791 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 77 = 77

You remember there was enough of the other Ulzrick for him to completely reconstruct himself after healing you.
>>
No. 268792 ID: f6360f

>Do I know what's going on?
Yes. Yes you do.

You slept with Jezebel last night. She was awesome.

While you were still asleep afterward, she woke up, panicked, and apparently hit you with a wrench. Presumably because she's prone to rash and ill-considered action, which may include jumping your bones while drunk or accidentally murdering you.

Fortunately, you got knocked into some heavy Dreamscape by the impact, where it became apparent that you are only one of many, many Ulzricks. Your dying while connected to them could have severed their connection to one another somehow, leaving all of them without one anothers' voices, so one of them took the bullet of having your wounds transferred to him so that you could live and the dreamscape could survive. By doing so, he grafted a little bit of his existence onto yours, so you'll likely have some of his memories, skills, attitudes.

He was a you that might have been, and you are a him that might have been. And he's dead.


The task before you now is to try and discover whatever vestiges of his existence are left in you- they should all be there. Somewhere. And even if they're not, if what the others just told you applies to mental states as well as physical, you might be able to imagine that they are and make it real.


>As if all this wasn't enough, what do I think about Jezebel's reaction to last night?
You need to talk to her. Very soon. Not just about last night- you need to explain that to heal yourself, someone had to die. You weren't pretending anything. Because I rather assume that you want to sleep with her more, and she can never, EVER, do something like that again. I would recommend getting clothes and subsequently handling this as close to immediately as is practical.
>>
No. 268793 ID: d3dfb8

Also, about Jez. You should talk to her about it later when she isn't freaking the fuck out. Let her know that she actually did kill you and the only reason that you are still alive is CRAZY DREAM MAGIC. Also tell her to not try again because it only works the one time.
>>
No. 268795 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 44 = 44

You remember having a 10" penis.
>>
No. 268796 ID: 04c3a2

rolled 66 = 66

You remember the entirety of last night, even through the haze of alcohol.
>>
No. 268797 ID: 69bee4

rolled 39 = 39

you remembered who the first truely was before the fusion, so that your mindset melded perfectly with his.
>>
No. 268801 ID: f6360f

rolled 15 = 15

>And do I have any thoughts on how to pull out this Dream knowledge I am supposed to have inherited?
Guys, this does not say "he has all these powers already", it says "perhaps you should advise him on how to unlock these powers". Saying 'remember how X' may not work unless we can get him to step through the needed method first, any more than we could tell him to start ripping out people's souls and have it actually happen.


As for how to pull them out... I would start with trying to think like the First, for what you know of him, trying to recall how to follow some of these suggestions (start with something simple). Maybe that'll trigger some memories, or at least help you intuit the method for using stronger dream powers.

Next time you get a chance to rest, try to find the Greater Dream again.
>>
No. 268806 ID: a76809
File 129404141181.jpg - (118.89KB , 800x584 , Ulzrick Dream Reaper.jpg )
268806

>>268792
Okay.

So, slept with Jezebel last night-did NOT know she was into that kind of stuff, but WOW, fun night.
She woke up, saw me, panicked, and hit me. That part I got.
When she hit me IN THE HEAD WITH A WRENCH.... I was terminally injured. I was dying.
And, in some near-death state, my mind got sent into the Dream.
VERY deep into the Dream, and way down there, I found a pocket of Dream... just for me.
For every me, ever.
Because the voices I hear in my head ARE me, just from different worlds, possibilities, what have you.
And the fact we can hear each other is evidence we are a connected, gestalt existence, as all the different versions of us can hear one another, to some degree or other.

Okay, that parts not THAT insane, really.

The part where my getting into my own collective private Dream means that if I die, I collapse the whole dream network, that I got, even if I don't know how I was a threat. Still, the seniormost... me, sacrificed himself to dreamheal me, and take the wound upon himself.
In the process, his soul, or an imprint of it, or his shadow in the dream, or SOMETHING got imprinted on/infused into me.

A me I could have been died, to keep the me that represents every choice in life I've ever made keeps going.

...I THINK I have a handle on what happened... maybe.

>>268788
I experimentally cobble together a recollection of stopping to grab that other boot, and exiting the room with both articles of footwear, I apply Dream to it and-

[85 vs. 43, +42, MINOR, RECENT: PASS]

In my off hand my remaining boot is now to be found. I pull it and its partner onto my feat, as I run through the brief flutter of sensations I felt, fiddling with the past in such an indirect manner as this. ...This is nothing at all like what I heard of Chronomancy, which involves moving people and objects through time, not... rewriting it from a distance. ...Well, that worked, what about something more involved?

>>268796
I try to focus more, glean more from the successful first test-but my head's muzzy, Jezebel had a bottle of whiskey in her lab, and she made sure we drank ALL of it, so not only is my memory of last night spotty, but I'm having trouble focusing now. In what I hope is a good idea, I try to cobble together a memory of not drinking quite so much, and drinking more water along the way-I mold memories of recalling the night and feeling refreshed in the morning-and again, I reach out to the Dream, and-

[66 vs 43, +23 MINOR, RECENT: PASS]

This time I feel it. Even as I physically feel more invigorated, I feel... some part of me strain, even as memories flood back, and... and... WOW, I would not have thought she'd do that.... and her ass? ...I don't feel as bad about dying now, that was a whole mess more fun night than I remembered. But, distracted as I am by fully recalling what I did, I still pay closer attention-I am pulling Dream into reality, anchoring it on my mind, and tethering it to reality, or at least that's how it feels. Does that mean I'm using my mind to pull reality into this new shape literally?

>[DREAM RECOLLECTION SKILL UP]

>>268784
>>268786
>>268791
...I have an idea. If I can rewrite reality, just like that, then maybe I can make sure that other me survives-that should be possible, shouldn't it? I cobble together memories of this person I've never really met surviving, being well after mending me... they don't seem as well defined as the prior attempts, since I didn't really know the person, but still, I reach for the Dream, and-

[77 + stored fanart (+5), +2 Fanart (+10) = 92 vs 43, +49, MAJOR, RECENT: ROLL PASS. SKILL LEVEL: NOT MET]

Again I feel that blur or shift, that sensation of change, and-
>Hold on whose thoughts are these?
First, did you survive?
>You're that Ulzrick that got injured. Then-This is your body. ...And I cannot control it.
...Ah... at least you still exist, right?
>There is merit to your view... but how? I do not recall how I secured my own existence.
Ah, I sorta did, trying to get a handle on that Dream Recollection stuff you do-or did.
>This was your work?

>>268785
Yeah, kinda like this.
I form a memory of finding that key Arkus mentioned, the one we covet and seek for expanding this tower-I recall finding it somewhere, lost, forgotten, hidden, and moving it to the top floor, to hide behind a loose brick. I iron out the concept and apply Dream to it, and-

[73 vs 43, +30 MODERATE, SEMI-RECENT, PASS]

I start making my way up the steps, already confident I shall find the key located behind the one loose brick I've yet found on the top floor.
>...You've adapted rather swiftly to my magic-did you gain its use alone, or the knowledge base that goes with it?
I'm learning blind here.

>>268789
Oh... hey. Since I don't know you that well, maybe I can get around that-I know I got hit in the head, maybe if I picture an event where that didn't happen, I could-
>What? WAIT!-

[97 vs 43, +54, MAJOR, RECENT, PARADOX]

I find myself in Jezebel's lab again, still on the ground, Jezebel only now beginning to wake-
>[DREAM RECOLLECTION SKILL UP]
-I'm starting to remember-
>YOU IDIOT YOU CALLED THE DREAMEATER!

Plastered across my vision and moaning so mournfully it resonates with my soul, I see the sprectral outline of a corpse, of the concept of death dredged up from mankind's subconscious, and given form. The shape I see is transparant, ghostly, and rather than glaring at me it sniffs at the air speculatively, is head moving this way and that, the center of my vision no matter where I turn my head.
Uh, First, I
>Not until its gone, or we all die.

The ramshackle imaginary corpse turns towards me in interest, growing somewhat more opaque in my vision. Jezebel turns, he arm slapping down on my face-I flinch and blink as I see her waking up-her eyes locking on mine, a foot from her face. ....She isn't saying anything. ...Okay, ignore the freaky Dreameater thing, what to do....





What should I say to Jezebel, given what I know of how she reacted originally?
What do I make of this strange phenomenon I have run into?
Do I keep trying to talk to the First inside my mind?
>>
No. 268807 ID: 46c430

>>268806
NO DREAM MAGIC
NO TALKY TO VOICES
NO ANYTHING
NOTHING
NEIN
>>
No. 268808 ID: 252e1b

>>268806

As angry and confused and embarrassed as she may be, you must convey to her the dire urgency of the situation without attracting the Dreameater's attention to yourself.

Put your finger to your lips, and then whisper to her, "Don't make a sound, I promise to explain everything when a nightmare doesn't threaten us."

We need to avoid the Dreameater. It has caught whiff of our shenanigans, and seeks to eat the source of the paradox. You must hide.
>>
No. 268809 ID: 46c430

>>268808
This would just make Ulzrick sound insane. As it stays in front of us no matter which way we look, I think it's not physically here and a threat to Jezebel. I believe we simply have to wait for it to go away. And that means not attracting/keeping its attention. Considering it looked at us and grew more solid when we spoke to the first, and what it is named, and that the First told us not to talk to him, this tells us in no uncertain terms that DREAM MAGIC IS BAD right now.

So.

Ignore the dream-eater, put your arms up and cross them protectively over your head to ward off hammer/wrench blows (Better your arms than your noggin), and say, "Don't kill me!"
>>
No. 268810 ID: f6360f

>Do I keep trying to talk to the First inside my mind?
FUCK NO. When he talked to you last, it attracted more of the critter's attention. You talk to him and it'll find you.

>What do I make of this strange phenomenon I have run into?
Dreameater, apparently. It was called by... paradox? Meaning that if the paradox is resolved adequately, it'll go away. The paradox in this case appears to be that you couldn't possibly have gained the powers you have if you didn't get hit in the head, so not getting hit in the head means that you'd never gain the powers to avoid getting hit in the head.

Solution: Let yourself get hit again. It sucks, but this was apparently a bad move. You know you'll live through it, at least.

But even if you're not willing to do that, you should definitely definitely absolutely not touch any dream magic at all.
>>
No. 268811 ID: 45be60

This danger is a result of creating a paradox, you are in danger of changing the past in a way which would prevent itself from happening. You MUST be struck in the head here, and you MUST be knocked deep unconscious. But maybe you need not die from it. She will swing at you. When she does, flail to protect yourself. Let some of the force be absorbed by her arm hitting yours, and then let unconsciousness overtake you.
>>
No. 268812 ID: 252e1b

>>268811

So explain it all to her then. She's really smart, if she doesn't think you're crazy she'll have little trouble following along.

"When you hit me on the head I did die. I was able to fully enter the Dream, and I got help from other versions of myself from other timelines. They helped heal me, by switching the damage to one of them at the cost of him risking death in my place. He didn't quite die, but he's not well. I was conversing with him, and experimenting with my newly expanded magic when I did something inexcusably dumb and created a paradox. To fix the paradox- well, I'm not sure. The only thing that comes to mind is you hitting me again, but I'm not keen to try that."
>>
No. 268813 ID: 430fc8

Finish waking her up with a kiss.

That will either get you hit again, which would be hilarious, or make things better for you so rock that joint man.

Think about nothing other that Jez, not your dreams, not your craziness, nothing. You're just an ordinary guy that had a great night last night and knows nothing about magic.
>>
No. 268816 ID: 430fc8

>>268812
I don't think she will remember hitting him on the head, because it never happened.

*wink*
>>
No. 268817 ID: 252e1b

>>268816

Right, paradox. Ugh. Still should explain it to her, and ask for a little help in thinking a way out of this, then. "Did you know that in another timeline, when we woke this morning, you panicked and hit me on the head? In that timeline, you killed me, but you also gave me full access to the Dream. In an attempt to both undo my own death in that timeline, and to preserve a friend I made in the Dream, I accidentally, and stupidly, created a paradox. Sorry if that's a little confusing, but it's where things stand at the moment."
>>
No. 268820 ID: 0bb716

First off, get up and close the door it's still open.

Secondly, you are in a paradox Ulzrick. The only  way out of this is to recreate the circumstances of you entering the Great Dream and discovering yourself (yourselves?). This means you have to lethally get hit on the head, since you are less partial to this option and given the amount of effort you put into bringing the First Ulzrick back to life, let's try to find an alternative.

For now, try to ignore Death (haha) and deal with the situation at hand with Jezebel. Once you are alone, look around the Arcanoworks, try to find a means of non-lethally knocking yourself out: Jezebel has a lot of electrical equipment (although it is probably wise not to go poking through it) and someone in the Arcanoworks has to have something that'll put you out, look for a sweet scented liquid labeled as "Chloroform". You could ask Kyorto for help or you could enlist the aid of Vespinto, either by convincing or provoking him into knocking you out (hopefully non-lethally...).

>>268817
Like it has been stated before, this will either A) Prove that Ulzrick is insane to her (which he is not!) or B) Greatly confuse her. Nothing valuable could be gained from telling her.
>>
No. 268827 ID: 81f32a

"Oh, hey, Ulzrick. Back so soon already? How are- WHAT THE HELL IS GOING HERE!?"

When this all blows over, we should recall Jezebel remembering everything she did last night. That would be delightfully sinister, heh heh
>>
No. 268828 ID: 81f32a

"Oh, hey, Ulzrick. Back so soon already? How are- WHAT THE HELL IS GOING HERE!?"

I don't think talking and explaining Jez what happened is a good idea, it will just confuse her more. Just lock your eyes dreamily (heh) to her, take a hammer, place it in her hand and use her hand to bash still lying you and then disappear into a puff of smoke.

When this all blows over, we should recall Jezebel remembering everything she did last night. That would be delightfully sinister, heh heh
>>
No. 268833 ID: 81f32a
File 129406324127.jpg - (461.61KB , 1639x807 , ULZRICK.jpg )
268833

Here's Ulzricks Dreamscape.
Everything is hazy and half-transparent and dark there.


I'm still bummed up that you didn't acknowledge my previous fan-art, so I'm not going to put in a lot of effort
>>
No. 268865 ID: 252e1b

>>268828

Wait why do you want to be sinister to her? She likes him so much that she did that thing with her ass to him! He likes her so much that he let her!
>>
No. 268871 ID: 259738

>>268806
Don't do anything to attract attention from that thing.
>>
No. 268872 ID: 252e1b

>>268828

Hey, woah, NO! That's Dream magic, you'll catch the eye of the Dreameater. Don't do that!

And can we hold off on bodily harm until after we talk to Jezebel at least? Holy hell you guys are keen to do dumb shit.
>>
No. 268875 ID: 81f32a

>>268872
That's why I said to do that after we deal with the Paradox.

Though I might have misunderstood the situation.
How many Ulzricks are in the room right now? One or two?
For some reason I though that there is one lying on the floor (who is about to get hit) and another one standing close to Jezebel (the one we are controlling right now)

>>268865
>Wait why do you want to be sinister to her?
Sinister, as in harmless, funny way.
So that she can remember everything clearly as if she hadn't drunk at all.
She could pretend that nothing happened and that she doesn't remember, but we would know. WE WOULD KNOW.... And Ulzrick too, he'd know too.
>>
No. 268877 ID: 252e1b

>>268875

It's an awesome memory, he should share it with her because it's awesome, not to be a dink.

There's Ulzrick, who is now laying on the floor, and in his head is the First. I think that's it.
>>
No. 268878 ID: 45be60

>>268872
I am just as confused about why you want to talk to Jezebel, and the bodily harm thing makes perfect sense to me.

There is virtually no chance of talking with her having a positive net result. She is currently experiencing a moment of panic, and you want to tell her a story which would sound crazy even in the calmest of moments. Bodily harm on the other hand, is the obvious way to correct the paradox.

>>268813
Doing so does not address the immediate threat of the paradox beast. It's not going to just wander off if we keep a low profile. We can either correct the paradox, or be hunted forever.
>>
No. 268880 ID: 81f32a

We could just pretend we are waking up and Jezebel will do all the things she did the previous time if we do not fuck up.

Ie, we do nothing and let Paradox correct it self.
>>
No. 268884 ID: 252e1b

>>268878

Look, all reality warping abilities have to have some cost. By sifting through realities and forcing the best events from each one to surface in your reality, you deny those other realties their natural causality. The result is that people die when they shouldn't have, and some of them will be aware of the gross unfairness of their situations.

The Dreameater isn't a paradox fixer, it's a revenge mechanism. Getting hit on the head again won't undo the paradox, it'll just force the Gestalt to cut Ulzrick off entirely.

So, for now, play it cool with Jezebel, and then seek help. No Dream magic until there's a clear course of action.

And the best course of action may just be to wait it out. But we don't know and everyone who knows of the Dreameater is too far away to help at the moment. Jojo might know about it, Figment certainly would, and of course the First knows but it takes Dream magic to talk to him.
>>
No. 268885 ID: d3dfb8

Ok, the alternate realities have not been affected by our shenanigans, because we still have the knowledge of dream magic and the first still in our head.
I notice that everyone is freaking out about it and 'eating paradoxes' or some such shit. It's called a Dream Eater for a reason. It eats dream magic and or dream magic users. A paradox just attracts it.
NOW, to deal with it. What's a great way to use a HUGE amount of dream magic and connect us directly to all the other Ulzricks in all the other possibilities? Getting hit on the head. We allow this to happen and every single Ulzrick, in every single possibility gets eaten by the dream eater. The First said "Not until its gone, or we all die." Nothing about fixing our paradox. In fact, he's implied that it will go away on it's own. Probably attracted by some other idiot somewhere else fucking with dream magic without knowing what they're doing.

To deal with Jez; KISS HER YOU FOOL. Also watch out for high velocity wrenches. They could kill someone if you aren't careful.
>>
No. 268946 ID: f6360f

>>268885
>What's a great way to use a HUGE amount of dream magic and connect us directly to all the other Ulzricks in all the other possibilities? Getting hit on the head.
This is probably accurate, upon reflection. Let's shower Jezebel with words of affection and kisses instead of getting smacked again. If she tries anything, we outclass her by a significant amount physically and should be able to stop it without a problem. Also, magnetomancy might help in evading thrown objects and should be safe to use.

But ideally more sex until the dream eater goes away.
>>
No. 268966 ID: d4f98d

>>268885
It's pretty obviously homing in our OUR Paradox shenanigans. Dream magic ain't exactly very common, as I understand it. Probably a creature attracted to breaches between dimensions and the Dream, especially massive paradoxes like what we JUST TRIED TO MAKE.
>>
No. 268967 ID: 259738

>>268966
Yeah, but getting hit on the head again still sounds like a really bad idea. And the First implied that it would go away, but didn't say anything about correcting the paradox.
>>
No. 268971 ID: 252e1b

I still think that there's no undoing the paradox through anything less than chronal trickery. And we don't have access to that.
>>
No. 268976 ID: d4c6bb

>>268971
We can undo teh paradox by paradoxing the paradox.

But that won't help anything.

It's sniffing and it is locked in his vision which implies that it is in the dream, and it is trying to find him.
Just like with other trackers, if you don't leave a trail, he can't find you.
Best thing to do is chill and wait until he goes away.
If anything other than that needed to be done I think the first would have mentioned it.
>>
No. 268978 ID: d3dfb8

>>268976
This.
>>268966
It's attracted to dream magic. It's created or summoned by dream based paradoxes.
>>
No. 268979 ID: d4f98d

Thats what I said, isn't it?
>>
No. 268993 ID: a76809

rolled 17 = 17

>>268884
>Look, all reality warping abilities have to have some cost. By sifting through realities and forcing the best events from each one to surface in your reality, you deny those other realties their natural causality. The result is that people die when they shouldn't have, and some of them will be aware of the gross unfairness of their situations.
>WHY ARE YOU TALKING STOP TALKING

The Dreameater grows more distinct, more clearly defined, looming in my vision as it slowly pinpoints on my location. ...Fuck, it is EXCEPTIONALLY hard to not yell at myself right now, I did just tell me not to do Dream stuff, I know that, so why am I ignoring that.
>Nah man it's totally fine. See watch this.
> ˙ɟɟo ʞɔɐq ʍou 'ǝɹǝɥ ǝǝs oʇ buıɥʇou ʎןןɐʇoʇ 'ɹǝʇɐǝɯɐǝɹp ʎǝɥ 'ʎןǝʌıʇɐuɹǝʇןɐ [˙ǝeɹrǝeɥh lןlןunpd--ssssaɐ mɯgb eǝmɯaɐlן tʇrɹeǝssnuIı]

Paradoxically, in a splurge of Dream energy woven together in a way I don't recognize even as it emanates from my own body, I find the Dreameater-

Forced back, abruptly a shadow of its former self, still snuffling at the air.

>How did-
>Really don't have time for you, so much Ulzrick in need of help, so little me. What was I-right, the Dreameater. Okay, yes the Dreameater, as you've been speculating, is a correction mechanism for paradoxes, and is natural to the collective Dreamscape, that does not mean that's all they are. Dream eaters need to be nourished, and actively feed on paradox in causality, and so they can get drawn across worlds and dimensions, under the right circumstances. Like, for example, a Dreameater that had been dogging one particularly paradox-arific guy, the us that sacrificed himself, the now deceased, only-a-voice-in-your-head, ULZRICK! So, he vanishes, food source goes kaput-BUT WAIT, across the dimentions it scents IDENTICAL paradoxes, since you were trying to retrace his style. And so LUCKY you, you get to inherit the mortal threat the other you had to deal with. ...Eh, in case you are thinking this somehow makes things better, since they are actual entities that feed, consider this-Dreameaters are essentially the dream equivalent of Core Beings, only they get to live as long as they want if they eat enough impossibility-paradoxes, but there is more: They can sustain themselves to a lesser degree on-yup, Dream magic, and any magic at all. It will eat you so completely and utterly that husk won't even begin to describe us. Unless you're Figment, you just are not going to do well from sharing your brain, soul, Dreams and mind with something like that. Okay, sermon over, deal with confusion on pronoun use on your own and go back to dealing with your fuckup!

The voice leaves a behind a stillness that could not accept reply even if I wished our conversation to continue, even as I note the Dreameater has begun to draw closer again, drawn by the lengthy thoughts in my mind from across the Dream-but it comes to a halt at the strange variant of my voice halts, and it is again starved of information. Okay... he said magic too. So any use of Will magic is equally a horrible, HORRIBLE idea as Dream... Okay. So, I can't contact Mordre, either. I've noted a tiny, tiny bit of Will magic being tapped in me when Ph-that Deep Spawn is in my thoughts, so that could attract it too...

Do nothing it is.

Back to the fact Jezebel just woke up and is frozen staring at me, our forms largely naked and semi intertwined still-okay, so, getting hit in the head again is indeed a bad idea. So-

>>268807
>>268820
I stand, disentangling myself with confidence and surety-and most importantly, speed enough to take advantage of her continued shock as I extricate myself from our mutual embrace, and go shut the still open door, before I turn around, my eyes on her with some decent space between us.

>>268813
>>268885
I make my way as nonchalantly as I can across the room, getting a bit more used to ignoring the burning specter of death emblazoned across all I see as I begin gathering up my clothes, following their trail back to Jezebel, still staring at me like a deer blinded by a torch, when I think I settle upon a way to end this so that I stay rather fully engaged in the here and now, and need not focus so hard to avoid the doom beast still sniffing about existence for me.

As I pick up my last boot, now nearly back where I started, I smile at Jezebel, slow and wide.

"Thanks for last night."

I lean in close and take her breath away, a deep and desperate kiss, our lips parting only-

Only in time for me to dash away and start running, as I kept my eyes open, I saw that brow furrow like a guillotine-she's PISSED. Welp, I am now in the here and now. Let's go.

I start hopping about her lab, desperately tugging my pants back on as I attempt the impossible and try to talk her down. Might as well try, right?

"Now Jezebel, calm down, there's nOHSHIT!"

I'm not sure what it was, but about twenty pounds of metal sailed through where my head just was. ...Yeah, figures she's strong too, to go with the flexible-OHFUCKFOCUS ON METAL PROJECTILES! I fall onto my back, finishin pulling on my pants as I turn my fall into a roll, coming up ready to start putting on my boots-

To behold Jezebel, gloriously ample in the morning light, bare as the day she was born-
Oh wait what is that one of her lightning guAAAHH!!

A bolt of lightning lances past me, my hairs standing on end as it rockets into a metal candle-holder and melts it.

Okay.

Abandoning shoes and shirt.

FULL RETREAT!

I dash barefoot to the door, slamming it open and shut behind me in a massive whirl, already dashing down the steps. I'm five steps down the stairwell when the door flat-out explodes, debris pelting my back as I make one desperate last attempt to save my life.

"You know you're still naked!"

And the squeal I hear behind me buys me enough time to get out of firing range-and into relative safety. She probably won't chase me this far.

Which is why I'm leaving the tower entirely, I need new clothes. And hey, why not, I'll jog down the steps, free exercise and I put more distance between us until she calms down. ...MAN, I thought it was strange how she was last night, but I figured a girl that kinky, she lets out so much steam she can BE that uptight. But.... she doesn't remember, does she? I knew she was sauced, but... well, alright then.

By the time I make it to the barracks, drawing more than a few looks late in the morning wearing only pants, bathe and redress myself, the Dreameater's gaze is no longer so close to locked on me, its head whipping this way and that as it hunts for a signal. It has grown more indistinct, has faded somewhat, and this gives me hope. I go with Ellorika and Vespinto to lead the mid-day training, all of us saddling up and getting more practice at riding Wyverns and using our arsenal from there. In particular, we spend a great deal of time on the Aeromantic wands-and the whole while, I perform not a whit of magic, only lecturing, playing the mundane soul, no more than an item user, for hours. And slowly, the draw of different sources further removes opacity from my perception of the Dreameater, and after a late lunch I can scarcely perceive it. Another hour passes and it's completely gone, another half hour before I finally hear another thought in my mind.

>...I think it's safe now.
>You sure?
>Impossible to be certain. You cannot perceive Dreameaters at any distance save within the Dream itself-and there's no hiding from them there. For now, all I can say is that it either has left completely...
>Or?
>Or remains within this reality, on this world, still waiting to finish the meal it stalked for so long.
>Gee, you're a dour sort.
>....You are not the one that spoke before.
>Nope. I am Ulzrick though.
>Of course you are, we all are-but Ulzrick is cut off from the rest of the collective right now, a windfall I would say, as their choice to isolate removed a passive Dream magic link, at least for now-so why was that other voice heard, and better yet, why can you be heard?
>Hold on, you think you're talking to just one Ulzrick in Ulzrick's head?
>Completely wrong.
>And not by a little bit, either.
>There's a few of us here-between four and six, depending.
>[i].....You're fragments, from collapsed possibilities, aren't you?

>This First, we are sure smart, huh!
>Figured it out just like that!
>I hope I know that all of us save the actual corporeal Ulzrick are fragments now, even if you aren't from a collapsed possibility-
>Or is he? I never really got Dream stuff, and Ulzrick here certainly hasn't learned it yet.
Hey!
>I was unaware you were an Anchor, Ulzrick. Not many of us are.
A what not?
>Yeah, what do you mean, 'Anchor?'
>Exactly what the title entails, Ulzrick's existence is an anchoring point for the collective entity we all are part of. As your realities collapsed, as being relatively adjacent to this existence, you were pulled to him as the nearest Anchor, to preserve as much of the Ulzrick collective as possible.
>No shit, I mean otherwise we wouldn't be here, right?
>...That is not the issue.
There's an issue here?
>DID SOMEBODY SAY ISSUE?
Pipe down-now, what was that about an issue?
>... You are rather obviously, the more I observe you, a completely normal, functional, and stable Anchor. This issue is not in the fact you are an Anchor, but that you, as an Anchor, reached the Greater Dream, where all of us strive to go, to reach the core of our existence. That should not have been possible, Anchors have never been successfully brought into the dream-and head trauma has brought other Ulzricks in before, but never an Anchor. THAT is the issue.
....Um, I'm not all that old, I mean I'm still in my early twenties, I can't have that much history-
>Consider that a theoretically infinite number of possible Ulzricks exist, and because of how we are, that means this INFINITE network is you. Doesn't matter how old it is, something with any dimensions defined by infinite values will have... considerable... history. Suffice to say, enough to show the fact ONLY you have reached the such a place-and what's more, claimed my life leaving-is highly concerning.
>...Yeah, this is getting real complicated, I'm going to just zone out.
>Why don't you, it's not like you input means anything.

>>268827
>>268833
[Fanart Bonus]
>What, fanart? What is-
>Oh, hey, Ulzrick. Back so soon already? How are- WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE!?
>Oh great it's THEM again, wonderful.
>What, I like the other voices, they're great!
>Argue all the damn time, can't come to a decision, they piss me off!
>I thought you said you were going to zone out?
>Stop with the logic!
>....What is happening? What kind of mind do you have?

Huh, the Dreameater's... probably gone, as all that talking didn't pull it back. It took a good chunk of the day, but it's getting near to dinner and I think I'm in the clear-I think I could try asking myself questions, or even experiment more with MINOR uses of Dream Recollection, to refine and hopefully smooth out the wrinkles of this inherited style. Or I could try talking to Jezebel I guess, she should be at dinner... but I don't really know what to do from here, I mean HOT DAMN that woman is good in bed, like sack of tigers that is each individually stuffed with foxes that are stuffed with nymphs, I mean WOW, I want some more of that. But... not really sure about how to get around the prickly part, especially with how things panned out. Well......







What should I do?
Should I try experimenting more with Dream Recurrence? [D100 rolls with any proposed use, any use now needs someone to second it for it to occur]
Do I have any questions for myself the First?
Do I have any explanation about these... EXTERNAL voices I hear?
Do I have any ideas about that other me that just showed up, stood off a Dreameater and left?
Or should I go to dinner, and if so, how should I approach the Jezebel issue?
>>
No. 268995 ID: 259738

>>268993
Might want to pass that key along to Kyorto. Do you still have that key?
>>
No. 268997 ID: 445c48

>When this all blows over, we should recall Jezebel remembering everything she did last night. That would be delightfully sinister, heh heh

Voting for this.

And later, after he gets back, maybe remembering seeing a messenger from Quinton explaining to Arkus how to use the key? Or just leaving a note with the instructions on it.

And holy dicks I can see why they used numbers now. Maybe you should take a number.
>>
No. 268998 ID: 259738

>>268997
I thought there was just a door, and you stuck the key in it, and then you had a new floor?
>>
No. 268999 ID: d4c6bb

[Ultimate Paradox
Ulzrick remembers Jojo not being able to use dream magic when they met on account of still having his legs.]

[Ultimate Paradox that makes everything(except Ulzrick) better
Ulzrick remembers Mordre teaching him Dream magic instead of Jojo]

....
!DING!
HE ALTERED THE DREAMEATER'S MEMORIES!!!
but is that possible?
and what the heck was all that about figment living with a dreameater?
Do they have some kind of agreement?
Is figment simply dreaming himself still having the energy it eats while it remembers eating everything?
Wouldn't that attract more dreameaters?
Wut?!?!

Only one way to know for sure
[CALLING FIGMENT! HEY BRO, SOMETHING TOTALLY INTERESTING IS GOING ON OVER HERE]

---------
Jez
--------
Well I didn't expect the nonchalant part, that probably made things even worse.

Hmmmm.....
I can't think of anything for you to say to her now, but don't try to avoid her and don't act smug(unless that's just you).

Avoiding her will only let it stew because there is no good part for her to remember as she was drunk out of her mind, if you wanna avoid her, make her remember first.

Acting smug just might trigger some comical 'I hate you and I love you' situation, but I don't think so.
>>
No. 269001 ID: d4c6bb

>>268999
Sorry bout that.
>>
No. 269003 ID: 252e1b

>>268993

Jezebel responds well to to truth, but only when she has time to deal with it.

Write her a note. Just something that says, "When you want to talk, I'll be here." Leave it for her, with some nice flowers. Maybe in a vase.
>>
No. 269006 ID: 445c48

>>268998
I think I recall Quinton saying that there was a bit of magic involved as well, and that if we showed we could be trusted we might eventually be given the info or something like that holy dicks this was a while ago.


Oh, right, Ulrick, give Burduko a note next time he pops in, for whatever or for the siege supplies, and tell him to give it to Figgy. The exact wording of the note is, of course, up to you, but should include some questions about the Dreameater.
>>
No. 269010 ID: f6360f

>Or I could try talking to Jezebel I guess, she should be at dinner... but I don't really know what to do from here, I mean HOT DAMN that woman is good in bed, like sack of tigers that is each individually stuffed with foxes that are stuffed with nymphs, I mean WOW, I want some more of that.
I am reasonably certain that getting Jezebel to a mental state where she sleeps with you regularly should be a high priority here. More so than trivial things like magic and survival which can take second seat to regularly getting mindblowingly awesome sex.

Considering that she made the first approach while drunk last time, how's this for a cunning plan: Get her drunk again. Start having sex. While having sex, make her more sober a little bit at a time with your fantastic dream powers, culminating in her being completely lucid and willingly sleeping with you. Go from there.

But that might be a little bit too duplicitous. You could alter her memories so that she can recall last night a bit as well and hope that makes her more amicable to a repeat performance.

Or, if you're really not interested in using dream magic on this, just try the direct approach, or the direct approach at a remove, like through a note. Preferably catch her somewhere that she is without access to easily swingable blunt objects or guns, and attempt to convince her that she was the most spectacular lay you've ever had and you want to be her lover for the foreseeable future using your incredible persuasive skills. If she can't get you with lightning or a sneak attack, you should be able to hold your ground rather than being driven off when she flips her shit, and maybe talk her down.


>Might want to pass that key along to Kyorto. Do you still have that key?
This is actually an interesting question. He made the key following something which now never happened, so does it still exist where he put it? Certainly, his memories still seem to be intact after their restoration... but, for example, the boot that he retrieved with dream powers? Gone along with the timeline that he left it in. Maybe the fact that he rewrote reality in such a way that the key was to have been placed there prior to last night will mean that it's still in place.

But it's something to be wary of- he's quite capable of doing something, and then undoing it accidentally by changing something stronger or farther-reaching.

Perhaps First can give you a good explanation of the mechanics of this.

>Do I have any explanation about these... EXTERNAL voices I hear?
Perhaps this Anchor bit has something to do with it. Might inquire with the other Ulzricks if they ever heard the other voices.

If not, well you can ask!

>What, I like the other voices, they're great!
You're too kind.
>Argue all the damn time, can't come to a decision, they piss me off!
Hey, look on the bright side: You only have to live with us SOME of the time. We're inflicted on one another incessantly!

Anyway, what we are. Stray bits of sentient chaos, according to a heavy mage a while back, but no idea how true that actually is. You're the only one I can recall that's actually able to hear us directly. Which is nice. One of your better features from my admittedly biased perspective.
>>
No. 269011 ID: 252e1b

>>269010

Woah, if she thinks he's messed with her memories directly without her consent, then she will hate his guts for-ev-er. If you're going clear up her memory, get her permission first.
>>
No. 269013 ID: f6360f

>>269011
But if he messes with her memory, then she always remembered it and there was no messing needed, so there's nothing to know. It's a self-solving problem.

...okay, yes, that's probably not how it actually works but it would be cool if it was.
>>
No. 269020 ID: 252e1b
 

>>268993

As to why you can hear us and other anchoring Ulzricks can't, it must have something to do with the reason why you were able to enter the Dream and other anchors can't.

There aren't many things that are certifiably unique in the multiverse, but obviously you're one of them now. It may have something to do with your fight with Mordre. Remember, you didn't really hear us until that day, ages ago, when you trained against the Mage's golem.

What happened that day? You handled the morphic weapons, you decided to fight the golem by bending the rules a little, and you sought counsel on if you should share the weapons with the most promising of your fellow militiamen. It wasn't until you decided to fight the golem with your all, and you sought counsel on how to do it, that you heard us.

While that's the moment the difference manifested, we were already around. We've flitted from mind to mind here, though none can hear us as clearly as you and the aforementioned mage that called us chaos things. So something changed in you to both hear us, and to make you an anchor able to move about. Perhaps Anchor-Ulzricks are inherently Orderly, and by taking a step to be somewhat deceitful you shifted enough toward Chaos to hear us, and to be able to enter the Dream.

I wonder why no other anchors have become more chaotic?
>>
No. 269021 ID: 445c48

rolled 14, 41 = 55

>>268997
Right! I forgot to roll.

In order, one for making Jez remember more clearly, and the second for Messenger from Quinton arriving just recently with a new key and instructions on how to use it.
>>
No. 269022 ID: 69bee4

rolled 67 = 67

You remember Eisenhardt tutoring you in Magnetomancy.
>>
No. 269023 ID: 445c48

>>269022
Seconding.
>>
No. 269024 ID: d3dfb8

When you go to dinner you remember she had two... maybe three beers before you go over and talk to her.
>>
No. 269025 ID: 252e1b

>>269024

You didn't roll, and messing with reality more than we need to is crazy-sauce. She's not an unreasonable person, she just doesn't deal with surprises well.
>>
No. 269029 ID: 69bee4

rolled 81 = 81

remember when during the fight with Vespinto, Eisenhardt saw you using your magnetomancy on your weapon, compelling him to take an interest in you?
>>
No. 269030 ID: 69bee4

rolled 27 = 27

remember how you were there when Arkus met Morde?
>>
No. 269031 ID: 69bee4

rolled 89 = 89

recall how Vespinto instead of becoming enraged at your victories, now treats you as a true brother in arms with a blade? This is why you have an appointment with him after dinner to work on a special set of blades for the two of you with Eisenhardt.
>>
No. 269032 ID: f6360f

>>269029
Didn't you already get something to that effect seconded?

>>269030
Stop that.

>>269031
No, seriously, we had our fun with dream spam and almost got eaten. And if all goes well, we're planning to have sex with Jezebel after dinner so you'd be double-booking us. Awesome though it would be to rewrite our life so that everyone loves us.
>>
No. 269034 ID: 252e1b

>>269032

It is incredibly dangerous to rewrite more than you need to when it comes to people.
>>
No. 269035 ID: 903f16

>Should I try experimenting more with Dream Recurrence? [D100 rolls with any proposed use, any use now needs someone to second it for it to occur]

>>269029
>>269031
I'm seconding both of these and down voting the middle one because it will kill Ulzrick or at the very least result in SO MUCH PARADOX.
>>
No. 269036 ID: f6360f

>>269034
Which is why I'm speaking against the concept rather than seconding it, in spite of my acknowledgment of highly desirable results.
>>
No. 269040 ID: d4f98d

Hey.

Hey, guys.

How about we AVOID attempting massive revisions in Heroic Level entities after nearly getting eaten by something that may very well STILL be nearby, and nearly ate Ulzrick?

Just a thought. Y'know.
>>
No. 269045 ID: 81f32a

rolled 97 = 97

>>268997
Since this guys forgot to roll and it was my original suggestion.
>>
No. 269047 ID: 252e1b

>>269045

Messing with people's minds without permission is not good! If you get permission from her, I'd be in favor of it.
>>
No. 269057 ID: 81f32a

"Hah. I didn't think we would meet you so soon Ulzrick. We are becoming close man. We are like, soul brothers, you dig?
And hey, that second duel with Vespinto was pretty awesome! We saw everything through Ellorikas eyes, it was our idea for that '3 against every student' fight. Pretty neat, huh?"


>Do I have any explanation about these... EXTERNAL voices I hear?

"Oh, come on, Ulzrick... After all we've done for you, you still treat us like this, man?
Think of us like... like wandering minstrels who bring joy and happiness to everywhere we go... well, maybe not exactly joy ... or happiness... come to think of it, we are very efficient at dispensing carnage and destruction.
Remember that one time we killed 15000 people? Yes, they were soldiers but the power difference was so huge we might have been stomping puppies... Ahh, great times, great times....

Ah yeah. Ulzrick. The point is, the point is that we are your friends


>remember how you were there when Arkus met Morde?
"Hey now, don't be like that."
>Stop that.
"Heh, or maybe we should let him?
That would be delightfully funny.... though Mordre would probably kill him and eat his soul if he knew of this, and he willknow because we'll tell him...
On the other hand .... Mordre with bitching dream powers, huh? That would be awesome... I wonder if we'll get only Ulzrick or the whole baggage: Ulzrick, the Fragmenta, First, the dre-
Oh? Ulzrick you are still here? Don't pay no mind to our idle chatter. We're just kidding.

Remember: You. Us. Friends.
just don't cross us cuz we'll cut ya up


>Consider that a theoretically infinite number of possible Ulzricks exist, and because of how we are, that means this INFINITE network is you. Doesn't matter how old it is, something with any dimensions defined by infinite values will have... considerable... history.

"Oh, First, you're such a bore. If there are infinite number of possibilities, no matter how infinitely small the chance for something to happen it will happen and Ulzrick here is the living example.
You know what else Ulzrick has that all of you infinite-inshminite possibilities don't have and will never ever will have?
Huh?
Mordre, that's what! Thats right, there's only one Mordre. I bet you didn't expect that!
Oh wait, maybe I shouldn't have told this.... "

>>
No. 269059 ID: 81f32a

"Oh, and if we are taking numbers, I am number 7"
>>
No. 269071 ID: d4c6bb

HEY!
YOU REMEMBER HOW WHEN YOU DO THIS YOU DON'T MAKE BADASSEREY BUT YOU TAKE IT FROM ANOTHER ULZRICK!!!!
DON'T YOU THINK THE OTHERS WILL BE PISSED AT THIS STUNNING FLOW OF BAD LUCK COMING THEIR WAY!!!

SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS THE NORMAL WAY DAMN YOU!

or one day a band of Ulzricks that don't really give a crap is gonna shatter what's left of your mind, keeping you alive but useless for anything other than anchoring.

These guys were willing to die for you and as soon as you come out alright you screw em all over with your new abilities?
You need to treat yourselves better man.

Now think before you alter reality.
>>
No. 269073 ID: 81f32a

>>269071
I'm not sure it works that way, does it?

But who cares? They should have learned dream magic rather than becoming, lets say, legendary magnetomancers. That way their talents wouldn't have been stolen by more enterprising Ulzrick.
>>
No. 269080 ID: 21e57a

Oh god, Ulzrick I am so sorry! Erm...wasn't my fault to go get the Reaper Man on you - good book, by the way, you should read it sometime - but...yeah, sorry about the blunt object. I was thinking pillow, or maybe plate or something! I mean, it's not like you're Lukgo or anything! Oh well. Anyway, >>269031 he still wants to Kato us - Little Pink Panther reference, Ulzrick, I'll see if I can get a YouTube of it for you - but in that badass bro-way. He's gone past the Viral stage of 'Anger Fighting', and now is at the Viral stage of 'Fight and Become Happy about it'. Anyway, that's what I'm hoping for.

Yes, yes, I know it's stupid, I just like that 'COME AT ME BRO' combative warrior friendship thing.

Yes, I know I didn't tell him it was from TTGL, because I want it a surprise when Mordre starts kicking reason to the curb and drills through the heavens and the Wall.

Well, yeah, anyway, actual suggestion man.

Ah, shutup, I just wanna tell him that >>268995 should be right, and if he's not then it shouldn't be too hard to re-remember what he already re-remembered, so I'm not sure if needs a dice roll. Hopefully.

>>269020

Huh, good idea. What kinda music do you like Ulzrick? We can get a pretty bitching soundtrack for you, if you want. Hell, we could even make start up some TV shows, or awesome quotes. You wanna watch some Shakespeare? We can do that.

>>
No. 269108 ID: 96a550

rolled 88 = 88

Try to fly. Everyone dreams of flying at some point so it might come naturally. Think of that dream feeling and make it real. Gently shrug off the weight of the world and forget all about it, then swim through the air like a fish! Be careful not to go too high up though.

Regarding the other self that showed up to divert the Dreameater - remember there's an infinite number of Ulzricks, but none of them have so far managed to paradox the hive mind into collapse yet. That suggests that there are anti-Dreameater Ulzricks that retroactively pop by when they sense a Dreameater threatening your collectiveness. So you have a sort of defense mechanism. Don't rely on it though. If you attract another Dreameater then you might also attract a less benevolent self that'll just kill you instead of the Dreameater to save the collective.

Ask the First if he had any good techniques for dealing with upset women. Also ask if it was him who was behind all those socks that kept disappearing in the wash. Damnit which Ulzrick is taking all the socks?! Somewhere there's an Ulzrick who lives on a mountain of odd socks, gloves and pens that he has stolen from across realities!
>>
No. 269117 ID: 81f32a

>>269080
"Aaaaand here's the moment when Ulzricks brain short-circuits due to information overload.
Good going, man.

...I wonder if we can stream music and videos directly into his brain?"

>>
No. 269119 ID: 81f32a

>>269108
The trick to flying, Ulzrick...
The trick to flying is to throw yourself at the ground .... and then miss it. The second part might present some difficulties.

>>
No. 269129 ID: 21e57a

>>269117
Hey, I just told him to try to re-remember the key-thingy, if he didn't get it already. And, you know, say I'm sorry and all. Not sure if he got it when I was out-of-his-head with worry. Anyway, >>269020 is already playing some cool music in his head. And Ulzrick seems pretty smart, I think he could handle some light reading linked to his head. Say, Art of War, or The Prince, or Zombie Survival Guide, or some D&D books. Which you should totally get into. Tactics and theory, you can call it, just get the entire Arcanoworks doing some imagination exercises. I can't wait to see Mordre's face when we have an entire army of neckbeards.
>>
No. 269130 ID: 252e1b

>>269108

It's counter-intuitive, but some infinite sets are smaller than other infinite sets. It's possible to objectively compare infinite sets and determine that while both are infinite, one is more infinite and thus contains more information. The Ulzrick Network may be infinite in scope, but I have no doubt that other infinity-nets of dream magicians (and there must be others) have greater amounts of information available.

Figment's network may be a good example of a dream network larger than yours. He obviously is more capable and experienced at reality manipulation than the First Ulzrick was/is.
>>
No. 269133 ID: 81f32a

>>269047
I don't really think it's a good idea to let her know that we might be able to alter memories of people. If we aren't messing with her head then don't mess at all, under no circumstances should you ask her permission.

Ulzrick, just try to remember that you weren't the only one to skip or water down your drinks. Just make her recollection smooth, not sudden as if something hit her face.

I just want to put her in a position where she can't hide behind the fact that she was drunk and forgot everything.
>>
No. 269135 ID: 02e758

rolled 64 = 64

Remember back to the initial fight to claim the Arcanoworks grounds. Now recall the period after the battle, how one day while everyone was still getting settled in and cleaning the place up, you had some free time to take a walk around the grounds and saw a glint of metal in one of the craters yet to be leveled out. You went over and found that glint to be a fist-sized chunk of unusual metal and took it back to your quarters as a curiousity, not knowing what kind of metal it was until asking Del Roga about it some time after he arrived, only then learning it was something called iridium.
>>
No. 269136 ID: 81f32a

>>269135
Where are you trying to go with this?
>>
No. 269138 ID: 02e758

rolled 2 = 2

Now remember going back to where you found the iridium piece, how you wanted to see if there were more where that came from. Remember how you did in fact find more iridium chunks after doing a little digging in that crater, eventually collecting enough to fill a small wheelbarrow.

With all that in mind, maybe that small hoard of rare metal might be useful in making a set of weaponry, eh? Like the ones you're scheduled to make with Vespinto and Eisenhardt, for example.
>>
No. 269141 ID: 02e758

>>269138
Yeah, hi to you too Murphy.
>>
No. 269144 ID: 81f32a

rolled 97 = 97

[i]Hey, Ulzrick, remember long time ago, before you met Mordre, after being cast out from yet another village you were walking aimlessly through forest? While going particularly no where something caught your eye and you found your self in a clearing with a big lake in it. There was full moon outside and the view was particularly beautiful just when you were thinking of leaving you noticed that something was near the shore.
Walking closer you realized it wasn't something but a somebody! It was just the most beautiful girl you have seen, her skin was milky white, eyes deep blues which seemed to glow in the dark, she had long blond hair. She was wearing naught but shred, thin silk clothing, so much was of her exposed that she might have not been wearing anything at all. She seemed extremely helpless and had the most naive look in her eyes.
You felt your lust overtaking you but your will was stronger, so instead of taking advantage of her you offered your cloak and help getting home.
At that point it had been revealed to you that this was some kind of test. The girl wasn't really a human, but some kind of other worldly entity. Pure light shone from her body, and she was lifted to off the ground few feet, wings appeared at her back, she wore magnificent silver armor and had a sword that looked as if it was made of pure light.
She said that you had proved yourself to be of pure noble soul and that you will be rewarded in time when you have reached your potential.
This girl is your Dream Angel Protector. Now that you have finally reached Dreamscape and learned powerful dream magic, she has appeared and offered her protection. She will protect your Dreams, Ulzrick, she will fend off Dream reapers and other unspeakable horrors that the infinite Dream holds. She is not made of Dream magic which is why she will not be consumed by Reapers, which is why she's perfect for this task.

Also, she's one of the voices in your head now. Isn't it nice to have sweet feminine voice speaking in your head once in a while?
>>
No. 269147 ID: 21e57a

>>269130
Really? You wanna teach the man with voices in his head that level of math? Well, you know, he might take to it, but I know it's making my head wobble.
>>
No. 269155 ID: 21e57a

>>269144
One that doesn't kill you or try and kill you?
>>
No. 269156 ID: d4f98d

I will only say that I dislike the notion of attempting to rewrite massive expanses of history more than can be expressed in calm words, and suspect (even hope) that it's beyond Ulzricks abilities, as the consequences thereof are unforseeable and far-reaching.
>>
No. 269161 ID: 259738

Oh god why are we trying to invent otherworldly beings now? I thought this was supposed to be minor stuff?
>>
No. 269163 ID: 252e1b

>>269144

I don't care how good the roll is, you're nuts to try that. Don't do this!
>>
No. 269165 ID: 642ecd

>>269144
Won't this just cause another paradox?
>>
No. 269178 ID: 81f32a
File 129418731129.jpg - (101.72KB , 1046x719 , ENMA.jpg )
269178

>>269155
why would she try to kill us. She's a protector, remember?

>>269165
Nah, you see, she just only appeared.
We still weren't ready when the first reaper appeared.
So it's cool.

>>269156
>>269161
>>269163

"Oh man, you guys are no fun. Where's fun if you take no risks? I mean, look at First, he took risks and he became better for it (till he had to sacrifice himself, but he doesn't regret that).

Come on, guys!
There's absolutely no way this can bite us in the ass!
Look! I even made some fan-art of her as a fail-safe! Imma call her Enma, unless you guys have better ideas"
"I just want Ulzrick to have head waifu, just like Bang and Keddic do ;_;"

>>
No. 269183 ID: 252e1b

>>269178

He has had this power for all of a day. Going around finding and calling up beings who are far more powerful than he is, and rewriting reality to change the very fabric of reality itself so that this powerful being has been around for awhile, is ill advised until he's had a lot more practice with his ability.

Think of it this way: What would Figment charge for such a service? The price would be very high, if he were willing to do it at all.
>>
No. 269188 ID: f6360f

>>269108
My understanding is that Ulzrick doesn't typically manifest Dream into physically tangible effects like Jojo does; instead he makes it so those physically tangible effects have already occurred.

So he might be able to fly, but the process would be something like... continually pulling possibilities where he happens to be at a certain point into the sky into his reality to overwrite his current location. That's WAY intensive magic and pretty much sure to call the dreameater.

Also the same method would lend itself far more to simple teleportation than flight. It should be relatively simple for Ulzrick to teleport at this point, actually; just envision a reality where he's located somewhere else and make it his.

>>269178
Look, everything that Ulzrick can do is stuff that's possible- preferably stuff that's also reasonable. Stuff that actually could have happened. Declaring that there's a powerful critter even present at some point in his life is already a fair task, and declaring that on top of that it has nothing better to do than hang around in his head forever? While it might be able to potentially work given infinite possibilities to pull from, this Ulzrick at this point is unlikely to be good enough to pull it off. Besides, think about the ripple effects he'd have to change- handling all those is super-huge dream magic use! If he tries and it doesn't work out exactly as you plan, he WILL end up chomped by the dreameater.

And no one wants that.

Come back with ten fanarts and fifty poems, I'll give you a reassessment.
>>
No. 269191 ID: 4573cc

While I'm not particularly sure about getting Eisenhardt to tutor Ulzrick in Magnetomancy, since that sounds rather more of a moderate or major use of Dream Recollection than the minor usage Ulzrick feels safe doing, I think everyone is forgetting that Eisenhardt knows quite a bit of Geomancy, as well; since Ulzrick's magic affinity is not to Magnetomancy, but Will Magic in general, perhaps, if the idea of Eisenhardt teaching Ulzrick magic goes through, Eisenhardt teaches Geomancy along with Magnetomancy? Though I suspect that, even with Dream, tutoring from Eisenhardt won't result in as much improvement in Ulzrick's capabilities as we are hoping: from my understanding, Eisenhardt uses World and Blood Magic, mostly, instead of Will, and thus, isn't the ideal teacher for Ulzrick. Even so, I suppose, with Mordre and Jojo gone/unable to teach Ulzrick, anything from anybody would do; Ulzrick gets practice using more magic, anyways. Of course, if Ulzrick regains contact to the greater collective of Ulzricks, they could teach him pretty much any sort of magic Ulzrick is capable of using.

And, on the topic of alt!Ulzricks teaching Ulzrick, perhaps the First should give that knowledge base on Dream Recollection Ulzrick didn't get with the ability? It would be nice if we know the boundaries and dangers of the usage and what defines minor/moderate/major usages if we are going to suggest things.

>>269144
...This, though, I am fairly sure is a major usage of Dream Recollection. Perhaps some modifications (like placing the instance today in the forest near the Arcanoworks instead of in the not recent past; to make that even more set in reality, perhaps, after alerting the appropriate people that you're going for a walk in the forest, after dinner or otherwise in a convenient time, go for a walk in the forest, and, after some time has past, use Dream Recollection). If, somehow, at the end of the day, and before he tries it, Ulzrick can do it without verging into bad side-effects, then I would second it.

>>269188
There are more to Ulzrick's (all of them) method of Dream magic than Dream Recollection, you know; it's just the branch of Dream magic that he currently has the most proficiency in, since it was the specialty of the First. In fact, in >>268780 there was an implication of an alt!Ulzrick that made a living making things in the Dream and then pulling it into reality. That supports the hypothesis that Ulzrick could learn more Dream magic and be able to pull it off; though I do agree that it might be better if Ulzrick learned to fly with Dream with another branch that Dream Recollection, for much the same reasons.
>>
No. 269237 ID: 81f32a
File 129419637166.jpg - (134.83KB , 1046x719 , ENMA the saint.jpg )
269237

>>269188
What?
Paintings? Poems?

That sounds like heresy to me... Are you a heretic, boy?

I've got some rhythms for you. Listen well, boy, you might learn something.


Spiritus dominatus,
Domine, libra nos,
From the lightning and the tempest,
Our Emperor deliver us.
From plague, deceit, temptation and war,
Our Emperor deliver us,
From the scourge of the Kraken,
Our Emperor deliver us.
From the blasphemy of the Fallen,
Our Emperor deliver us,
From the begetting of demons,
Our Emperor deliver us,
From the curse of the mutant,
Our Emperor deliver us,
A morte perpetua,
Domine, libra nos.
That thou wouldst bring them only death,
That thou shouldst spare none,
That thou shouldst pardon none,
We beseech thee, destroy them.


Oh, I've got another one for you


By our regalia shall we be known.
By our adornments shall we be recognized.
By our faith shall we be judged.
We are Sororitas. We are Seraphim.



okay, have it your way then
>>
No. 269241 ID: 21e57a

>>269178
No, no, she wouldn't try and kill us, or at least I hope not. I'm talking abotu Jez who just killed them and then just almost killed them. With lightening. Seriously, crazier then a tigers that is each individually stuffed with foxes that are stuffed with ravens or some other crazy-enspired beastie. By the way, Ulzrick? Best line ever. Seriously, that line is gold and I am seriously wanting to steal it for any use I can think of. Sexy, madness, strength, dream magic, whatever.
>>
No. 269242 ID: 445c48
File 129419735882.png - (29.38KB , 400x300 , Standard_Bolter.png )
269242

rolled 96 = 96

Hey, Ulzrick, don't you remember when you were digging around in the library, and found some new schematics and associated research and production notes for a gun? You remember, don't you? After all, from what you could tell, it seemed to fire large caliber rockets, that were designed to explode inside whatever they hit. What was it called again? Ah yes, the notes called it a bolter.
>>
No. 269244 ID: 81f32a

>>269242
The best suggestions have the best rolls.
Listen to the dice! They are trying to tell you something!!
>>
No. 269245 ID: 259738

>>269242
Seconded.
>>
No. 269248 ID: f6360f

>>269242
>>269237
Damn it man a pic edit and a genre shift is not going to make Ulzrick succeed. Nor is it going to go over all that well, in all likelihood, since the "creative endeavor->improved success in all endeavors" bit of logic is not exactly the most intuitive one when viewing us from his perspective.
>>
No. 269253 ID: 81f32a

>>269248

Hey, Bob deemed copy-pasting existing picture 50 times as a valid fan-art >>268786
So I'm rather confident this will be deemed as a second fan-art.

Besides, that edit was rather difficult, took and hour or two. I'm not that good of a drawfag


At least.... if we are not doing this right now, maybe give the idea to Ulzrick so that he can try later when he feels more confident? I rather like the idea (obviously). Do you guys like the idea but are just cautious not to cause fuck-ups or don't like the thing altogether?
>>
No. 269257 ID: 445c48
File 129419928251.png - (1.44MB , 1997x1123 , lasgun.png )
269257

rolled 86 = 86

>>269242
And in another hidden away pile of notes nearby, didn't you remember finding some research that seemed to be from another facility? The name was only on one cover, and it was far too obscured to be made out. But the schematics and notes, as far as you could tell, seemed to be for yet another gun. They sure liked their guns here. This one seemed to be called a "Lasgun", and the notes seemed to indicate that if it were to be actually produced, it would be remarkably easy to do so, and relatively cheap as well? Didn't you notice the glowing commendations about the possible ruggedness and durability of the weapon? Not to mention the glowing praise for the ammo capacity, and the ease of recharging the "power packs"? And the speculation about the other possibilities for the basic technology seemed to be a decent sized list. You remember that.
>>
No. 269258 ID: 7f3f0f

>>269257
Second
>>
No. 269259 ID: 0cf6f3

>>269257
Second
>>
No. 269261 ID: 69bee4

>>269144
just in case this never happened.

Seconded.
>>
No. 269264 ID: 21e57a

>>269261
Oh, yeah, agreeing too, in case I have to. Also, agreeing with Bolter and Lasgun. Hey! Ulzrick? Ever play 40k?
>>
No. 269265 ID: 445c48

>>269144
-1
>>
No. 269268 ID: a76809

rolled 40 = 40

>>269242
[Stored, one 96/100 for a meta insertion. Two more rolls required to meta this hard]
>>269257
[Stored, one 86/100 for a meta insertion. Two more rolls required to meta this hard]

>>268995
>Might want to pass that key along to Kyorto. Do you still have that key?
RIGHT, THE KEY.... that's still on the same floor as Jezebel's lab. If she IS there, rather than at dinner... ah...
>Yeah might not want to do that.
>Could end rather terminally.
>She does not dick about with the violence, does she?

>>268999
>[Falcon]Ultimate Paradox Number One: Ulzrick remembers Jojo not being able to use dream magic when they met on account of still having his legs.
Wha-
>[Falcon]Ultimate Paradox (that makes everything(except Ulzrick) better): Ulzrick remembers Mordre teaching him Dream magic instead of Jojo
Wait, everyone BUT me? Why-
>[Falcon]!DING! HE ALTERED THE DREAMEATER'S MEMORIES!!!
What, who did-wait, you mean I did, or that other-
?[Falcon] but is that possible? And what the heck was all that about figment living with a dreameater? Do they have some kind of agreement? Is figment simply dreaming himself still having the energy it eats while it remembers eating everything? Wouldn't that attract more dreameaters? Wut?!?!
WHY ARE YOU THE ONE ACTING CONFUSED WHAT THE DEEP ARE YOU RAMBLING ABOUT!
>No wait, I think he might be onto something-wait, who's Figment?
>Didn't someone mention something about a dream dude named Figment?
>[Falcon] Only one way to know for sure! [CALLING FIGMENT! HEY BRO, SOMETHING TOTALLY INTERESTING IS GOING ON OVER HERE]
>Wait we can call other Dreamers? I didn't know that!
.....
>We can't.
>....Ah.
...Okay, so one of the voices in my head is insane? Uh... okay?

>>269010
>I am reasonably certain that getting Jezebel to a mental state where she sleeps with you regularly should be a high priority here. More so than trivial things like magic and survival which can take second seat to regularly getting mindblowingly awesome sex.
Yes, okay, sane voice, I can work with this! Yes, that is VERY much so a goal.
>Hate that you get to hog all the body control, we just get the same sensory perception as facets of you.
>Heh, you weren't complaining last night!
>True enough.
> Considering that she made the first approach while drunk last time, how's this for a cunning plan: Get her drunk again. Start having sex. While having sex, make her more sober a little bit at a time with your fantastic dream powers, culminating in her being completely lucid and willingly sleeping with you. Go from there.
....Okay. I can grasp your plan, it makes sense, but I see a flaw: Wouldn't she be EXCEPTIONALLY leery of me bringing her drinks, especially after last night?
>Yeah I could see that being an issue.
>Pssh, just use that Reality Redaction, Dream Recollection, whatever to make it work.
>Because that would be a good idea?
>Hey, if it's in pursuit of a noble goal!
>>Might want to pass that key along to Kyorto. Do you still have that key?
>This is actually an interesting question. He made the key following something which now never happened, so does it still exist where he put it? Certainly, his memories still seem to be intact after their restoration... but, for example, the boot that he retrieved with dream powers? Gone along with the timeline that he left it in. Maybe the fact that he rewrote reality in such a way that the key was to have been placed there prior to last night will mean that it's still in place.
...A bit wierd how you used pronouns there me, but actually yeah, that is a good question. ...First, you care to weigh in?
>...The point raised is a valid and highly applicable one. You can inadvertantly unravel past reality warping in such a fashion... but the key should still be present. It was unrealited, outside of reality redaction, to any other use of Dream, and so while other things have changed the timeline itself, from Ulzrick's perspective, that is still a recalled past event.
>Do you enjoy making no sense?
>He obviously has to.
>>Do I have any explanation about these... EXTERNAL voices I hear?
>Perhaps this Anchor bit has something to do with it. Might inquire with the other Ulzricks if they ever heard the other voices.
>Well its not like we get out and go other places, how would I know?
>Yeah, kinda pointless question.
And THIS is why I still have trouble accepting the whole 'I am not insane' bit.
>>What, I like the other voices, they're great!
>You're too kind.
>...Did one of those other voices just talk to us?
>I think?
>>Argue all the damn time, can't come to a decision, they piss me off!
>Hey, look on the bright side: You only have to live with us SOME of the time. We're inflicted on one another incessantly!
>Oh dear us that is BAD. No wonder there's ones like that Falcon...

>>269020
>Peeling the Reality Onion
>....hey, that's kinda nice...
> As to why you can hear us and other anchoring Ulzricks can't, it must have something to do with the reason why you were able to enter the Dream and other anchors can't. There aren't many things that are certifiably unique in the multiverse, but obviously you're one of them now. It may have something to do with your fight with Mordre. Remember, you didn't really hear us until that day, ages ago, when you trained against the Mage's golem. What happened that day? You handled the morphic weapons, you decided to fight the golem by bending the rules a little, and you sought counsel on if you should share the weapons with the most promising of your fellow militiamen. It wasn't until you decided to fight the golem with your all, and you sought counsel on how to do it, that you heard us. While that's the moment the difference manifested, we were already around. We've flitted from mind to mind here, though none can hear us as clearly as you and the aforementioned mage that called us chaos things. So something changed in you to both hear us, and to make you an anchor able to move about. Perhaps Anchor-Ulzricks are inherently Orderly, and by taking a step to be somewhat deceitful you shifted enough toward Chaos to hear us, and to be able to enter the Dream. I wonder why no other anchors have become more chaotic?
>.....Woah.
Okay wait, hold on.... alright, let's just SAY I believe you are... Chaos things? Really?
>No, I think it may be telling the truth.
...So, Chaos and Order are capital letter things then, I'm assuming?
>You do not know? Then allow me to correct that: All energy, magical and mundane alike, can be assigned attributes, varying levels of Chaos and Order to their existence-or so say the few practitioners of this Art I have ever met, if not in so few words. What matters is that Chaos is unique to a reality, while Order spans realities. Ulzrick is indeed a rather particularly Orderly existence on an innate level, its part of what makes us the multidimensional entity we are. I also know that opposing forces conflict, while like forces conjoin-if you behaved chaotically by a significant margin, and there were... 'Chaos things' nearby, then yes that could draw them to you. As to why other Anchors are not so chaotic, Anchors are particularly receptive to Ulzrick's collective psyche, the deluge of data thrown their way normally makes them desire externally peaceful lives, which is inherently Order inclined.

>>269022
>>269023
>>269029
>>269031
>>269035
[89 vs 17 +72 PARTLY RECENT, MAJOR-MODERATE IMPACT PASS, PARADOX THREAT]
[81 vs 17 +64 PARTLY RECENT, MINOR IMPACT PASS]
[67 vs 17 +50 SEMI-RECENT, SEMI-MODERATE IMPACT PASS]
>[DREAM RECOLLECTION SKILL UP]
>[DREAM RECOLLECTION SKILL UP]
I cobble together a fiendish plan, a tri-reality redaction, where each change feeds on and empowers the other. I remember my last spar with Vespinto yesterday morning (which he won AGAIN, now four in a row since I beat him a few times), and I recall us parting on more pleasent terms, him not seeing me as an impediment to his own growth, but as an obstacle to struggle against to effect growth, a comrade in the pursuit of martial might. At the same time, I imagine Eisenhardt, the ever-present floating specter for the last while, paying a bit more attention to our fight-taking note of my use of Magnetomancy. So much attention that not only did he take note of my meager talents in his field of expertise, but he pondered taking me on as an apprentice-I know I heard Arkus talking about how pushy the guy is for him to be his apprentice, surely that's still true. Dream begins to funnel from my body in droves and-
>You jump immediately into an INTERWOVEN REALITY REDACTION FOCUSED ON HUMAN BEHAVIOR? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?

I perceive the Dreameater again, once more a transparent ghost in my view as I feel substance to those recently imagined recollections, as my reality overwrites that which came before. I see that skeletal shape, its front covered with cracked, eternally breaking and reforming clay, its eyes and bones smoldering with the heat of a forge as its blade ripples like the moon's reflection. Okay, trying to dick about with people is more paradox-ridden than messing with things. Good to know. And good to learn through nonfatal means. Building on my last experience, I jauntily ignore the beast as it snuffles about, and stride on over to the mess hall. After all, I have a dinner meeting with Vespinto and Eisenhardt, to talk about making blades, in which he may approach me as a student. ...Let's do this.

I push open the doors to the barracks and-

>[Vespinto]"HEY, ULZRICK, GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE, YOUR BEER'S GOING FLAT MAN!"

I do a double-take at the open, genial smile on the diminutive Vespinto's face behind the Dreameater's wraith-and Eisenhardt seated at his side, both with half-finished plates and several empty steins before them. ...Uh... okay, they clearly think I'm their friend now, so the reality rewrite worked... but why don't I remember being so familiar with them? I mean, all I have is the memories I used for the redaction. ...Maybe redaction doesn't autofill my memory, since in some ways I've never done what I make become the past? ...Fuck, this power is confusing, could go for some answers, but hey, Dreameater. So, with a veritable axe hanging over my head, faking being close friends with others only too willing to believe it is going to be a piece of cake. I sit down, and I do what I can to let them do the talking, so I can build more on my shaky relations to what is now reality. ...This is going to take getting used to.

>>269057
>>269059
>SO SPEAKS SEVEN
Thankfully, I am playing the part of attentive audience when a voice calling itself Seven rises in my mind, and speaks at length to me... I fear it to be a comparable entity within my psyche to the Falcon... I blink as I realize a question was asked of me. Okay, okay, what did Eisenhardt say-METAL, oh okay so we're at the forging part.

"I didn't catch that."
>[Eisenhardt]"The din is somewhat appalling, so though I detest repeating myself, I shall make an exception. I said, do you have any metal items of personal worth you would not mind giving up? Family trinkets, lucky coins, any metal could be offered-your friend Vespinto has some totems of famous swordsmen of the past, made by his grandfather, as well as his own and his father's coin collection-such metallic contributions will make the blades I make far more in tune with him."
[Vespinto]"I'm a bit concerned, this guy's got the barest looking bunk you've ever seen-is there anything else that could work for a bit of a boost?"
>[Eisenhardt]"Well short of a magically imbued alloy, there would still be the precious metals-gold, silver, platinum-that could contribute, as well as gems. Rarely tinted precious metals, blue gold or black silver, what have you, would be exceptionally useful, but...."
>[Vespinto]"Yeesh, I see why you didn't mention them before, a bit blue blood?"
>[Eisenhardt]"Considering such unique precious metals are hoarded by the Mortal Coil and wealthy enough nobles everywhere, I cannot deny the description. Still, would it wound you so to employ at least some level of decorum, swordsman?"
>[Vespinto]"I don't know, would it hurt so much to take that stick ou-"
"HAHA, OKAY, well, funny thing, but-"
>>269135
[64 (+10 bonus for HOLY SHIT GUN DIDN'T ROLL CRAPPY) = 74 vs 17 +57 INTERMEDIATE TIME PASSED, MINIMAL IMPACT]
>[DREAM RECOLLECTION SKILL UP: USING REALITY REDACTION NO LONGER FEELS ALIEN]
The Dreameater that had almost turned its back to me after that final burst from the one called seven, turns about to appraise my general vicinity again, looming as it does so. Come one, be worth it, prevent a fight and let me make this awesome reality where my co-worker doesn't hate me and is my bro, and the big-ass super famous Magnetomancer is seriously thinking of making me his student
"Now that you mention that, I recall seeing something that could be that."
>[Eisenhardt]"Could you be any more vague?"
"I'll specify: When I was a militiaman with Mordre when he first took the Arcanoworks, I remember seeing some really strangely colored metal in the ground. About a second after I saw it, some dirt and melted cannonfire landed on it, so I didn't think about it until now... but that could be something, right? I mean, if you weren't looking for it, would you have found something like that?"
>[Eisenhardt]"Well it depends on the size and magnetic properties of whatever metal you saw, and how close the cannonfire was to it, once the earth settled. AA scale of possible scenarios would allow it to be undetected... interesting. Do you recall where you saw it specifically?"
"You know, now that we're talking about it, yeah, I think I could find it again."

We look down at the table: We've eaten enough, and after draining our last steins, we set off, me leading the way, the Dreameater semi-visible no matter where I look as I lead the thankfully no longer bickering duo to the main gates. Now, where was it I imagined that...

Crap, I forgot the stable had been built there. ...Okay, well it's an earth floor, this could still work.

"Well, there WAS a blank patch of earth here before-"
>[Eisenhardt]"If it is within I can find it, an area that small could not hide any secret from me."

And so with my personal Dream-reaper still haunting my vision, Vespinto and I follow Eisenhardt into the storehouse. I feel that wierd pile of everything, like a scrambled mass of magnetism, from the Paradox Knight's metal horse-

>[Eisenhardt]"...Of course he stalled his horse above it. Well, you certainly saw something, I can sense something strange, wrapped in melted shrapnel, basic steel, so until I get at it, I can't say just WHAT it is.... and I'd rather not try too hard to make Ser Reinhardt's mount move. ...I've never been good with animals, so would either of you like to try moving it?"

Yet before we can do anything, even respond to him, the metal horse, that spiraled horn and glowing prismatic main flashing in the air leaps completely over the side of the stall-and into the next, before staring at us in obvious interest.

>[Eisenhardt]"...Very well then."

The earth churns and undulates, a tendril uncurling to reveal a warped cannonshell which peels back like a flower, revealing within a light purple metal that feels strange to my senses, just what-

>[Eisenhardt]"....Quite the eye you have."
"My metal identification is still completely self-taught, and my sensory perception isn't that hot beyond positioning-what kind is it?"
>[Eisenhardt]"Self-taught? Why, that-well, what you found can indeed work for a forging.... in fact, it's practically made for such a purpose. This right here is three pounds of Purple Iridium-do I need to explain what it is now that you have a name? Do you know it's properties, why it would be so useful in forging a weapon?"


...He's testing me. This could be it, my chance to prove I should be his student, not just under consideration to be one-a real mage's apprentice.

....I don't know a damn thing about Irdiwhatsit.





Uh.... help?
>[You know the drill, d100 roll when making a suggestion... BUT those who second a post most ALSO roll a d100. Otherwise I will ignore it.]
>>
No. 269269 ID: d0e5cd

rolled 87, 1 = 88

Meta rolls for Bolter then Lasgun
>>
No. 269270 ID: d3dfb8

Extremely corrosive resistant it is a member of the platinum family. It's also the second densest metal.
Generally used when high corrosion resistance at high temperatures is needed.
>>
No. 269273 ID: 1854db

Hey.

Time magic is order. Dream magic is chaos. They're on extreme ends of the spectrum. At extreme ends of the spectrum of order and chaos... they begin to start behaving like eachother.

Dream is without Time... which lets you affect events at any point in time you like. Kinda like time travel. I think that the mystery voice in your head that saved you from the Dreameater is YOU from the future.

Also I think the Dreameater is seeeeeing you still so hold up on the dream powers.
>>
No. 269274 ID: 259738

>>269268
Normal iridium is a metal in the platinum family. Purple iridium is then a rarer variant of an already precious metal. Precious metals are empowered by belief magic, and tend to enhance runing and other magical enhancements. Iridium has a very high melting point, and is the most corrosion-resistant metal known. Purple Iridium likely has other properties, but I don't have any information on it specifically.
>>
No. 269276 ID: 259738

>>269268
It is also a superconductor at low enough temperatures, but I'm not sure whether that is useful.
>>
No. 269277 ID: 259738

>>269275
We may not want to use any magic with the Dreameater around. What with it being fatal.
>>
No. 269278 ID: 252e1b

>>269268
Well you have some actual talent in Will magic, of which Magnetamancy is a branch school. Let's see, if you focus your mind on knowing the metal before you, in terms of feeling how the way it modulates the local magnetic fields is different from other metals that should tell you something about it. Notice how it has no standing field of its own, you have to read it based only on the fields in area (since you can't make your own).

>>269270
Book learning is fine, but shouldn't he have an actual grasp of the working end of this stuff?

>>269268
Anyway, back to the task. The modulations will give you a sense of many of the properties of the metal itself. The first thing you should notice is the smooth quality to the fields that pass through that metal. Like Bookworm there says, it's a very stable metal. Hard to disrupt with heat, chemicals, and electromagnetic force. You can tell that just from the nuances of the fields passing through it.

Go on, try to sense what I just said.
>>
No. 269283 ID: 259738

>>269268
Purple may imply that the metal has associations with gravity or weight. The metal itself may have some sort of Gravimantic properties.
>>
No. 269284 ID: d3dfb8

The fact that it's purple hints that it might be related to Gravimancy, but you've never heard about PURPLE iridium.
>>
No. 269285 ID: 69bee4

Hey again Ulzrick, I was in your head last time you spoke with us Chaos figments. Call me N, cause numbers don't suit me, if you wish.

First off, sorry about Falcon, I mean, really really sorry.

Second, so Purple Iridium: Iridium is usually a silvery metal, really dense, so a smaller bar of the stuff is still really heavy. The main thing is that its corrosion and heat resistant in its basic form. In effect, I suspect that a blade made with the stuff is immune to rust, and heavier than usual, and its often seen as immune to the ravages of time as a result, Only destroyable if you run into another supermetal like Loxirite as its opponent. As such, a magical equivalent is Chronomancy (timeless) and Gravimancy (Much heavier than it should seemingly be). Both rare magics actually, probably reflective of a high level of rarity. Also note that Eisenhardt didn't find this metal by himself, it could be magnetomancy immune to an extent?
>>
No. 269286 ID: 252e1b

>>269285

N a math term for the set of natural numbers, so ha ha joke's on you.
>>
No. 269287 ID: 259738

>>269268
Oh, almost forgot the most important thing. Iridium killed the dinosaurs.
>>
No. 269288 ID: 69bee4

>>269285
The only other thing I can think of thats possible is Ignimancy, as the metal holds the charge of electrical current when made to do so really well, and that explosive dust might be because of lightning creation.
>>
No. 269289 ID: 02e758

Could be that it somehow generates its own gravity field which is constantly in flux to produce the purple tint due to light constantly entering and exiting that area of influence and thus being red/blueshifted quickly enough so the hues blend together.
>>
No. 269290 ID: 7f3f0f

Big E said its practically made for forging so I'm gonna guess it holds the materials in an alloy well.

The colouration makes me think of gravity, so I will say that whatever it forges is insanely light despite how heavy the materials should be
due to the inherent gravitational attribute.

By that same effect, when it is made into a weapon, since it now bears the will/soul of the concept of a WEAPON, the gravitational field works offensively, making hits heavier to opponents.
>>
No. 269292 ID: 017d51

rolled 22, 63 = 85

A One for the lasgun roll? Oh, this will not do! Rolling for the bolter and then the instrument of Mankind's divinity, the bringer of death to His foes, the weapon whose howling blast is a prayer to the Emperor's retribution, the lasgun.
>>
No. 269293 ID: a76809

rolled 19 = 19

>>269269
[96/100, 86/100 logged for Bolter, Lasgun CANCELLED DUE TO 1]

>>269292
[Bolter third meta roll, 22 vs 40 FAIL, meta roll counter reset.]

>>269270
> Extremely corrosive resistant it is a member of the platinum family. It's also the second densest metal.
OhsweetmercifalcougarsIhopeI'mnotlyingtomyself
"Well... Iridium is really resistant to corrosion, its related to platinum and its one of the densest metals around-second densest, right?"
>[Eisenhardt]"...You surprise me with your knowledge of a relatively esoteric metal."
"Eh, you pick up what you can."

>>269274
> Normal iridium is a metal in the platinum family. Purple iridium is then a rarer variant of an already precious metal. Precious metals are empowered by belief magic, and tend to enhance runing and other magical enhancements. Purple Iridium likely has other properties, but I don't have any information on it specifically.
...Okay, I can work with this. And you'd BEST not be fucking with me here.

"Anyway... well as I understand it, precious metals tap Belief, and irregularly colored variants of a precious metal tap it moreso than conventional forms, right? So this would work really well for allowing direct magical enhancement of anything it is forged with, or for any runes it lines, right?"

Eisenhardt smiles and laughs as he claps his hands together thrice before he goes on, settling the earth as he lets the purple lump float above his hand.

>[Eisenhardt][i]"Picked up some things indeed! I expected you to know of precious metals' use in crafting, but to know what drives it..."
Oh please don't ask me what Belief is I'd only be guessing I just said what the voice said.
>[i]Belief is another form of magic, much like the conventional spectrum from Soul to Word, and Dream. It is energy derived from people's actual beliefs, and takes manifold forms. For now, just think of it as 'people think platinum should be special, so it becomes special, and the iridium's along for the ride'.
I can work with that.

>>269276
> It is also a superconductor at low enough temperatures, but I'm not sure whether that is useful.
Before Eisenhardt can continue I fire off again, once more relying on the words of a voice-and why did the Dreameater only shift when the First spoke?
"Oh yes, I've heard but never verified, but isn't iridium rather exceptionally conductive when its cold?"
>[Eisenhardt][i]"Again, completely correct. Though I would note that the superconductivity can be replicated without reaching such temperatures, but I doubt you'd have had chance to learn that, it takes rather considerable Magnetomantic manipulation. ...Well, has your rather insightful analysis concluded, or do you have any more gems?"

Oh shit is there more to it? Uh...

With the voices so far giving me excellent information, I now have a better understanding of that lump of metal in Eisenhardt's hand is.

>>269278
> Well you have some actual talent in Will magic, of which Magnetomancy is a branch school. Let's see, if you focus your mind on knowing the metal before you, in terms of feeling how the way it modulates the local magnetic fields is different from other metals that should tell you something about it. Notice how it has no standing field of its own, you have to read it based only on the fields in area (since you can't make your own). The modulations will give you a sense of many of the properties of the metal itself. The first thing you should notice is the smooth quality to the fields that pass through that metal. Like Bookworm there says, it's a very stable metal. Hard to disrupt with heat, chemicals, and electromagnetic force. You can tell that just from the nuances of the fields passing through it. Go on, try to sense what I just said.
Why not, you guys have been on a roll so far. I reach out, trying to keep in mind what I know of the metal... and it's magnetic waves DO feel smooth, compared to the iron in Eisenhardt's rings, or the steel shrapnel now on the ground.
"Well, it's magnetic waves are smoother than most as evidence of its stable form, such as its corrosion resistance, heat resistence-even magnetomantic, now that I think about it."
>[Eisenhardt]"Just like that, you pick apart and systematically analyzed Iridium in general and from magnetomantic perspectives, and you factored for the impact of its color on the amount of Belief it pulls. One last part left though, concerning the ramifications of its color. Would you care to hazard a guess?"

Eisenhardt's focus on me is so intense I almost feel myself being pushed away, his smiling face anticipatory and awash with a plethora of emotion. Okay, time to shine... shit all this information is borrowed still, voices please tell me you can help. I spend a second looking thoughtful as I note the Dreameater beginning to fade again.

>>269283
>Purple may imply that the metal has associations with gravity or weight. The metal itself may have some sort of Gravimantic properties.
I don't know, that seems-
>>269284
> The fact that it's purple hints that it might be related to Gravimancy, but you've never heard about PURPLE iridium.
Well if TWO of you say it-
>>269290
>[Falcon] The colouration makes me think of gravity, so I will say that whatever it forges is insanely light despite how heavy the materials should be due to the inherent gravitational attribute.
...Great, Falcon thinks this too, uh.... fuck it, I'll try it.

"Well..."
>[Eisenhardt]Yes?"
"The color makes me think of gravity and weight, so I'm thinking some form of Gravimancy shenanigans are involved in the metal...."
>[Eisenhardt]Keep going!
Falcon if you're wrong I swear I'll sick the other voices on you-shit here it goes!
"Well, I think, since the metal is so naturally heavy, that it might fold that weight in on itself, maybe naturally or only in a weapon, to push that weight off, effectively making its weight on the receiving end magnitudes larger than that felt by the wielder?"

For a while Eisenhardt says nothing, his smile dying as he stares at me with an unreadable expression.

Well that's not the reaction I wanted. Was I wrong? WERE YOU WRONG FALCON!?

>269289
>[Gun]Could be that it somehow generates its own gravity field which is constantly in flux to produce the purple tint due to light constantly entering and exiting that area of influence and thus being red/blueshifted quickly enough so the hues blend together.

"...Or it could also be generationg its own gravity field, one that isn't stable, maybe a counterpoint to the stable magnetic waves that in its fluctuations tints light as it hits the metal, and makes it LOOK purple?"

Again Eisenhardt says nothing, does nothing.

"Okay really I was just guessing, I-"
>[Eisenhardt]"Your 'guesses' were not only accurate, but when paired with the rest of your analysis means you explained a particular metal as well as a Mortal Coil professor, and you did it on the spot with guesswork. ....What do you have to say to that?"
Vespinto, who has been silent throughout this whole exchange, punches me in the shoulder.
>[Vespinto]"Yeah brother what do you have to say to that?"

..A good question.

What DO I have to say to that?
And how should I try to use this to become Eisenhardt's apprentice?
Do I dare risk creating some more metallic baubles to contribute to my coming blade?
>[You know the drill, d100 roll when making a suggestion... BUT those who second a post most ALSO roll a d100. Otherwise I will ignore it.]
>>
No. 269294 ID: 445c48

rolled 57 = 57

Rolling for the Bolter, since it was reset.

And aw, I like lasguns, even though it probably wouldn't be too helpful.
>>
No. 269295 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 63 = 63

>>269294
THOSE FLASHLIGHTS WERE USELESS ANYWAY
FOR THE GLORY OF THE BOLTERS
>>
No. 269296 ID: 259738

>>269293
Well, they know you learned Dream magic from Jojo, right? You could tell them that it gives you some insight into things, knowledge drawn from the expanse of the Dream. Telling them that voices told you this stuff will just make them believe you insane. And you really didn't know for certain-not all information drawn from Dream is going to be trustworthy.
>>
No. 269297 ID: 642ecd

>>269294
>>269295
Stop it, you.
>>
No. 269298 ID: 02e758

rolled 80 = 80

All right then, I'll roll for the bolter.

Though you may want to wait on the actual reality revision until the dream eater isn't paying attention, Ulz.
>>
No. 269299 ID: 7f3f0f

"I dunno, it just kind of.. came to me"
>>
No. 269301 ID: 445c48

Say something about how the Dream whispered it to you.
>>
No. 269302 ID: 252e1b

>>269293

No reason to not tell some of the truth. Because you use Dream Magic, you tend pick up things from the Dream. While what you learn there is not always trustworthy or accurate or applicable, the knowledge does hang around. You can ask yourself a question and get an answer that is exactly what you need to know when you're on the spot, sometimes. Sometimes you ask yourself a question and nothing from the Dream stuck, or you only picked up on gibberish, or lies, or truths that aren't at all applicable.

The stuff about the smoothness of the field, that's something that's obvious when you feel for it.
>>
No. 269304 ID: c328b9

>>269302
>>
No. 269309 ID: f6360f

>>269294
>>269298
>>269295
Guys, regardless of the worth of this roll, DO NOT TRY FOR THE BOLTER RIGHT NOW. We still have the dreameater present. We can't afford that level of dream-use.

>What DO I have to say to that?
Explain the truth, or something very close to it. You're drawing on Dream to help out your instincts- because with Dream, what you could know can become what you DO know, though of course that you could know something incorrect and if you do it too much then critters come out of Dream and eat you. But it can be really useful with stuff like this.

You look less ridiculously talented this way, but it's a hell of a lot better than him finding out later that you lied.

>Do I dare risk creating some more metallic baubles to contribute to my coming blade?
You could... OR you could just ask to have an awesome gem or six purchased on your behalf for this purpose. Mordre seems into equipping his troops absurdly well; he'd definitely spring for it. That's a lot less dangerous, though also a lot less potentially powerful.
>>
No. 269313 ID: 81f32a

rolled 25 = 25

"What!?
Bolters and Lasguns can be inserted but my Angel Protector Sororitas is unfeasable!!!???"
Preposterous I say!
I rolled high! I made TWO arts and even tried ZEAL!!!

Man, I wish Bob had mentioned the idea or the debate in the update at least now I feel cheated....

>>269294
>>269295
>>269298
Seconding all of these

As to explaining how we have so much knowledge... well, there are a lot of books in Arcaneworks, right? Some of them might be on the proprieties of metals. Especially those we got from that Mortal Coil mage.
Say that since you've started training magnetomancy you have been reading those books thinking they might be useful .... though it is possible there aren't books like that in library.
Well lets do dream recollection just to be sure.

>>
No. 269315 ID: c328b9

>>269313
>We still have the dreameater present. We can't afford that level of dream-use.

SERIOUSLY. READ. THAT. SENTANCE.
>>
No. 269316 ID: 7150d8

Wait til the dream eater is gone, then manifest bolter.
>>
No. 269320 ID: 81f32a

rolled 37 = 37

Oh hey while you were scavenging through the piles of paper and finding all kinds of awesome weapons you also found a small notebook outlining the process of making morphic steel and ingredients that are required for it, remember Ulzrick?
The reason why no one had found it yet is simple:
You know when a drawer is overstuffed with papers and whatnot, sometimes some papers fall behind the drawer-boxes inside the drawer? Same thing happened to this notebook and no one was able to find it.

So yeah, now we might be able to finally make our own morphic steel, cool huh?
>>
No. 269323 ID: c328b9

>>269320
WHy are you attempting things when everyone in the thread is yelling at you to stop?
>>
No. 269324 ID: 5471a7

>>269320
>>269313
Down-voting both of these. Highly bad ideas, even without the rolls, while the Dreameater is still around.
>>
No. 269335 ID: f6360f

>>269309
As an addendum to this, I should note that Eisenhardt has secrets he'd be willing to act rather violently to protect. If you get any hint that he's deciding you can pull them out of thin air and entering kill mode, you might want to emphasize that while you could, you would be likely to also pull a whole slew of plausible-seeming misinformation along with it, making it only a little better than wild speculation on your part.

There's only one set of correct properties for a metal, after all. People's actions are a lot more complex.
>>
No. 269362 ID: 81f32a
File 129426312953.jpg - (163.22KB , 1428x782 , ENMA the witchhunter 5.jpg )
269362

Ah, sweet Enma, our love was just not meant to be.
This place is full of traitorous cowards who have abandoned Emperors light...

"Do you not have FAITH?
Do you not have HONOUR?
Do you not have DUTY?
You are impure!
You are unclean!
To be purged
And to be destroyed!

Now kneel before Emperor of mankind and pray he be merciful of your soul
you will find no mercy here!

Emperor, guide my righteous fury!"


I don't know how I went from guardian anger to battle sister but I like where this went.
Anyway, there's bolter in this picture, may it help us with greater bolter summoning or whatever.
Would have been pretty ballin' if Ulzrick did manage to call forth a SoB. I bet Mordre woul like her with all dem skulls.
>>
No. 269368 ID: 252e1b

>>269362

Seriously?
>>
No. 269373 ID: c328b9

>>269362

Can you not fucking read?

Bob, please ignore 7 for the moment. He's certyainly ignoring us. And you.
>>
No. 269380 ID: ab04d4

Hm. Perhaps we can set up a schedule of Dream use- Once every two days, perhaps after lunch. Every time there's nothing we really need, or any problems of catastrophic gotta-pull-out-the-dream-powers level, we can create fancy metals and create a Gestalt Overmetal through fusion. After a few weeks or months of this we should have a really really potent alloy, which we could give to Mordre to analyze. Heck, we can use Ulzrick as a private metallurgist every once in a while, have him design new alloys to upgrade Mordre's form.

Regardless, I propose this: In regular times, Reality Redaction use is to be limited to once every two days. In emergencies, once every day. And I don't want Ulzrick to be overreliant on his new toy- in battle or way there will be no opportunity to rewrite reality, as fixing the entire battle will be too attractive to the Dreamreaper anyways, and having him show up in the middle of a fight targeting Ulzrick isn't a good idea.
>>
No. 269381 ID: 5f0943

>>269362
>facepalm.jpg
>>
No. 269388 ID: ab04d4

>>269362
Also, you're a nice artist but you're being a total moron here. Please stop being so self-centered so we don't have to keep yelling at you.
>>
No. 269401 ID: 7f3f0f

>>269380
Well I was thinking about this yesterday, ye could use ti as a weapon in battle.

Basically when someone or spmething is about to hit him, he just remembers himself standing elsewhere or having seen it coming

The more aware he is of his surroundings, the better it gets.

It now strikes me that a figment-esque awareness field would be in order.

He can also use it for offense.
Say, he is attacking someone and will miss, he can remember him having adjusted his arm and keep doing it until it works.

Kind of like Rainman but changing the past instead of simulating the future.

The thing to remember is to modify HIMSELF as much as possible rather than modifying someone else's actions in the scenario.

Not only is it harder to modify others and thus more tiring (and risky), their actions and positions are related to several other things that might have to change for his memory to have been valid.

Just a thought.

But of course, we can't forget that 'other universes changing' deal.
>>
No. 269403 ID: 252e1b

>>269380
Schedules are neat but it isn't frequency that is the issue that draws the Dreameater, it's scope and difficulty of the reality bending.

Time elapsed, potential for paradox, likelihood/plausibility, and genre appropriateness all figure in to how easy or hard Dreaming up a change in the world is. If he sticks to easy things most of the time when he is practicing, then it should be fine.
>>
No. 269404 ID: f6360f

>>269268
>Yeah, kinda pointless question.
My apologies for not being clear, I didn't mean to ask those in residence- I meant the OTHER other Ulzricks, the ones in the Greater Dream. We don't have a large enough sample size here to determine much, particularly since you're an anchor- so finding out about other anchors would be the most likely way to get results, which will take some traveling. And yes, I know we can't/shouldn't go there at the moment but as this question isn't incredibly pressing we should keep it in mind for later, when we eventually do get back.


>Wouldn't she be EXCEPTIONALLY leery of me bringing her drinks, especially after last night?
I can think of several ways to get around this, though nothing perfect. You could wait for her to get drunk again on her own (though I'm not sure how often that happens), use Dream to just make it happen (though I don't really back that, as at that point you might as well just rewrite her attitude towards you like you have Eisenhardt's and Vespinto's), or convince one or more other people to help you in your cunning scheme so that she doesn't catch on (though that leaves THEM with the problem of convincing her to take drinks, which might be hard or easy depending upon how she's feeling).

I really wish that Jezebel would just let us talk to her, since- while less entertaining than going right for drunken sex- it also feels a lot less underhanded. She does think that we're attractive, and living life as a series of Dream-based relationship hacks is probably a bad thing. We're obviously being tempted to wildly fix everything that we find unpleasant or inconvenient in our life by smacking it with the dreamstick, and I can see that getting really excessive and habitual very quickly even with the dreameater stopping us from going utterly wild.

We might consider arranging for someone other than us to inform Jezebel of what happened last night- that she got incredibly drunk and came after us, rather than the other way around. If multiple other people tell her it's the truth, she'd probably get somewhat less utterly panicky around us since she knows what's going on and we'd be able to make a more conventional approach to a romantic relationship, not resorting to dream use at all.


>the Paradox Knight's metal horse
As long as we're pulling information from nothing for you at the moment, you might as well know that his horse can think as well as a person. Thus its reaction here, moving before you did anything- it knew what you wanted. It will probably tell everything it sees and hears here to Reinhardt.

It may or may not care if you know, so letting on might be unwise, but the information could be important or useful someday.
>>
No. 269405 ID: 252e1b

>>269404

While it is the truth about the metal mount, it is also a simplification. I would not let on that you know unless you absolutely must.
>>
No. 269425 ID: 4573cc

>Dreameater only shifting when the First spoke
Well, that's easy enough to answer, I think: the manner in which you redacted the death of the First only redacted the death (i.e. the memories used were of meeting the First in the Dream, and therefore, every time the First contacts you, Dream magic is used).

>Ulzrick explaining the properties of iridium as well as a Mortal Coil professor
...My opinion of the quality of Mortal Coil teaching... lowers.

>>269380
I don't particularly see the need to regulate the small--non-paradox inducing--uses of Dream Recollection; the only reason to avoid the use of Dream Recollection (beyond, of course, the need/desire to focus on the other aspects of Ulzrick's capabilities; which, I believe, isn't much of a reason at all since, from my perspective, we, as a collective, chose to follow the Dream path of development for Ulzrick when we chose the First to save and meld with Ulzrick, though I suppose reserving Dream Recollection for out-of-battle improvement and Will magic/pure human skill for in-battle is a reasonable approach) is to avoid attracting the attention of a Dreameater, which would not be a problem if all the uses were restricted to non-paradox inducing uses in the first place.

...Which is why it is a very good idea to, before the next time Ulzrick uses Dream Recollection, ask the First for his knowledge base on Dream Recollection, so Ulzrick doesn't unknowingly to something amazingly stupid that he wouldn't have done if he actually knew about what he was doing!
>>
No. 269428 ID: 259738

>>269425
>...My opinion of the quality of Mortal Coil teaching... lowers.

I thought it had been made pretty clear before now that the Mortal Coil way of doing things is pretty awful. In the long term it is definitely in our interests to disassemble the organization or at the very least make some major changes.
>>
No. 269434 ID: a76809

rolled 95 = 95

>>269294
>>269295
>>269298
[57 vs 19]
[63 vs 19]
[80 vs 19]

[3/3 Meta rolls acquired for Bolter. If the first roll against my own roll this post bests this roll with a plan involving magitech bolters, I will finangle it into working. If failure or no roll, counter resets.]

>>269299
>[Falcon] "I dunno, it just kind of.. came to me"
...Falcon, you seriously trip me out with the short, concise and entirely grounded advice. ...Still, I must acknowledge such a starting point for explaining what happened.

"I guess it came to me, in a way."
>[Eisenhardt]"Care to elaborate?"
>>269296
>>269301
>>269302
>>269304
>>269309
>>269313
A flood of voices, internal and external, flood me with the same idea: Cop to your Dream magic, he already knows. And honestly, against such an overwhelming internal majority decision, I can hardly resist.

"Well, as you may recall beyond my ridiculously basic grasp of Magnetomancy through Will magic, I can also practice another magic."
>[Eisenhardt]"That's right. That elder savage that floated, he taught you of a strange art, did he not?"
"Aye, I was tutored in some of the basics of Dream magic."

Eisenhardt's face goes slack for a brief moment before he urges me onward.

>[Eisenhardt]"Dream magic you say? I've read of it extensively and seen it twice before, but I'd could hardly say I could recognize it. So, you and that... what was his name..}
"Jojo"
?[Eisenhardt]"Right,so if Jojo and you used Dream magic on me... that makes the third time I have ever seen it. ..What do you know, within such a magic system?
"Not all that much. I can move wounds to the Dream as you recall, some other base abilities, not that much since my training was so brief-but the biggest part is I get... ideas."
>[Eisenhardt][i]"Care to be more specific than 'ideas'?"

"Certainly. I get a big old mass of possible interpretations of my current predicament, and ways to approach it-no guarantee which are valid and which could lead to my doom-I think I've almost died twice now because of it, but Dream is still so much of a mystery to me that I can't be entirely sure."
>[Eisenhardt]"You really are a novice in the craft then. I feel the same way about the Art, from what few bits of explanation and description I ferreted out of those two prior encounters and my readings... hm, Dream magic... I had not expected that."
"The problem is that I can get so many innacurate or possible disfunctional interpretations of events that picking what actually applies to reality can be a real hassel, I try to not use the craft.... but honestly, I know so little of Magnetomancy that it's hard to avoid using it."
>[Eisenhardt]"You claim to know so little, right after that complete dissection of purple Iridium you just offered. A farce, if ever I saw one."
"It was pure luck what I picked to believe was actually correct-more often than not, the ideas and dreams I tap can lead me astray."
>[Eisenhardt]"Then it only speaks of you metallic inclinations, that you navigated such chance to divine the solutions you did."

>>269309
"So, I recall you mentioning gems before as a catelyst..."
>[Eisenhardt]"I did indeed. What of it?"
"Well, Mordre is pretty agreeable with funding utility upgrades for those who serve him, and Dregas has been doing really well in managing assets, so I think I might be able to just buy some gems-are there any you'd reccomend?"
>[Eisenhardt]"I'd actually recommend choosing nothing. You'll have a greater connection to the weapon if you don't think of it as something purchased, but something made."
"I see."
>I don't get it.
>Obviously he's saying that shit Ulzrick can claim as his own will work way better.
>This assessment seems accurate.

I flinch at the bombarding voices... but the Dreameater had wandered away during my lengthy exchange with Eisenhardt, completely disinterested in me. Our conversation does not attract his interest-though I doubt the same could be said of reality redaction.


>>269313
I hear the one called Seven ranting in my mind, his thoughts filled with the injustice done to him by a 'Bob' and the promise that was ignored. Again, he rambles nonsense... until he gets to a further supplement to my knowledge.

"Beyond that, the Arcanoworks library is nicely stocked, and several books on Will based Magnetomancy exist-thought I admit I've been too busy to do more than peruse section of a few."
>[Eisenhardt]"That's right, you and your... friend... Vespinto here are officers in the militia, is this not so? And trainers as well?"
>[Vespinto]"Damned right we are!"
>[Eisenhardt][ii]"A mind for Magnetomacny, untapped to meet the demands placed on him, how altruistic..."[/i]
"What was that?"
>[Eisenhardt]"I said, you claim books, Dream and luck the basis of such a thorough analysis?"
"Well, the smoothness of the magnetic field, things like that I could flat out sense, but beyond that yeah."
>[Eisenhardt]"A startlingly candid individual."
>[Vespinto]"He just knows he'd never hear the end of it if he didn't own up to it now, since I KNOW he isn't that awesome, I kick his ass all the time!"
"I've whipped you pretty good multiple times!"
>[Vespinto]"Pssh, not recently, you know you can't stop me now, I'm the blade master bitch, whachu-gonna do? WHA CHU GON NA DO?"
"Seriously?"
>[Vespinto]"YOU KNOW IT!"
>[Eisenhardt]"Well, maybe you could indulge me for a moment-would you mind mentioning one of those ideas right now?"

>>269404
> As long as we're pulling information from nothing for you at the moment, you might as well know that his horse can think as well as a person. Thus its reaction here, moving before you did anything- it knew what you wanted. It will probably tell everything it sees and hears here to Reinhardt.
"...Okay, well, one is that that metal horned horse there? It is fully aware of what's going on, and will report everything we've done thus far and do beyond to its rider, Reinhardt the Paradox Knight."

As I say this the construct mount starts, not by much but enough all three of our gazes are drawn: The creature notes our unbelieving attention-and comes clean.

"It is as you estimated, but beyond that I'd ask you to leave the stables, I'd rather not have to report further than my exposure."
>[Eisenhardt]"....Okay, let's just do what she says. Let's go."

And so, without further preamble Vespinto, EIsenhardt and I simply leave the stables after a metal horse talks to us. ...This day man, this day.
>I hear you.
Well, at least the Dreameater's getting more and more indistinct.
>A definite bonus.
>..Is there no way to get peace in your mind?"
>What, looking for some alone time? Ain't happening, 'FIRST', HAW HAW!
>He is telling the truth though, it never really stops unless continuing would pose an immediate threat to our.. what was the term?
>Anchor.
>Right, our Anchor.

As Eisenhardt eventually takes the lead, heading back towards the central tower, my mind wanders-and voices call out.

>>269425
> I don't particularly see the need to regulate the small--non-paradox inducing--uses of Dream Recollection; the only reason to avoid the use of Dream Recollection (beyond, of course, the need/desire to focus on the other aspects of Ulzrick's capabilities; which, I believe, isn't much of a reason at all since, from my perspective, we, as a collective, chose to follow the Dream path of development for Ulzrick when we chose the First to save and meld with Ulzrick, though I suppose reserving Dream Recollection for out-of-battle improvement and Will magic/pure human skill for in-battle is a reasonable approach) is to avoid attracting the attention of a Dreameater, which would not be a problem if all the uses were restricted to non-paradox inducing uses in the first place.
...Okay, that mostly makes sense, so-
>...Which is why it is a very good idea to, before the next time Ulzrick uses Dream Recollection,ask the First for his knowledge base on Dream Recollection, so Ulzrick doesn't unknowingly to something amazingly stupid that he wouldn't have done if he actually knew about what he was doing!
Right then, color me convinced-FIRST!
...First?
>Some civility and deference would be appropriate, considering the sacrifice I made... but yes, I will tell you of Dream Recollection, Reality Redaction, History Revision, whatever you choose to call it. In essence, your-and those of the other voices-postulations are accurate, in that the length of time between now and a modified event matters, in an interlinked but different manner than the impact of the event. ...It is a bit disconcerting, how swiftly the voices dissected the art, but their postulations are correct
>So... no big reveal, no extra knowledge base? LAME.
>In honesty, it is fairly underwhelming.

I am shocked out of my internal conversation... with myself... and back into the world at large as Eisenhardt makes his way to Del Rogo, the attention of the entire first floor of the Arcanoworks, the smithing department, focused on the old Mage.

>[Eisenhardt]I find myself in a position to aid in crafting weapons for two of the Arcanoworks officers-would you be willing to offer your forges to accomodate my need?"
>[Del Rogo]"The feck you askin' me fer, do whcha gotta do, don't feckin' matter if there's otther shit ta be done, there's always other shit ta be done."
>[Eisenhardt]"Crass but nevertheless insightful. Thank you, sir smith."
>[Del Rogo]"You can shove yer courtesy right up yer ass! Do what you have to, then get the feck outa here!"

But Eisenhardt is already ignoring Del Rogo, floating forward as a few bars of steel float from the racks into the forge, their forms cherring and flowing far too swiftly to be natural, all under Eisenhardt's command. That is, until-

>[Eisenhardt]"So Ulzrick, do you know anything of the relation between magnetism and forging, the interaction of iridium and steel-or gold and steel for you friend-or was your inspiration a one hit wonder? Can you impress me again?"

...Damnit, this is a test, AGAIN. So, forging steel and purple Iridium (which by now I know pretty well) together to make a weapon-
>You'd best be making a heavy as shit, thick, wide and short blade!
>A double-sided cleaver!
>Something you can use in close quarters!
>You know that's the only weapon all of us can agree is not shit.
>Anything else and we're gonna bicker like children!
>...The amount of sanity and clarity of thought you display is, in light of the circumstances, rather impressive.
...Okay, okay, you know I'm going to make a thick and wide-bladed shortsword, but... I cast my Magnetomantic senses out toward the semi-molten steel and Iridium, as of yet unmixed-
>If Iridium is so heat resistant how did he melt it at the same time as steel?
>Dude, he's the fucking Metal Titan.
-metals, and..... oh hey the Dreameater's damn near gone.





What do I find, analyzing the molten steel and iridium?
What possible facets of magnetism could apply to molten metal, or making an alloy of iron, carbon and iridium?
And do I dare use some more Reality Redaction?
>[Roll a 1d100 on the post suggesting redaction AND in the post seconding it.]
>>
No. 269438 ID: 259738

>>269434
Ferromagnetic materials will lose magnetism as they are heated, and at a certain point will lose the magnetism permanently and become paramagnetic unless they are remagnetized. Iron is a ferromagnetic material, while iridium is paramagnetic.
>>
No. 269440 ID: 222dba

Well, iridium is paramagnetic to begin with, so it only exhibits magnetic properties when influenced by an external magnetic field.

Basically iridium's brand is the I'm With Stupid of magnetism.
>>
No. 269443 ID: 69bee4

"Hello there Ulzrick, this is not the first time weve spoken, so I do somewhat wonder if I am... recognizable? If so, call me Naive, or N if thats preffered, its a form of Pun.

Anyways, as I am becoming quite fond of the fact we get to speak to you more, I figured it falls to me as the mind here that enjoys the larger concepts of the worlds to give you at least some explanation of what we can help you with. Since we are not always going to likely be here.

In general, our ability in technology is far beyond anything I/we have seen in your existence. This is part of why we were able to attain so much information about iridium in such a short time. We have capacities that allow us to use technology to access information of entire libraries within seconds. Though success can vary. In these regards, you should probably trust us.

In Magic terms, we are at least a professor level in many cases of the Theory of magic. Comparable to someone like Morde maybe? a person who has devoted their life to understanding more. We also benefit from a hivemind-like event that can dissect these ideas very rapidly. However, our knowledge of magic in a more... practical sense is very limited, Word magic almost entirely elides us in speech of rune use, and we know next to nothing about the ways spells are used in any wider sense. Given exposure though, we often figure it out quickly, so we cannot predict very well, but can respond generally. Give us ideas and we can make them work, but we know little... 'common sense' you could say about some magics, or anything about well known mages.

Magitech though? we are currently particularly unimpressive with. In the vein of that lack of practical use (though we have one notable exception), we really cannot help a ton with the HOW to do, much better at concepts of hat are nifty possibilities.

Some things to know also, we have rather limited control generally of how long we stick around any given person, so if we disappear, don't be surprised. We will likely run into you again though at some point.

On that note, time for us is rather relative compared to you. I have watched days fly by in what feels like less than a second, and watching you now, that moment in between where you asked us about Purple Iridium and when my colleagues answered felt like hours. I feel its worth noting, though possibly limited in application.

As to the 'Bob' that Seven mentioned? He is a sort of personification to what you could call a sort of... minor god of our kind? Enigmatic one to say the least, I can honestly say I have spoken to him many times, and yet know little in the realm of if he even really truely exists... whatever that may mean, but eh. Hes believed by many though to be in charge of many events across realities, to act both in foiling our plans and making them happen. I believe he has taken an interest in your friend and employer the Mage Morde? or maybe he has taken more into you for now. To say he is as fickle as some trickster god concept is an understatement, but I would say with some confidence that your relationship to Mage Morde is why we aid you now.

There are many of us, and our influence on what one says is extremely limited. I believe you heard Gun speak? he is among our most proficient idea crafters of technology and weapons. I on the other hand am a sort of... larger thinker I suppose? I am trying to understand why it is I speak to you now, the nature of both your reality, and how we relate to it, the whys of magic, the holdings of the future. I also write some decent poetry I think! But there are many, from fools to the brilliant, so trust us at whatever risk.

With that in mind, feel free to ask me or us if you are curious, that that will likely invite some... tricksters into the mix. Though I would note ahead of time, we do not know everything about ourselves even, but I will try.

Ah, and a requested favor if you don't mind, you have a mage called Arkus yes? that is this reali... yes. If he and the loud lady... Ellorika? end up working out, that was probably my doing. So give him a large knowing grin on my behalf would you? Ill have to owe you a poem or something then if that is fair, or some good music perhaps? Or I could try speaking more directly to you... bleh that would probably just be a headache for you or I could offer a small secret to reality even? But if so, thank you sir."

>>
No. 269444 ID: 21e57a

Oh, hey, Ulzrick? Idea I had that could be useful and make you colossally badass. Or, could just help you practice. Anyway! There's this awesome style of writing, 'Noir', about detectives, and dames, and mugs with guns bigger than der arms, and they gots pretty big arms and..

Yeah, ok, none of this is required knowledge. I get that First. Point is, they do these awesome narrations while they do their detectiving and I was thinking, if you just starting mentally narrating what you were doing and remembering that, rather than doing it. Of course, start small: 'I nodded my head', 'I walked', 'I talked', but you could start just narrating to get things done. Could be a cool quirk. You and Dompaggio could hang out and swap noiry stories. It'd be awesome

>>
No. 269445 ID: f6360f

>>269438
My understanding is that if you make a normally magnetic metal hot enough, it will no longer hold a magnetic charge, but will become extremely susceptible to magnetic influence- magnetic susceptibility should approach infinity after a certain point. Which would mean that it will be really easy to forge with magnetomancy, as long as you've got a sufficient heat source.

Also, my guess would be that since the metals are more fluid at high temperatures, using a powerful- and perhaps more relevantly, sensitive- magnetic method of forging will allow the creator to make them extremely regular in their structure, which is generally what one wants. Then he could probably easily temper them- create ripples in the matrix for strength- fairly flawlessly as it cools, instead of going through the clumsy heat/cool heat/cool process that's necessary when doing it physically.

>an alloy of iron, carbon and iridium
I'm no expert in the materials sciences, so frankly I have little idea if that's even a reasonable alloy- what I do know tells me that swords are usually made with steel and not alloys of precious metals for a good reason, that being the massively strengthening effect of carbon on iron's crystal structure. I'd say that adding other substances to the matrix is likely to weaken it mechanically because it will no longer be uniformly strong- there will be slightly weaker locations which make the system as a whole more likely to come apart. Obviously magic can more than make up for this somehow, or Eisenhardt wouldn't be recommending putting precious metals into the alloy, but I know even less about magical mechanics than I do materials science.

Basically I'm pretty sure that your sword will be awesome because magic makes it awesome, not because of any physical reason to be good.

>And do I dare use some more Reality Redaction?
I'd give it a bit more time. There's nothing really important to do right now, so you might as well let that dream eater wander off some more.
>>
No. 269446 ID: f6360f

>>269445
>adding other substances to the matrix is likely to weaken it mechanically
As an addendum to this, there are substances that will improve it instead, but gold and iridium aren't on the list. Aluminium is useful for case hardening, boron, chromium, tungsten, vanadium, or molybdenum for strength, silicon for magnetic properties. You almost always want a couple percent or less of them by weight, though- you have three POUNDS of iridium, which is what, half the weight of the sword? That's moving away from steel and into an entirely different substance.

And also it occurs to me that a magnetomancer could almost certainly locate and remove any impurities in the steel during forging, which is nice. Normally that's kind of a bitch.
>>
No. 269447 ID: a69afd

rolled 19 = 19

>>269434
I'd say this mix, while potent, is still inferior compared to what it could be. Despite my lack of concrete knowledge on the more intricate variations of the rarer magically charged metals, I remember one, just one unique metal that had caught my attention. I've been a witness to more than my fair share of heated debates in taverns across the Azelhaedran and even Duras, street knowledge contributes heavily to my postulations, or at least I'd like to think. It was described as a byproduct of Platinum and a bunch of other precious metals, a rose red dust that could do AMAZING things when making alloys and treating precious metals. Not only could it strengthen metals that were really damn durable to begin with, it could increase the overall resistance to corrosive substances in those same metals, it could even be used to stablize and hold electric charges! The only downside was that the process of making this miracle metal was roundabout to say the least, and not particularly cost effective in bulk. The name escapes me, but- (here goes nothing)
I seem to remember you pulling vast amounts of metals from deep with the earth during your bout with Mage Mordre, and I doubt you've stopped doing so until now... Perhaps you have some on you, seeing as you are a collector as well as a scholar?
TL;DR [REALITY REDACTION]: RHODIUM
>>
No. 269448 ID: 259738

>>269447
Bob just rolled a 95, reality redaction is not going to work.
>>
No. 269450 ID: 252e1b

>>269443

You do realize that Ulzrick needs to pay attention to the world around him too, right? I know we all like him, but you don't need to write a love letter.

>>269434

Ulzrick, heat is randomized free energy that makes the smallest component parts of matter move faster. If a smith can make the components move fast enough, the matter loses its ability to hold its shape and starts to act like a liquid. By performing gross shaping while the matter is in that state, it is possible to make it into a tool or weapon or whatever artifact the crafter has the skill to achieve. The heating is useful for another reason as well. In metals, ceramics, and other chemicals like water, as the material changes from a liquid to a solid, its component parts arrange themselves into crystalline patterns. These patterns are the secret of the strength of some sorts of materials.

Crystalline patterns in metals can be arranged in a number of ways, from striking while the metal is hot (to force the patterns to re-arrange along the plane of the metal perpendicular to the blow), to using various quenching techniques at different temperatures (to force the crystalline structure to settle quickly instead of slowly), to carefully introducing impurities. Impurities in the right measure can make a metal incredibly strong; it's why alloys like bronze are much better than just pure copper and tin. It's why steel is better than pure iron. In both cases, the impurities create points in the structure of the metal that allow different, desirable, crystalline patterns to form.
>>
No. 269469 ID: 81f32a

rolled 67 = 67

If no one going to roll for bolters then I am going to roll!

5 chances out of 100? HERE I COME!
>>
No. 269470 ID: 81f32a

rolled 1 = 1

Oh, well, at least I tried...
>>
No. 269480 ID: 81f32a

Dohohoh
I hope that 1 will not come back to bite us in the ass, I mean, I wasn't rolling particularly for anything.

>>269443
you're too kind

>>269444
>You and Dompaggio could hang out and swap noiry stories. It'd be awesome

Oh shit, Dompaggio! We still haven't had any meaningful exposure to it. I was hoping we would get a small sub-plot with him and Keddic. BTW, Dompaggio was my idea. See, I can have good ideas too? :3

>>269450
>You do realize that Ulzrick needs to pay attention to the world around him too, right? I know we all like him, but you don't need to write a love letter.

Bullshit! We must bombard him with information while we can!
...
But you're right, he can't focus on everything at once... wait, I know!
Ulzrick, you really should learn to control adrenaline so that you can have internal dialogues in your own pocket of time just like ... just like Bang and Keddic do!
Those two can have entire philosophical debates (which could take hours) with each other in split seconds. They can analyze and berate you and your entire ancestry down to the minuscule defect in the process of saying "Hi!" to you!
Oh, btw, the too have voices in their heads! ... just not as bad as yours... and their voices have much better explanations too ... and not really voices just one voice for each.

But anyway!
I think you should (at some point) use you Dream Recollection to learn a technique for stopping time for yourself (be it adrenaline manipulation or chronal magic), that way you can pay attention to outside world and your own personal private world.
>>
No. 269522 ID: e5b1bf

...Er, for better natural affinity with the swords, perhaps Vespinto and Ulzrick spill some blood, maybe enough to create Blood Steel--a variant of steel in which the iron used is only Blood Iron-- with Ulzrick using dreamhealing so that they don't die of blood loss and so that they have enough blood, so Eisenhardt may harvest the Blood Iron to use the the forging so that, in some sense, the swords are part of Vespinto's and Ulzrick's body? It might have been better to use the Blood Iron to forge the steel used in the swords, but, if that is not possible, well, having the Blood Iron in there would be good enough, I think.

...I can't belive we forgot Blood Iron...

Ok, so, Ulzrick, your blood contains traces of iron within a large portion of its component cells, which, as part of your body, has been imbued with energy by your soul from the moment you had a soul. Thus, any alloy fully saturated with Blood Iron has natural magic currents that amplify the power of any runes inscribed upon it; it would also be able to act as a Blood Magic generator if you applied Magnetomancy to replicate the natural flow of blood with the Blood Iron.

Also, as part of your body, your Ownership over Blood Iron is absolutely immense; it won't be much of a problem for Eisenhardt since both of you want Eisenhardt to obtain the Blood Iron and forge it into your swords. That Ownership would probably extend over to your swords.
>>
No. 269528 ID: 252e1b

>>269522

Were he to remove all the iron from Ulzrick's body (don't do this, it will kill you) the result would be four or five grams of the stuff. That's about as much as is in four or five paper clips. A safe amount to remove at any given time would be 1/5th of a gram a day, provided extra iron were taken in (eat your green vegetables).

Legendary weapons are only made of blood iron if you have other tricks going on, or if you have a huge amount of time, or you have a huge field of dead bodies to harvest from.
>>
No. 269531 ID: 45be60

>>269469
>>269470
Damnit, don't just roll dice for the hell of it, we finally got Falcon to stop doing it and be a productive (though still insane) member of the collective. >_<
>>
No. 269544 ID: 4573cc

>>269528
I think the idea's that Vespinto and Ulzrick spill only some of their blood at a time, while Ulzrick uses dreamhealing to circumvent the limit of how much blood can be lost at a time safely. No one is suggesting to drain all blood in a single instance nor harvesting the Blood Iron while the blood is still within the body, certainly.

Also, it is Ulzrick and Vespinto; they're in this together!
>>
No. 269545 ID: 5b95eb

>>269531
>Falcon
>Productive

Why must you turn this place into a house of lies?
>>
No. 269546 ID: 252e1b

>>269544

He needed hard information to be able to do it safely. I provided that.
>>
No. 269548 ID: 4573cc

>>269546
>He needed hard information to be able to do it safely.
...? What? I don't understand. Why?
>>
No. 269549 ID: 252e1b

>>269548

Because the blood ultimately comes from alternate realities, from other Ulzricks and Vespintos. If he takes a full four or five grams of blood iron from any one of them, he will kill them. If he limits himself to 1/5th of a gram, at most, then they will feel a little less peppy and otherwise be generally well. If they eat normally the next day they will survive with no lasting effect of any sort.
>>
No. 269551 ID: 4573cc

>>269549
Er, doesn't each separate instance of dreamhealing displace the wound to different alternates? And, therefore, as they are only spilling some blood at any single instance, each instance of dreamhealing after the separate blood spilling instance pull blood from different alternates?
>>
No. 269552 ID: 81f32a
File 129435760349.jpg - (90.43KB , 859x897 , Arkus - Lasrifle.jpg )
269552

Hey, Bob, providing this fan-art can we start re-rolling for lasrifles? Please?

It's Arkus with lasrifle if you couldn't tell, btw. He's wearing his trusty axe and mage staff on his back. I gave him glasses cuz he's a bookish sort, I'm not sure if he actually wears them (also, because I can't draw faces for the life of me D:)

Bolters are cool and all, but the possibility to outfit entire armies with cheap, mass producible weapons is much preferable. Lasrifles might be weak weapons in their setting but in reality they are quite devastating weapons with awesome accuracy, no recoil, instant shots and massive ammo capacity. Here, they are going to be some of the best weapons ever.

Besides bolters are only feasible for golems and golem armor (or people at the same power-level). They are too heavy for average human and the recoil might blow the arm off. Premen could probably handle bolters.
>>
No. 269553 ID: 252e1b

>>269551

Yes. My point is to not take too much from any one instance.
>>
No. 269563 ID: a07802

rolled 15 = 15

Well magnetic high-temperature forging or not you can still use bursts of minor, recent Reality Redaction to make this the most awesome forging sequence ever!

Tell Eisenhardt that theory or not you have no experience doing this so you'll be doing a little dream experiment. It would be helpful if he could provide constant feedback on how you're doing.

Then whenever says you've made a mistake in the forging then undo the error and throw in some extra flair to make the process more awesome, like a real man vs metal battle! Blood spilt and encapsulated in the swords hilt, sparks flying everywhere, the iridium humming from the magnetic ministrations and metal clangs from hammer blows that maybe didn't happen.
>>
No. 269568 ID: a76809

rolled 76 = 76

>>269469
[Failed roll for Bolter. Stored meta rolls discarded]

>>269552
[LASRIFLE RESTORED, 0/5 META ROLLS]

>>269438
> Ferromagnetic materials will lose magnetism as they are heated, and at a certain point will lose the magnetism permanently and become paramagnetic unless they are remagnetized. Iron is a ferromagnetic material, while iridium is paramagnetic.
...Okay, but what's a ferromagnetic material?
>Obviously has to do with magnetism... right?
>You have no idea do you?
>You know I don't!
>Feromagnetism is ultimately a rather complex topic, but the short of it is that metals of this type can be given a magnetic field and can retain it. As commented by one of the Others, these fields are usually wiped clean when a high enough temperature is reached-which I would assume Eisenhardt to be capable of.
>Would he be? As I understand it he's still using Magnetomancy right now in some way-if he raised the temperature so high there were no magnetic fields, how could he manipulate it?
>Wouldn't it be possible to extend how long the Magnetic field lasts? I mean sure WE don't know how, but he could, right?
Seems plausible, actually, and since he's flat out said he only knows Magnetomancy and Geomancy-and I am REAL sure he is not the type to bold-faced lie-then it has to be what he's doing, as even at a distance I feel the waves of heat rolling off what hovers between us. I decide to lead with this, perhaps if I phrase it right I can make the question itself another way of showing 'talent', i.e. outside help he doesn't know about.

"Now to my understanding, metals that can be permanently given a magnetic field-ferromagnetic, right?"
>[Eisenhardt]"Yes, ...bu-"
"Well, when you heat such metals up enough, there isn't a magnetic field left to manipulate-have you circumvented this by somehow preserving the magnetic fields past the melting point?"
>[Eisenhardt]"Let us say you are correct. How would you envision that being achieved?"
"Honestly? The concept hadn't even occurred to me before, since I'd never been in a position to need such a talent. Since this is a brand new concept to me, I'd rather refrain from commenting in complete ignorance."

>>269440
>[Gun] Well, iridium is paramagnetic to begin with, so it only exhibits magnetic properties when influenced by an external magnetic field.
Okay, so-
>[Gun] Basically iridium's brand is the I'm With Stupid of magnetism.
Ah. Finally, completely alien concepts immediately rendered bite-sized-thanks Gun... say, does-noo time, right.

As Eisenhardt opens his mouth, I pre-empt him, using my new information to continue from where I left off.

"Back to the metals, Iridium is paramagnetic, is it not?"
>[Eisenhardt]"Your grasp of some of the more... esoteric terminology of the Magnetomantic craft and the study of Magnetism as a whole is intriguing-I know this building possesses no books on the subject, so either Mordre knows and taught you, ...Or that Dream power of yours."
"Can it really be nothing else?"
>[Vespinto]"Yeah man I mean there's other mages out there, like say Kyorto? She knows a shit-ton, and brought her own books and whatnot, Mordre's got that economics freak Dregas working for him... I could go on."
>[Eisenhardt]"....The point is conceded. Well, what else would you want to say, before showing me what you can do-because yes, I have preserved the magnetic fields of all materials. Here, I'll start with your friends, so you have an example. Molten metal magnetics is.... irregular, and you at least deserve to see it in action, as it's quite clear you've never worked with it before."

I watch as Vespinto's assorted coins and totems flow and merge with the steel, the intermingling mix swirling as the materials integrate. I pay as much attention as I can to the Magnetomantic process-but its heavy going, the magnetic fields involved are constantly in flux, making it monstrous to determine what is innate and what is Eisenhardt's active working. Around and around the spiral goes, the metal thinning into a disk, a yellow-gray alloy that shines oh so dully, before the circle becomes oval-and splits. Each chunk begins to fold in on itself again and again, each time its shape shifting-until, over the course of ten seconds, what was once seperate items has been merged and seperated into twin, top-heavy double-edged blades, completely shaped, cooled and sharpened to perfection....damn that was fast, okay... anyone else see anything?
>well, as the metal cooled, the metal's magnetic fields began to stabilize, so his finish was way easier to percieve.
>Backtracking by using that end example of what his active manipulations look like, the metal's magnetic fields fluctuated in preset, undeviating patterns beneath his active warping.
...Kinda a rolling wave, right?
>You could assign such a description, yes.
>Well, I mean sure between all our collective memories with identical senses to reference and some limited memory sharing ability, we could probably do an okay job doing that-two problems, anyone care to name them?
Lack of raw power in the craft-
>Oh damn is our Will shitty!
But also my almost exclusive Combat magic focus.
>Yeah, have you seen how shitty our Arcane Magnetomancy is? Woo-hoo, we can slowly move a couple pounds of metal, HOW INCREDIBLY USEFUL.
>Lifting latches, moving keys, claiming jewelry-there are uses.
>Trying to slave something you're that shitty at to such a crazy magnetic field is a wee bit impossible.
>At best, it would take days as you agonized through it.
>Would suck for Ulzrick.
>Yeah, but touching molten metal does not seem a good idea.
Hence my conundrum.

>>269450
>[No Name No Number AKA N4]Ulzrick, heat is randomized free energy that makes the smallest component parts of matter move faster. If a smith can make the components move fast enough, the matter loses its ability to hold its shape and starts to act like a liquid. By performing gross shaping while the matter is in that state, it is possible to make it into a tool or weapon or whatever artifact the crafter has the skill to achieve. The heating is useful for another reason as well. In metals, ceramics, and other chemicals like water, as the material changes from a liquid to a solid, its component parts arrange themselves into crystalline patterns. These patterns are the secret of the strength of some sorts of materials.
>Crystal like?
No I know what he's talking about, I've gotten a sense of that from metal several times when I spend a bit of time touching it. Okay, so crystal structure is important-go on.
>[N4]Crystalline patterns in metals can be arranged in a number of ways, from striking while the metal is hot (to force the patterns to re-arrange along the plane of the metal perpendicular to the blow), to using various quenching techniques at different temperatures (to force the crystalline structure to settle quickly instead of slowly), to carefully introducing impurities. Impurities in the right measure can make a metal incredibly strong; it's why alloys like bronze are much better than just pure copper and tin. It's why steel is better than pure iron. In both cases, the impurities create points in the structure of the metal that allow different, desirable, crystalline patterns to form.
>Okay, this is usable.
>With active control of how the metal cools possible, and no need to limit to conventional shaping techniques, we could shape an excellently worked blade. I never cared much for combat, but I've always prided myself on craftsmenship. I have interacted enough with Fifteen-the warrior that would have offered himself-to know a few things about martial implements. I believe I could provide guidance and advice during the process.
Huh.

Before I can really respond to that, Eisenhardt speaks to me mid-thought.

>[Eisenhardt]"So, you've seen the process-and rest assured, I know you cannot generate the magnetic manipulation to render the metal liquid, I shall sustain the process while you work, just tell me when and how you want the metal cooled. Everything beyond that-is up to you."
>>269522
> ...I can't belive we forgot Blood Iron...
What's this about blood? My blood-why my blood?
>Ok, so, Ulzrick, your blood contains traces of iron within a large portion of its component cells, which, as part of your body, has been imbued with energy by your soul from the moment you had a soul. Thus, any alloy saturated with Blood Iron has natural magic-in direct proportion to the amount of blood iron used, currents that amplify the power of any runes inscribed upon it; it would also be able to act as a Blood Magic generator if you applied Magnetomancy to replicate the natural flow of blood with the Blood Iron, if fully saturated.
Very interesting and sounds incredibly useful-well, at least a bit could help too, and I won't die from blood loss contributing just SOME of my blood. This sounds good.

>Also, as part of your body, your Ownership over Blood Iron is absolutely immense; it won't be much of a problem for Eisenhardt since both of you want Eisenhardt to obtain the Blood Iron and forge it into your sword. That Ownership would probably extend over to your swords.

In a bold move, I bare my arm to Eisenhardt, opposite the twin spheres of molten metal, Iridium and steel betwixt us.

"Can you take some of my Blood Iron to weave into the blade? It would notably increase my sense of Ownership with the blade, would it not? And if I make the blood iron in the blade move-long-term project I know-then I could even make it a Blood Magic generator. Might be able to finangle Dream into letting me convert it into full... Blood Steel, I guess-over time."

A slow and warm smile spreads on Eisenhardt's face. I don't even feel it as a puff of gray mist assaults-and retreats from my body, now collecting before Eisenhardt into a small molten sphere as he speaks.
>[Eisenhardt]"One of the most important bits of knowledge a martial Magnetomancer must know, not just the power of Blood, but the power of Blood Iron. I've taken what you can offer and given you some neutral iron in exchange-you should re-saturate it in a day or so. So, you now have three sources-and ultimately a harder project."

>>269447
> I'd say this mix, while potent, is still inferior compared to what it could be. Despite my lack of concrete knowledge on the more intricate variations of the rarer magically charged metals, I remember one, just one unique metal that had caught my attention. I've been a witness to more than my fair share of heated debates in taverns across the Azelhaedran and even Duras, street knowledge contributes heavily to my postulations, or at least I'd like to think. It was described as a byproduct of Platinum and a bunch of other precious metals, a rose red dust that could do AMAZING things when making alloys and treating precious metals. Not only could it strengthen metals that were really damn durable to begin with, it could increase the overall resistance to corrosive substances in those same metals, it could even be used to stablize and hold electric charges! The only downside was that the process of making this miracle metal was roundabout to say the least, and not particularly cost effective in bulk. The name escapes me, but- (here goes nothing) I seem to remember you pulling vast amounts of metals from deep with the earth during your bout with Mage Mordre, and I doubt you've stopped doing so until now... Perhaps you have some on you, seeing as you are a collector as well as a scholar? TL;DR [REALITY REDACTION]: RHODIUM
>The amount of Reality Redaction you propose is insane, Ulzrick does not possess sufficient talents now, and especially not in the past, to actively move solid metals through the ground Arcanely. Beyond that, to suppose that Mordre AND Eisenhardt would not have noticed it in the interim would be foolish. The potential for paradox seems extremely unnecessary.

>>269443
>[The Naive Letter]
...Guh. Okay, what? I mean, you're stories too far-fetched, it feels like I'm being bullshitted here... but it would fit. ...I got my eye on you, Naive! ..Speaking of which, I can't see the Dreameater at all any more, awesome!
>How can you have your eye on him there is no tangible force to look at?
>Why do you have to ruin our lines?
>It's what I do?

Okay.... I can think of a couple ways to do this:

--I could Remember having learned more of Arcane Will-Based Magnetomancy in some way with Dream, and attempt to mold the metal without touching it.
>[1d100 roll with proposed Dream Recollection plan, AND a 1d20 in seconding post for Ulzrick working with the First on Eisenhardt's molten metals.]
--I could attempt to touch the metal in some way and Remember not being injured, or not having touched the metal[/b] while still getting my Combat Magic to allow access to molding.
>[1d100 roll with proposed Dream Recollection plan, [i]AND
a 1d20 in seconding post for Ulzrick working with the First on Eisenhardt's molten metals.]
[Fanart of Ulzrick/his coming weapon will grant bonus]






How should I do it?
>>
No. 269569 ID: 259738

>>269563
why do you keep rolling against a 95?
>>
No. 269570 ID: a76809

rolled 26 = 26

[Ffformatting.]

>>269469
[Failed roll for Bolter. Stored meta rolls discarded]

>>269552
[LASRIFLE RESTORED, 0/5 META ROLLS]

>>269438
> Ferromagnetic materials will lose magnetism as they are heated, and at a certain point will lose the magnetism permanently and become paramagnetic unless they are remagnetized. Iron is a ferromagnetic material, while iridium is paramagnetic.
...Okay, but what's a ferromagnetic material?
>Obviously has to do with magnetism... right?
>You have no idea do you?
>You know I don't!
>Feromagnetism is ultimately a rather complex topic, but the short of it is that metals of this type can be given a magnetic field and can retain it. As commented by one of the Others, these fields are usually wiped clean when a high enough temperature is reached-which I would assume Eisenhardt to be capable of.
>Would he be? As I understand it he's still using Magnetomancy right now in some way-if he raised the temperature so high there were no magnetic fields, how could he manipulate it?
>Wouldn't it be possible to extend how long the Magnetic field lasts? I mean sure WE don't know how, but he could, right?
Seems plausible, actually, and since he's flat out said he only knows Magnetomancy and Geomancy-and I am REAL sure he is not the type to bold-faced lie-then it has to be what he's doing, as even at a distance I feel the waves of heat rolling off what hovers between us. I decide to lead with this, perhaps if I phrase it right I can make the question itself another way of showing 'talent', i.e. outside help he doesn't know about.

"Now to my understanding, metals that can be permanently given a magnetic field-ferromagnetic, right?"
>[Eisenhardt]"Yes, ...bu-"
"Well, when you heat such metals up enough, there isn't a magnetic field left to manipulate-have you circumvented this by somehow preserving the magnetic fields past the melting point?"
>[Eisenhardt]"Let us say you are correct. How would you envision that being achieved?"
"Honestly? The concept hadn't even occurred to me before, since I'd never been in a position to need such a talent. Since this is a brand new concept to me, I'd rather refrain from commenting in complete ignorance."

>>269440
>[Gun] Well, iridium is paramagnetic to begin with, so it only exhibits magnetic properties when influenced by an external magnetic field.
Okay, so-
>[Gun] Basically iridium's brand is the I'm With Stupid of magnetism.
Ah. Finally, completely alien concepts immediately rendered bite-sized-thanks Gun... say, does-noo time, right.

As Eisenhardt opens his mouth, I pre-empt him, using my new information to continue from where I left off.

"Back to the metals, Iridium is paramagnetic, is it not?"
>[Eisenhardt]"Your grasp of some of the more... esoteric terminology of the Magnetomantic craft and the study of Magnetism as a whole is intriguing-I know this building possesses no books on the subject, so either Mordre knows and taught you, ...Or that Dream power of yours."
"Can it really be nothing else?"
>[Vespinto]"Yeah man I mean there's other mages out there, like say Kyorto? She knows a shit-ton, and brought her own books and whatnot, Mordre's got that economics freak Dregas working for him... I could go on."
>[Eisenhardt]"....The point is conceded. Well, what else would you want to say, before showing me what you can do-because yes, I have preserved the magnetic fields of all materials. Here, I'll start with your friends, so you have an example. Molten metal magnetics is.... irregular, and you at least deserve to see it in action, as it's quite clear you've never worked with it before."

I watch as Vespinto's assorted coins and totems flow and merge with the steel, the intermingling mix swirling as the materials integrate. I pay as much attention as I can to the Magnetomantic process-but its heavy going, the magnetic fields involved are constantly in flux, making it monstrous to determine what is innate and what is Eisenhardt's active working. Around and around the spiral goes, the metal thinning into a disk, a yellow-gray alloy that shines oh so dully, before the circle becomes oval-and splits. Each chunk begins to fold in on itself again and again, each time its shape shifting-until, over the course of ten seconds, what was once seperate items has been merged and seperated into twin, top-heavy double-edged blades, completely shaped, cooled and sharpened to perfection....damn that was fast, okay... anyone else see anything?
>well, as the metal cooled, the metal's magnetic fields began to stabilize, so his finish was way easier to percieve.
>Backtracking by using that end example of what his active manipulations look like, the metal's magnetic fields fluctuated in preset, undeviating patterns beneath his active warping.
...Kinda a rolling wave, right?
>You could assign such a description, yes.
>Well, I mean sure between all our collective memories with identical senses to reference and some limited memory sharing ability, we could probably do an okay job doing that-two problems, anyone care to name them?
Lack of raw power in the craft-
>Oh damn is our Will shitty!
But also my almost exclusive Combat magic focus.
>Yeah, have you seen how shitty our Arcane Magnetomancy is? Woo-hoo, we can slowly move a couple pounds of metal, HOW INCREDIBLY USEFUL.
>Lifting latches, moving keys, claiming jewelry-there are uses.
>Trying to slave something you're that shitty at to such a crazy magnetic field is a wee bit impossible.
>At best, it would take days as you agonized through it.
>Would suck for Ulzrick.
>Yeah, but touching molten metal does not seem a good idea.
Hence my conundrum.

>>269450
>[No Name No Number AKA N4]Ulzrick, heat is randomized free energy that makes the smallest component parts of matter move faster. If a smith can make the components move fast enough, the matter loses its ability to hold its shape and starts to act like a liquid. By performing gross shaping while the matter is in that state, it is possible to make it into a tool or weapon or whatever artifact the crafter has the skill to achieve. The heating is useful for another reason as well. In metals, ceramics, and other chemicals like water, as the material changes from a liquid to a solid, its component parts arrange themselves into crystalline patterns. These patterns are the secret of the strength of some sorts of materials.
>Crystal like?
No I know what he's talking about, I've gotten a sense of that from metal several times when I spend a bit of time touching it. Okay, so crystal structure is important-go on.
>[N4]Crystalline patterns in metals can be arranged in a number of ways, from striking while the metal is hot (to force the patterns to re-arrange along the plane of the metal perpendicular to the blow), to using various quenching techniques at different temperatures (to force the crystalline structure to settle quickly instead of slowly), to carefully introducing impurities. Impurities in the right measure can make a metal incredibly strong; it's why alloys like bronze are much better than just pure copper and tin. It's why steel is better than pure iron. In both cases, the impurities create points in the structure of the metal that allow different, desirable, crystalline patterns to form.
>Okay, this is usable.
>With active control of how the metal cools possible, and no need to limit to conventional shaping techniques, we could shape an excellently worked blade. I never cared much for combat, but I've always prided myself on craftsmenship. I have interacted enough with Fifteen-the warrior that would have offered himself-to know a few things about martial implements. I believe I could provide guidance and advice during the process.
Huh.

Before I can really respond to that, Eisenhardt speaks to me mid-thought.

>[Eisenhardt]"So, you've seen the process-and rest assured, I know you cannot generate the magnetic manipulation to render the metal liquid, I shall sustain the process while you work, just tell me when and how you want the metal cooled. Everything beyond that-is up to you."
>>269522
> ...I can't belive we forgot Blood Iron...
What's this about blood? My blood-why my blood?
>Ok, so, Ulzrick, your blood contains traces of iron within a large portion of its component cells, which, as part of your body, has been imbued with energy by your soul from the moment you had a soul. Thus, any alloy saturated with Blood Iron has natural magic-in direct proportion to the amount of blood iron used, currents that amplify the power of any runes inscribed upon it; it would also be able to act as a Blood Magic generator if you applied Magnetomancy to replicate the natural flow of blood with the Blood Iron, if fully saturated.
Very interesting and sounds incredibly useful-well, at least a bit could help too, and I won't die from blood loss contributing just SOME of my blood. This sounds good.

>Also, as part of your body, your Ownership over Blood Iron is absolutely immense; it won't be much of a problem for Eisenhardt since both of you want Eisenhardt to obtain the Blood Iron and forge it into your sword. That Ownership would probably extend over to your swords.

In a bold move, I bare my arm to Eisenhardt, opposite the twin spheres of molten metal, Iridium and steel betwixt us.

"Can you take some of my Blood Iron to weave into the blade? It would notably increase my sense of Ownership with the blade, would it not? And if I make the blood iron in the blade move-long-term project I know-then I could even make it a Blood Magic generator. Might be able to finangle Dream into letting me convert it into full... Blood Steel, I guess-over time."

A slow and warm smile spreads on Eisenhardt's face. I don't even feel it as a puff of gray mist assaults-and retreats from my body, now collecting before Eisenhardt into a small molten sphere as he speaks.
>[Eisenhardt]"One of the most important bits of knowledge a martial Magnetomancer must know, not just the power of Blood, but the power of Blood Iron. I've taken what you can offer and given you some neutral iron in exchange-you should re-saturate it in a day or so. So, you now have three sources-and ultimately a harder project."

>>269447
> I'd say this mix, while potent, is still inferior compared to what it could be. Despite my lack of concrete knowledge on the more intricate variations of the rarer magically charged metals, I remember one, just one unique metal that had caught my attention. I've been a witness to more than my fair share of heated debates in taverns across the Azelhaedran and even Duras, street knowledge contributes heavily to my postulations, or at least I'd like to think. It was described as a byproduct of Platinum and a bunch of other precious metals, a rose red dust that could do AMAZING things when making alloys and treating precious metals. Not only could it strengthen metals that were really damn durable to begin with, it could increase the overall resistance to corrosive substances in those same metals, it could even be used to stablize and hold electric charges! The only downside was that the process of making this miracle metal was roundabout to say the least, and not particularly cost effective in bulk. The name escapes me, but- (here goes nothing) I seem to remember you pulling vast amounts of metals from deep with the earth during your bout with Mage Mordre, and I doubt you've stopped doing so until now... Perhaps you have some on you, seeing as you are a collector as well as a scholar? TL;DR [REALITY REDACTION]: RHODIUM
>The amount of Reality Redaction you propose is insane, Ulzrick does not possess sufficient talents now, and especially not in the past, to actively move solid metals through the ground Arcanely. Beyond that, to suppose that Mordre AND Eisenhardt would not have noticed it in the interim would be foolish. The potential for paradox seems extremely unnecessary.

>>269443
>[The Naive Letter]
...Guh. Okay, what? I mean, you're stories too far-fetched, it feels like I'm being bullshitted here... but it would fit. ...I got my eye on you, Naive! ..Speaking of which, I can't see the Dreameater at all any more, awesome!
>How can you have your eye on him there is no tangible force to look at?
>Why do you have to ruin our lines?
>It's what I do?

Okay.... I can think of a couple ways to do this:

--I could Remember having learned more of Arcane Will-Based Magnetomancy in some way with Dream, and attempt to mold the metal without touching it.
>[1d100 roll with proposed Dream Recollection plan, AND a 1d20 in seconding post for Ulzrick working with the First on Eisenhardt's molten metals.]
--I could attempt to touch the metal in some way and Remember not being injured, or not having touched the metal while still getting my Combat Magic to allow access to molding.
>[1d100 roll with proposed Dream Recollection plan, AND a 1d20 in seconding post for Ulzrick working with the First on Eisenhardt's molten metals.]
[Fanart of Ulzrick/his coming weapon will grant bonus]






How should I do it?
>>
No. 269571 ID: 5b95eb

Remember that a couple of days ago, you found a pair of magic leather gloves that practically negated the harmful effects of handling molten metal. Someone must have dropped it. You stashed it away somewhere, where did you put that?
>>
No. 269572 ID: 5b95eb

rolled 46 = 46

>>269571
HURRR I forgot the roll.

Also, Remembering not touching the metal like you said would be PARADOX AS FUCK, probably.
>>
No. 269575 ID: 5b95eb

rolled 58, 38 = 96

Meta-rolls for Bolter and Lasgun because why not.
>>
No. 269576 ID: bdd665

>>269571
this does not sound too paradoxy
>>
No. 269581 ID: 81f32a
File 129436560974.jpg - (66.13KB , 825x744 , Ulzrick and Eisenhardt.jpg )
269581

rolled 50 = 50

Damn, I wasn't planning on drawing anything else.
Here's a quicky

>[LASRIFLE RESTORED, 0/5 META ROLLS]
FIVE ROLLS?
Bob, why do you hate us so much!?

Rolling for blotan and lasan
>>
No. 269582 ID: 252e1b

Ulzrick and Ulzricks, how much physical contact do you need with the item? There are materials that can insulate against heat sufficiently well for you to wear a glove that would allow you to hold the metal. It is not unreasonable for Del Rogo or Jezebel (particularly her, actually) to have something like a set of asbestos gloves to provide the temperature insulation you'd need to handle the metal safely.
>>
No. 269583 ID: 81f32a

rolled 54 = 54

ah, second roll (for lasrifles)
>>
No. 269585 ID: 81f32a

rolled 18 = 18

>>269571
>>269572

And a d20 for secondan
>>
No. 269586 ID: 259738

rolled 36 = 36

>>269570
Remember reaching communion with the other Ulzricks again, and the second Ulzrick who offered to save you advising you on Arcane Magnetomancy?

Hopefully that will avoid most of the paradox heavy ways to learn more.
>>
No. 269587 ID: 81f32a

rolled 3 = 3

>>269586
I'm going to go ahead and second this one too before going to bed.
>>
No. 269593 ID: 1854db

rolled 1 = 1

>>269586
Hell yes I like that idea. We could learn so much shit by remembering dream teaching, and it wouldn't even cause paradoxes!
>>
No. 269595 ID: 45be60

uh, dude? You have a master using magic to control the heat of the metal using no conventional methods. Standard rules need not apply. Maybe he is capable of keeping a small part of the connected metals cooler while you work on the rest.
>>
No. 269613 ID: 4573cc
File 129437190589.jpg - (214.72KB , 968x1472 , Ulzrick Sword.jpg )
269613

I don't really have much to contribute, except for these two fanarts.
>>
No. 269615 ID: 4573cc
File 129437201425.jpg - (274.35KB , 1060x1168 , Sneaky Ulzrick with Sword.jpg )
269615

And here's the second.
>>
No. 269617 ID: a76809

[Bolter Meta rolls 58/100, 50/100, 2/3 Meta rolls made.]
[Lasgun Meta rolls 38/100, 54/100, 2/5 Meta rolls made.]

>>269595
>[o] uh, dude? You have a master using magic to control the heat of the metal using no conventional methods. Standard rules need not apply. Maybe he is capable of keeping a small part of the connected metals cooler while you work on the rest.
>Yeah but he's testing us, no way he'd just make it that easy.
>And if he did, we miss out on the MASSIVE brownie points for being able to work with it.
>There's got to be some way to make this work...

>>269571
> Remember that a couple of days ago, you found a pair of magic leather gloves that practically negated the harmful effects of handling molten metal. Someone must have dropped it. You stashed it away somewhere, where did you put that?
Magic gloves just lying on the ground... that sounds kinda-
>>269582
>[N4] Ulzrick and Ulzricks, how much physical contact do you need with the item? There are materials that can insulate against heat sufficiently well for you to wear a glove that would allow you to hold the metal. It is not unreasonable for Del Rogo or Jezebel (particularly her, actually) to have something like a set of asbestos gloves to provide the temperature insulation you'd need to handle the metal safely.
...Okay, I think I can mix these ideas to make something as paradox-free as possible.
>>269572
[46 vs 26 +20 SEMI-RECENT, MINOR IMPACT PASS]
>[DREAM RECOLLECTION: SKILL UP]
I recall Jezebel, in her... haste... to remove me from her room this morning, accidentally kicking one of those heavy pairs of gloves she has all about her lab, right on out of her workshop window. I remember picking it up when I went to lead training just under the tower's wall, and tucking it in my pants pocket. I remember the gloves in question to be thick, heat retardant-and completely unmagical.
>In other words, free of other people's Ownership!
>Yeah, if its got nothing to work around or against, even we should be able to us it, right?
>And then no melting our hands.
>And no incurring paradox by unravelling your own method of magic interaction.
As I reach into my back pocket, whipping out the gloves that have now been there since this morning, pulling them on, I see Eisenhardt quirk an eyebrow.

"I'm more practiced with Combat magic than Arcane, so I'm sticking with my strength. Heat resistant gloves"
>[Eisenhardt]"Nonmagical?"
"Yup."
>[Eisenhardt]"Then do what you must, I wish to see your best."

And now to find out if my Dream Recollection actually brought me what I need. I reach out, a hand towards the iron, a hand out to grasp the iridium and Blood Iron alike.... and while warm, I feel no threat to my flesh.
>It worked, awesome.
Now, to see how well I do this, even with a way to touch the metal.

>>269585
[18/20=90%]
>>269581
>>269613
>>269615
[TRIPLE FANART BONUS]
[MODIFIED ULZRICK PERFORMANCE: A ]

Ten minutes in, when I am already absorbed in the First's careful advice, moving the metal with Will and muscle alike as I blend them together, Vespinto picks up his weapons and leaves.

>[Vespinto]"Alright dude, looks like you're gonna do a magic thing, I'll leave you to it, need to get a feel for the balance of these babies-wouldn't hurt to get the hilt wrapped, either."

Twenty minutes in, I have finished blending the metals both to my and the First's collective satisfaction. Thus far, Eisenhardt has said nothing as he observes my work. Even as I begin to ask him to cool sections by varying rates, he says nothing, acting more the machine than participant. Another fifteen minutes pass, and I've got the blade's tip and upper half finished, working my way down the weapon. I go for pure utilitartian, a straight, double-edged and heavy weapon, no adornments or ornamentation of any sort. Another ten minutes pass, and I reach the crossguard, which I likewise make no attempt to ornament, not daring to risk my guided rudimentary skill mucking up such an attempt at flair. Lastly, I spend an additional eighteen minutes on the hilt and pommel alone, giving the surface a rough finish for a solid grip Finally, as the last of the metal is cooled to room temperature, I strip off my gloves, and hesitantly reach out towards the weapon before me.

A purple-tinged, dully non-reflective sword, a hand and a half wide three fingers thick at the spine and half a hand longer than my forearm, the weapon is short, brutal, and invokes an image of raw force, and nothing else. As my skin touches this metal that carries traces of my blood, I feel a far greater sense of understanding, of possession sliding over the weapon-even as I note the weapon, though fairly massive and exceptionally dense, feels no heavier than five-pounds in my hand. I take a few practice swings, getting a feel for its magically imbued weighting, checking its internal structure-each impurity placed where I wanted-the First did an excellent job as mentor in this, and I nearly flinch as, not paying attention, I nick the edge of a stable post.

The wood cracks and buckles away from the impact as if hit by a sledgehammer while to my hand there was no more resistance than what water would present. ...That is going to be handy.
>Alright, this sucker looks good!
>Doesn't matter what we think: Eisenhardt's opinion, THAT's what matters.

At the mention, I look up to Eisenhardt, whose been appraising my work in silence-until now.
>[Eisenhardt]"...You have skill deficits I'd rather not see in one your age, but you came to the craft late. From the perspective of you being such a new student, the picture shifts. You've shown yourself quite knowledgeable on mechanics and to be naturally insightful into the ways of metal, and you have methods for working around your weaker areas. In short, you've done commendably with what you started with. .....Very good, you pass?"
Oh man this is it.
>Shit is going to be awesome.
>Play it cool man, courtesy courtesy!
"So this was a test-as were my prior questions, and even this whole forging venture, wasn't it?"
>[Eisenhardt]"I think I'll enjoy the amount of time I'll save not having to explain my actions. Yes, that is precisely the case-so what is it I've decided?"
"Not a trick question?"
>[Eisenhardt]"I am currently employing no psychological techniques of any sort, no."
"I may be crazy, but I think you just asked if I'd be your apprentice."
>[Eisenhardt]"And if I had made such an offer, would you be willing to accept what it means-to do what I tell you, to trust in my knowledge, and perform the tasks I assign, secure in the knowledge it will make you a better metalshaper? I don't brook insubordination from apprentices-that is not to say I don't want your opinion, but when I tell you to do something, I expect it done. I wish to be clear on this before any decision is made. Could you accept such conditions?"

.....Uh.





Can I accept such conditions to study under the Metal Titan the ways of Magnetomancy?
What title should I give my newly forged, stark, all-metal, purple-tinged sword that handles like a feather and hits like a sledgehammer?
What should I do with tonight and tomorrow morning?
[No Dream shenanigans currently, please]
>>
No. 269620 ID: bdd665

>>269617
well it seems great, but Ulzrick you need to make it clear that your staying out of his conflict with Mordre. Theres too much of a conflict of intrest on your part.
>>
No. 269622 ID: 259738

>>269617
Those conditions sound acceptable to me. Eisenhardt seems to be pretty cool except for the whole wanting Mordre dead thing.
>>
No. 269623 ID: 222dba

Better confirm if you'd still be free to attend to your usual duties or not either way. If so, wouldn't hurt to take him up on it. And as for what to call your new toy...hm. Well, considering it's directly resulted from your experimentation with more than one thing you've previously had no idea whatsoever about, why not call it...

Crash Course.
>>
No. 269628 ID: c328b9

rolled 43, 33 = 76

Rolling against creating 40k shit.

Sorry, even I have my limits. 40k doesn't need to be in every single gorramn thing.


>20:45 TheBeardiestBob I agree with you about the 40k thing, I'm hoping to misdirect attention away from it


>20:50 shot_2 Also, your permission to roll AGAINST making the shit?
>20:50 TheBeardiestBob Why would I restrict it
>20:50 TheBeardiestBob go for it

You want meta? Here, take it.
>>
No. 269631 ID: 252e1b

Good golly, Ulzrick this is not the sort of thing you should turn down. Ask for enough time to finish your commitments in the Archanoworks, and agree to apprentice with Eisenhardt. He's not an unreasonable man, he won't mistreat you. The only complicating issue is that you're in Mordre's service right now, and you need a little time to be properly released from it and to wrap up your work as a trainer.

So, take this opportunity and beg enough time to wrap up your current job.
>>
No. 269632 ID: 21e57a

>>269617
Yeah, bring up his Mordre Hate. I mean, Mordre kinda taught you how to be the very best and all. Two masters and that thing.

>>269623
I like this. I like this a lot.
>>
No. 269634 ID: 4573cc

>Can I accept such conditions to study under the Metal Titan the ways of Magnetomancy?
The entire reason we attracted the second Dreameater was so that we could become Eisenhardt's apprentice; that is, accept, though the condition >>269620 gave sounds like a good idea.

>What should I do with tonight and tomorrow morning?
Well, asking Vespinto what he named his new swords sounds like a good idea; in this modified reality, the two of you are friends, after all. Then returning the gloves to Jezebel, and using that to maybe apologize to her for any wrongdoing she thinks you have been up to with her and then correct any misconceptions she may have about last night? In any case, get back into her good graces.

After, eat something, like >>269528 suggests, that would provide your body with extra iron; while it would be a bad idea to begin the replacement today (the replacement attempts should start, I guess, tomorrow evening or two days from today), since the iron in your blood haven't yet fallen completely under your Ownership (perhaps you can, while eating, tap into your Will Magnetomancy and latch onto the iron within your blood, not actually manipulating it, letting it do what it will, but using magic to quicken the Ownership process) might as well start getting enough blood iron. Though, I suppose, making Blood Iron that originated from your blood in your dream and then pulling it out into the sword, sending the regular iron of the sword to the Dream at the same time, might be a better and easier method.

Then, take a nice dreamless short nap. After you wake up, hang around trying out your new sword and maybe try, with the help of the First, and any other Ulzrick fragment that knows Dream magic, to start replacing the regular iron with Blood Iron, using the pure Dream method, if that is possible.

Also, before I forget, how much success did you have with finding your brother's dreams and dreamwalking over to him?
>>
No. 269635 ID: f6360f

>>269623
>Crash Course
That name is awesome and you should feel awesome. Supporting it.

>>269617
>Can I accept such conditions to study under the Metal Titan the ways of Magnetomancy?
I think you can. You should probably make it clear beforehand that you have concerns about divided loyalties between the Arcanoworks and Eisenhardt, though, and that you would appreciate it if he would respect that working for Mordre has pretty much been the best several months of your life in a long, long time. I mean, shit, look at you- did you ever suspect you'd be this awesome a year ago? Pulling friendships and artifacts out of thin air, a MAJOR mage wanting you as his apprentice, a military officer with hundreds of men you can order about, and ridiculously hot woman sexing you up all over her laboratory?

So study under Eisenhardt, do what he says as much as you can, but make it clear straight-up that you're not going to betray the people who have done so much for you. Eisenhardt will probably respect that, and if not... well... some things are worth more than tutelage, even from one as impressive as he. You'll have to decide if this is one of them.


>What should I do with tonight and tomorrow morning?
Assuming that Eisenhardt doesn't insist that you do something during your first night/day as his apprentice, you should make every attempt to ride your wave of success directly into Jezebel's pants.
>>
No. 269637 ID: c328b9

Why limit yourself with a teacher, when you can transcend him and become something greater? All Eisenhardt can teach you, he learned by himself. Soyou can too, and more. Besides, going with him is bad for Mordre. So no. We won't apprentice under him.
>>
No. 269639 ID: 21e57a

Oh yeah, because the lot of us are forgetful, go get the KEY at the next chance you get that running from Jezebel the crazy lighting lady is unlikely to happen. Seriously, that will get us major props from Mordre.
>>
No. 269641 ID: 005f57

rolled 35, 36 = 71

>>269628
Seconding the anti-40k rolls.
>>
No. 269645 ID: 252e1b

>>269637

Now hang on a minute, there's the standing bargain between Mordre and Eisenhardt. If Mordre wins their duel, and doesn't kill him, Eisenhardt will serve Mordre. That's the scenario where Ulzrick gets to have his cake and eat it too. And, since Mordre is in the process of upgrading his golem, it's likely he'll be able to defeat Eisenhardt. Not a foregone conclusion, but likely.

This is not the sort of offer you get every day. Eisenhardt's skills will greatly help this Ulzrick, and all other Ulzricks in the network, eventually. Every moment Ulzrick spends learning magentomancy and gravimancy on his own is a moment that other Ulzricks are dying. Learning it from Eisenhardt is much faster, and thus will save more Ulzricks ultimately.
>>
No. 269647 ID: a76809

rolled 38 = 38

>>269628
>>269641
[40K meta CANCELLED]

>>269620
> well it seems great, but Ulzrick you need to make it clear that your staying out of his conflict with Mordre. Theres too much of a conflict of intrest on your part.
...More than reasonable. Let's see if he goes for it.

"Before a decision is made, I have some clarifying of my own to do."
>[Eisenhardt]"That being?"
"I'm not going to get involved in your disagreement with Mordre."
>[Eisenhardt]"You'd give me ultimatums?"
"If the alternative potentially means betraying you or Mordre-yes."
>[Eisenhardt]"I'm a direct approach type of individual, so I have no issue with what you propose. Are you still learning from him directly?"
"No."
>[Eisenhardt]"As I said, I have no issue."

>>269623
>[Gun] Better confirm if you'd still be free to attend to your usual duties or not either way. If so, wouldn't hurt to take him up on it. And as for what to call your new toy...hm. Well, considering it's directly resulted from your experimentation with more than one thing you've previously had no idea whatsoever about, why not call it... Crash Course
>I like that name!
>He does ask some rather pertinent questions...
"I'd also like to know, would I still have time for my duties here at the Arcanoworks if I accepted?"
>[Eisenhardt]"Yes, though I'll be giving you assignments to complete on your own time, beyond direct lessons."

I heft Crash Course onto my shoulder, it's purple weight light-and at the same time, feeling immensely heavy, a strange distortion about how it rests on my shoulder. More of its gravity shenanigans.

>>269622
>>269634
>>269635
"...Then yes, I'd be honored to be your apprentice Eisenhardt. ...So.. les-"
>[Eisenhardts]"Lessons will begin tomorrow morning, you have the rest of the night to get more acquainted with your new weapon-have you thought of a name."
"Crash Course."
>[Eisenhardt]"...How apt. Well then... until tomorrow."

And just like that, the Metal Titan floats out of the stables, going his seperate way, as I make my way outside-

To only notice Vespinto leaning against the stable walls after he snickers-was he here the whole time?
>Couldn't have been-his blades have wraps on the hilts now, he got that and came back.
>He's got a chain connecting each sword's hilt, as well.
>[Vespinto]"PHEW, took you a while in there, was able to put the finishing touches on Dawn Craze here-and I see you have yourself a sword too. Got a name?"
"Crash Course."
>[Vespinto]"Haha, I like it!"

Vespinto rolls his shoulders as he slips a pair of heavy cloth and leather pads over his swords, tossing a roll to me for my own weapon.

>[Vespinto]"Looky here, we have some fine new weapons, you just got yourself some awesome stuff on the magery end-and I hadn't said it yet, but congratulations on tapping Jez, was wondering if anyone'd get through that prickly-ass exterior. ...Well, I think you know what's going to happen."

I slip the leather and cloth cover over my blade, blunting and padding its edges, before tightly securing it.

"..I think I do, yes."
>[Vespinto]"Alright then. COME AT ME BRO!"

The chain loose and bowing from hilt to hilt like a massive smile before his form, Vespinto awaits me with a sword in either hand, arms akimbo, legs spread wide, on the balls of his feet.
>You do realize you've only beaten him twice EVER, right? And lost the last four times in a row?
>It's a bro-fight how is that not awesome?
>I wasn't discouraging the fight, I was wondering if we are approaching this with the right mindset. Vespinto got to be ridiculously good at moving fast, and getting into blind spots since that second loss, his alacrity is going to be an issue, as he still outclasses you in speed.
>Your magic sensing is not good enough to detect Blood Iron in others, so you can't get around his purely mundane shenanigans with magic.
>Not with Magnetomancy, no, unless you count harmonizing with your weapon.
>You saying Dream could have an answer?
>It could. Ultimately Dream is what you want it to be, if you can pay its price."
Guys, SHUT UP A SEC WITH THE RAMBLING. About to fight dude that's handed me my ass so many times?





How should I approach this, anyway?
Should I try to fight mundanely, and prioritize an honest martial exchange over winning?
Should I use Magnetomancy alone, and with the added control over my blade, how should I press an attack?
Should I use Dream magic in some way, and if so how? (1d100 roll for Dreams)
>>
No. 269649 ID: 222dba

Mundane skill only. Besides a fair fight, it'll give you a chance to get further accustomed to Crash Course. Remember, Vesp's weapons are also new, so he'll not be at top form either until he's had time to adjust. Better you both get a proper session to work out the quirks instead of potentially making a hash of things later somewhere else, just because you wanted to come out ahead right now.
>>
No. 269650 ID: c328b9

>>269647
Fight using magnetomancy to connect yourself and your blade closer. Aim to set him on the defensive, be aggresive as possible and never let up.
>>
No. 269652 ID: c328b9

>>269650
Better idea:

Fight defensively: his speed is good, but a strong enough defense using magnetomancy to detect blows will beat it. While you're using magnetomancy like that, work on overcoming his Ownership over the course of the battle. Once you have it, break the chain and disarm him.
>>
No. 269653 ID: 252e1b

>>269647

Uh, Vespinto's sword is made of metal. He's got little odds and ends of metal on him. You can sense him that way right?
>>
No. 269655 ID: 1854db

rolled 38 = 38

I say we draw out the fight via Dream magic. Whenever he manages to beat you, remember blocking/dodging etc that last attack. Keep going. Push your limits, and his.

Meanwhile I think you should practice a bit of magnetomancy over your blade, to see how you can mess with it. Don't actually try to win via it, obv. Prioritize a fair fight, like he desires.
>>
No. 269658 ID: 81f32a

>>269628
If you don't like this so much, why didn't you replace the suggestions with something more appropriate then?

I don't think that some people here were rolling and agreeing because it was WH40, but because these was great firepower we we were getting our hands at.
I'll admit, I though the first suggestions were jokes and that I was surprised that Bob considered them instead of blowing them off.

Now, you are refusing to outfit our armies with some greatest weapons that would make them hundreds of times lethal because you don't like a setting.
I tried to think of something else but couldn't come up with anything expect real-life weapons.

I don't really care for WH40 either but if you can't come up with anything better why ruin it altogether? We could have modified them not to look like originals and even change their names if you don't like it so much.

Anyway, now that you have ruined the process, come up with something better.



Also, guys, don't forget about Jezebel. Our greatest mission on earth.
>>
No. 269663 ID: 45be60

Did he just make sword-chucks? really? Be cautious, figure out how he is going to use those things.

>>269658
Eh, for all the complicated descriptions, those fancy firearms of the Imperium are apparently no more deadly than the noisemakers the ork hoards carry. Meanwhile we have hand-guns which fire enormous wrecking balls and cannons that fire balls, summon lighting on impact, and spray the surrounding area with molten metal in our arsenal. I honestly think golem quest has the destructive advantage here.
>>
No. 269664 ID: c328b9

>>269658


How about carbon nano-tubes, then? Multiple applications, not just in arms for swords and armor. It could be used for much more stable cabling, is highly conductive, is incredibly sturdy, and leads to other tech that could, theoretically, improve many things. Think of what Gialgorra could manage with fucking NANOTECHNOLOGY. And you wanted to bring in a laser gun and a glorified miniature rocket launcher, for shame! Where is your imagination?!

I rolled against it because I didn't like it. Bob allowed me, and even stated he didn't like them himself, and someone else rolled with me.

I would have replaced it with NANO-FUCKING-TECHNOLOGY, only I was told not to do more dream magic, so I complied. Now, back to the fight, right?


>>269663

Not to mention we can mass-produce skyfall cannons.
>>
No. 269670 ID: bdd665

>>269664
with nano tech Gialgorra could probably take over the world
>>
No. 269671 ID: 81f32a
File 129440985382.jpg - (284.04KB , 1078x858 , 1269950065997.jpg )
269671

rolled 16 = 16

>>269663
>>269664

To tell you the truth I don't really care for Bolters. Sure, they do have rule of cool but like you said: just glorified automatic rocket launchers, we could probably come up with something similar and even better on our own.

Now lasguns are much more advanced tech imo.
Consider the possible applications beyond using it as a weapon. As you probably know, to make a beam of light destructive and deadly, a shit-ton of energy is required. Lasguns don't only have that energy but of a loads of it and more, enough to keep shooting for hours. And, it recharges quite rapidly.
Beyond that, it is easy to make and mass-produce.
So I was thinking, if Jezbel or any other inventor would get their hands on that energy technology that powers the lasguns, they would be able to produce an overly powerful electrical engine or batteries. Wouldn't that be great?

Also, aren't our skyfall cannons on the par of revolvers but with lightning? Remove the 'skyfall' part (and morphing bullets), and they become just old-school revolvers (which are still awesome for this world, but we could do so much better)
If we could meta some modern weapon knowledge, maybe we could produce skyfall-machine guns? Or just regular handguns and rifles.
I was thinking that personal mortars would be great. Instead of using archery salvo, we would use mortar salvo. Oh, the enemies would be so surprised!
Or sniper rifles, those could be cool too.

>nano-tech
Sure. I like that.
But I know nothing about those things. If you guys could explain as thoroughly as you do with other theory stuff, this could be simply amazing. We could make body-suits of armor no thinker than an inch but much more durable and resistant than golem-armor.
I'm not sure about melee weapons made out of carbon nano-tubes, will they be also great?

Actually, I'm a bit disappointed we aren't trying our luck to do more awesome stuff with Dream Recollection. We had some great opportunities when the 'vs' roll was so low. Yeah, I know, the Dreamreaper.

Can we roll for Dream recollection now or do we wait till the battle is over?
I want to re-suggest my idea with notebook that sows how the morphic fluid is made.
>>
No. 269678 ID: 81f32a

Also, concerning the Dreamreaper.
Remember when the Wandering Voice came he used some kind of trick to drive it away?
Can't we use Dream Recollection to recall that just before he left, he learned us that trick?

It shouldn't cause any paradoxes and it's very recent.
>>
No. 269682 ID: 81f32a

Hah!

I think I know what one of the future tasks Eisenhardt is going to give Ulzrick.
Pretty sure he'll ask him to retrieve Del Rogas magic axe when he feels that Ulzrick is ready for suck a thing.
With Ulzricks talents and our help, I don't think he'll have that much of difficulty of doing it.

Ulzrick, you should get ready for that.
Also we should recite you the story of Del Rogas axe, Eidenhardts previous apprentice and his failed siege [insert here the recap]


Also, Ulzrick, don't worry too much of betraying Mordre. It's quite possible that Eisenhardt will be serving Mordre soon and thus Mordre will still be on the top of the corporate ladder.
>>
No. 269683 ID: 201a4b

rolled 17 = 17

>>269655
Seconding this
Supporting roll of 1d20.

Use your magentomancy as much as possible, your ARE a mage now, it is a part of you, not using your magic is a handicap and I think he would be more disappointed that anything to know that you held back.

If you plan to make it part of your style, then use it.
>>
No. 269685 ID: 8c06b9

Make it an honest fight. The Dream Eater has shown that there are gonig to be times when we can't use magic, so it'd be good to practice swordskill unsupported by your more supernatural skills. Asides, fair is fair.

Though... Maybe have a chat with him after the first few rounds or so, get his opinion on you using some supernatural skill in these exchanges, see if he prefers you not using magic or if it'd be alright for you to even the odds a little with it. Also, these spars might be a good chance to practice using your dream magic in combat. Inform him you're going to practice using a supenatural ability (Maybe desribe it as 'fudging' things) before you start the 'round' (And make sure he's alright with said practice), and don't use it to outright win, but to dodge blows that would have otherwise hit. And make sure to give him indication that he 'did' hit you, but that you magicked things to avoid it; He might get frustrated otherwise.
>>
No. 269706 ID: 21e57a

>>269649
Yeah, I like this idea. Mundane skills, honest beating each other within an inch of each other.

>>269655
Then this if you get beat. Hell, this if you beat him. Stretch the fight out for as long as possible, to the point that both of you are just exhausted and collapse together in badass combat like bros.

As for combat suggestions, just start swinging Course in at Vespinto from every angle. Test his defenses first, before easing off the attack and letting him come at you. This is both training as well as a bro-fight - brofist for the Ulzrick that cheered for that, yeah; it's damn badass bro - so let’s see how you use that sword.

And an idle thought: Any tricks Vespinto seemed to have picked up?

>>269658
>>269663
>>269664
>>269670
>>269671
Children, can we please stop bitching about how much we hate some alternate realities and focus on the fight? You know, so we can help Ulzrick win?

I mean it doesn't matter if you wanna give Gialgorra the biggest 'I win' button in the history of fiction, you think that their Premen have silly weapons when they have weaponized teleportation and we haven't yet, yadda yadda yadda. What matters is the Other helping the Ulzricks.

Note, yes Vespinto did. He is a fighter, Ellorika is a white mage in the yelling/buffing style, and I don't know what we are. Probably a red mage.
>>
No. 269714 ID: bdd665

>>269706
Wining this fight would be good but it is not essential for Ulzrick, don't get so worked up about it.
>>
No. 269718 ID: 81f32a

>>269714
Was thinking the same thing.

Hope this fight wont last too long so that we can go back to much more important tasks, like trying tap Jezebel again.
>>
No. 269719 ID: 21e57a

>>269714
Well, we should focus on Ulzrick and not some other pointlessness.
>>
No. 269724 ID: 81f32a
File 129443634550.jpg - (12.40KB , 428x321 , Crash Course.jpg )
269724

Tried my hand drawing Crash Course on Oekaki.

Didn't work out as well as I hoped so.

so yeah...
>>
No. 269725 ID: 5f0943

>>269724
It sorta looks like a folded umbrella... or a tie...
>>
No. 269726 ID: 81f32a
File 129443855874.jpg - (13.95KB , 414x347 , Crash Course 2.jpg )
269726

>>269725
Fucking perspective, how does it work!?
Seriously, how does it?

Tried same fancy shit to make it look like watching it from the side.

......

Alright how about this?
.... it still looks like a damn umbrella, doesn't it? Maybe it's because of the colour?

Should have made a sable, those are much easier to draw...
>>
No. 269727 ID: 5f0943

>>269726

It looks a lot better now, not quite as wobbly.
And yes, the colour might have something to do with it.
It's too purple I think. From the description, it's more like regular metal grey coloured, but with a slight purple tint. (that's how I perceived it anyway)
Though that kind of colour might be a bit hard to achieve.

Also, from the description of the forging process (and the result), Crash Course seems to have a straight blade, not a leaf-blade (which may be where a lot of the umbrellanes is coming from).
>>
No. 269728 ID: 21e57a

>>269724
I personally think it looks kinda like a quill.
>>
No. 269729 ID: ab04d4
File 129444049380.png - (17.06KB , 224x292 , Crash Course.png )
269729

I spent about half an hour or so drawing Crash Course in iScribble. Because I love weapons.
>>
No. 269731 ID: 5f0943

>>269729
Nice!
>>
No. 269743 ID: 21e57a

>>269729
This looks particularly unlike a quill.
>>
No. 269763 ID: 81f32a
File 129445216544.jpg - (61.34KB , 808x640 , Crash Course 3.jpg )
269763

... this isn't really working out for me
>>
No. 269772 ID: 21e57a

I like the middle, even though it seems like out of Homestuck.
>>
No. 269777 ID: 21e57a
 

>>269772
Hey, you need fight music? Here's a badass song to beat your bro with.

Are you ready?

FIGHT!
>>
No. 269782 ID: a76809

>>269743
[Crash Course is not supposed to look like a quill, it's supposed to look like a slab of metal. >>269729 is the closest to that, since the blade most certainly does NOT narrow as it nears the hilt. Anyway.]

>>269649
>>269685
I lead by charging forward, on the balls of my feet for any potential lunge as I sweep Crash Course about in a swirling horizontal slice-
>What the fuck?

Vespinto's moved, and I reflexively begin falling back-but not nearly enough, for he fully LEAPED at me, body twisting as he goes soaring overhead-and his chain loops about my neck in passing.
>Dammit, this is going to HURT!
>Why would you cripple yourself? This is the just reward for thinking lightly of your foe.
Well thanks ass-GRK!

The chain pulls taut and I am hauled off my feet, vespinto's back suddenly against mine as the word spins-

For me to slam facefirst into the ground with a heavy thud. ....The pain is rather secondary to the drowzy daze swirling in my mind-
>You can see well enough for this.
Vespinto's sword points, clad in cloth as they may be, come to rest against my neck, as Vespinto leans in close to my still form, a puzzled frown on his face.
>[Vespinto]"What happened to your magic mumbo-jumbo, huh? What, did you think I'd include something like a chain if I didn't know how to use it? Thinking too little of me man, even with a fancier sword you hand-forged or whatever, I was already kicking your ass, WITHOUT Dawn Craze. Take this more seriously, man-and cut loose!"
>Such a bro!
>I would emphasize his conveyed point-take this fight more seriously.

Vespinto darts back as my vision begins to clear, groggily standing as the world resolves into clarity. Once I finally find myself back in sorts, he looks at me inquiringly.

>>269652
>Fight defensively: his speed is good, but a strong enough defense using magnetomancy to detect blows will beat it. While you're using magnetomancy like that, work on overcoming his Ownership over the course of the battle. Once you have it, break the chain and disarm him.
I-
>>269653
> Uh, Vespinto's sword is made of metal. He's got little odds and ends of metal on him. You can sense him that way right?
OKAY, I get it.

I take a steady breath, as I cast out my senses, tapping Will and reaching out to both my weapon and my surroundings. I feel the imbued power, that Belief within the blade, working with and melding to my amplified magnetic control, all while I slowly map and lock onto Vespinto's Dawn Craze, the three necklaces he wears, the five rings and one armband. His arms, his hands, his weapons-I can feel them all, even as Crash Course becomes part of me.

Once more I dash forward, only to stop four feet shy of Vespinto the moment before he leaps as I feel him shifting, dodging back from far enough away I evade his entire airborne sequence. Crash Course whips down in a vicious blur the moment my tiny foe lands, and unable to evade Vespinto attempts a crossed-weapon block.

With not a whiff of feedback through my hand, vibrational forces channeled, absorbed and dampened, Crash Course throws Dawn Craze out of Vespinto's hands-I see hand and hilt wrappings alike tearing at the savage force as both weapons sink deep into the earth.
>Fuck yes, that's what I'm talking about! An unblockable shortsword!
>I doubt it's UNblockable, likely just much more difficult than its scale would suggest-or the way foes see us handle it.
>Yeah, with Magnetomancy going feels like it weighs as much as a stick! That's one boosted connection there!

I see an opening, and lunge forward even as Vespinto's hands fly towards his weapons, hooking my padded blade in the chain's loop before it can fall before flicking it all away, the weapon going flying instants before Vespinto could reclaim it. I find our situations reversed, as I smile at my weaponless foe.

"Seem to have lost your weapon there."
>[Vespinto]"Seem to have lost A weapon."

His hands and arms contort, and down his sleeves tumble long punch daggers, swiftly clutched in a firm grip as he adopts a loose stance, jaw roaming as he grins. ...Why does he have blunt wooden daggers up his sleeves? DId he plan for this?
>You know how much he likes to give you beatdowns.

>[Vespinto]"Don't worry, I can keep you company until I both picking up the Craze again. ...Well?"

I grin as I begin dashing back, in a race with Vespinto to see who reaches his weapon first. The fight is on in earnest.

>>269655
[38 vs 38 TIE IMMEDIATE PAST, MINOR CHANGE MULTIPLE PASS]
>[DREAM RECOLLECTION: SKILL UP]
> I say we draw out the fight via Dream magic. Whenever he manages to beat you, remember blocking/dodging etc that last attack. Keep going. Push your limits, and his.
>Huh. Immediate, short-term application, on the past of a couple seconds ago.
>If you did it early enough you wouldn't create paradox, I think...
>Such a staggered application of Reality Redaction was my preferred method of use. For once I do not find your proposed methodology ludicrous.
And so I cut loose, secure in the knowledge that I can keep this going well past when it would normally stop-for both of us.

>>269724 [FANART BONUS]
>>269726 [FANART BONUS]
>>269729 [FANART BONUS]
>>269763 [FANART BONUS]
>>269777 [LUCKY MUSIC BONUS]
>Ulzrick acquires a new ability!
>-Crash Course Crusher: Ulzrick, when wielding his weapon Crash Course, knows how to hit like a heavyweight. His one-handed swings, when Magnetomantically enhanced, now exceed the force of a two handed war maul attack by a Premen Warrior.
[SIX HOURS LATER]

....Damn.... tiny.... bastard... so.... goddamn... tenacious. Fuck, I'm tired.
>You're muscles hurt like a BITCH right now, I would like to AGAIN point out. Would you please just collapse, this isn't healthy-
>HEY, DON'T FUCK WITH A BRO BRAWL.
>Wha-
>DON'T EVER FUCK WITH A BRO BRAWL.
>...I would assume you came from a notable different reality before getting attached to this anchor of Ulzrick?
>Yeah, why?
STOP TALKING, Damn my head hurts. I've... I think I lost count of how many reality redactions I used, each such a tiny thing-somewhere around use one hundred. ...That was two hours in. Which was an hour and a half before he finally reclaimed his Craze, after cycling through some twenty two secreted wooded weapons.
>Crafty bastard.

Now Vespinto and I face one another, panting heavily as sweat pours from our bodies, limbs leaden, bodies sluggish, vision bleary-but neither willing to be the first to drop.
>Give him some encouragement. His Ownership of most items may already be considerable-but not on one of his necklaces.
Huh? ...Yeah, that's right. I reach out, a sharp pain somewhere deep in my brow as I strain what little Arcane magic I have-tugging Vespinto forward, setting his ragged body lurching as he works to avoid pitching forward. He turns the pull into a belligerant jog, raising his weapons in defiance. I take a step forward, leg screaming as if on fire, before another, and another, before we meet, both just barely above a fast walk, both using every last bit of energy we have. Vespinto ducks in close, too close for the blade's sweep-or so he hopes. As he slams a pair of chained pommels into my side, Crash Course loops about-and catches him in the back. Unsteady as both of us are in impact,the force is enough to knock us both over, where we finalyl find ourselves unable to get up. We lay there, desperately tying to catch a breath that long ago fled, as I slowly gather enough focus to ask a question.

"A... tie?"
>[Vespinto]"..Yah."


On the one hand, I didn't get to run into Jezebel, its nearly midnight, I can barely move and I'm excessively battered. On the other hand, ...I don't think I mind.

[DAY 166: DAY 6 OF WEEK 2 OF MONTH 5:]
[Lorthday of the Second Cycle of Libiturnius (Summer)]


.........................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: BANG] .........................................

...ffffffffffffFFFFFFUCK yeah, finally finangled a brawl with Korgotyo the chained!

GIANT CHAINED WRAPPED RAGEGLUT FIST INBOUND, THIS SHIT IS GOING DOWN!
>And you had been acting so seriously recently, I was beginning to think you were growing up. Would you even listen if I was giving advice right now?
Unless it was on how to have more fun with this, NOPE.






ALRIGHT, HOW IS THIS FIGHT GONNA GO DOWN FROM ROUND ONE?
What kind of radical plans do I have for fighting a Rageglut Veteran that's gone toe to toe with a Living Legend not once, but TWICE?
Do I feel stoked Keddic finally called to say that come this afternoon we can head back, which means right after this fight?
....And what kinds of things did I have the Metal Skulls focus on while they were here?
>>
No. 269784 ID: dae664
 

>>269782
This is how I picture Bang Should he ever actually get angry.

Note the end of the video.
>>
No. 269785 ID: 201a4b

>Battle
BANG TIME!
>Fighting Chain user
urrrg

Let's see now, since you are nowhere near as durable as Oz, I can think of only two ways for you to fight at the moment.
1)Speed (not the best option...)
2)Regen-trolling (basically, if he is about to hit you, you split your body along the attack vector and then rejoin after passing. Don't overuse)

But first, THE PROPER WAY TO BEGIN THIS BATTLE IS WITH A BROFIST!

COUNTER DAT!
Bone spikes in the ground if you need more purchase.

First order of business, since you can't go toe to toe with this guy, you need to weaken hum.

Focus on his elbows, fingers and knees.
His chain technique utilizes high velocity strikes, dexterous chain manipulation and a grounded stance.
This technique (unless more magical than mundane) depends on
-His fingers to manipulate teh chains
-His elbows and knees for major force handlers
-His toes to ensure grounded stance

If you take out his fingers and toes, I guarantee that his techniques will drop to, at least, half strength.

You have been fighting ragegluts for some time now, so you know the easiest ways to break em.

Have at that.
>>
No. 269786 ID: dae664

>>269784

Oh right.
Tactics.

Is this a friendly brawl? Or did we seriously piss off this nice Rageglut? Doesn't really matter I suppose, were still going to have to give this our all.

Why don't we begin by dodging this nice big fist coming at us? Then, look for somewhere vulnerable, Like the back of his knee, and then proceed to kick the ever living shit out of said weak point.

Or, we could Simultaneously Grow four more arms[totaling 6 arms] And punch the hell out of said oncoming giant fist?
>>
No. 269787 ID: c328b9

Ah, this is the chained one? he's really fucking strong, but not the fastest dude you'll ever face. Make your legs digitigrade, like a cat's. It's a bit faster than your normal legs. Also, go for the brofist, and see how loud you can make the sonic boom.

When you're done goofing around, get above him, because those chains are going to have more trouble going vertical than horizontal. Then work on doing hard dropping attacks, shifting in midair as suddenly as you can.
>>
No. 269791 ID: 222dba

Jump ONTO said incoming fist, form barbed spines on your heals and the balls of your feet so he can't shake/knock you off so easily as you run up along his arm, then HEADBUTT HIM IN THE EAR
>>
No. 269798 ID: a76809

>>269791
I KNOW WHAT TO DO!
>Bang, honestly?
You know it will be hilarious!
>Just... why Bang, why?
Why not?

I leap upwards, tumbling up and over the oncoming fist, tendrils sprouting from foot and hand, hardening into burred spikes and hooks as I dig into what exposed flesh I can find, dashing up and around his chains and up his arm. I see a look of surprise on his face as even he he violently shakes his arm while whipping himself around in the air, I am still not pried loose. Before he can mount a second attempt to oust me, I finish dashing over his shoulder-and grab his ear with both hands.

"MAGNUM HEADBUTT!!"

I brace my feet and lower body in air metaphysically healed into being solid about me and let rip-knocking the Rageglut's head back, my Forever Rising Scarf swirling up as a chain comes clying at me, completely absorbing the impact force. Aw yeah.
>This... actually isn't going badly.[i]

Chains in the dozens whirl up, and some once more are completely ablated by my Scarf-but not all. Five loops get through, snaking about, their immense loops binding arms, legs and waist alike as I am whipped skyward, drawn into a radical parabolic arc and-

[i]SPLAT


-Gah, that sucked.
>You temporarily lost seventy eight percent of your brainmass, and, in the sense of the primary identity storage, died. However, your concurrent mirrored identity in your bones was sufficiently preserved that, with the remaining brain mass you regenerated in on third of a second-and as freakishly impressive as that is, I take it back, this isn't going well at all.

As I get hauled back into the sky from my viciously swift and kinda terminal impact with the ground, whipping back around for what I assume would be successive ground-pounds. Nah, no thanks. Chaining Calamity.... not Chaining BANG MAGNUM. BREAKING THIS SHIT RIGHT NOW.

With my scarf juiced to the brim, I flood my mind purely with calculation, billions of spell instances running and flooding my body with rapid change even as my White Blood cells, still magically inert, expertly attack Chaotic Cancer as it rises-I can cast more without fear of magical recoil or demand, free to calculate as I will-or at least far more so than before. My skeletal brain support system warps, reforming into a blood-based endoskeletal hydraulic system, massive amounts of magical energy converting into matter , muscle and layer upon layer of new tendon growing into place, body tightening like a spring as I heave at chains and-

CRACK

Aw yes, pried my way free-and switching back to default, with the brain backup.
>At least you aren't dense.
Reclaiming the energy decomissioning the additional mass during the midair reversion-okay, ready to rumble.

>>269785
>>269787
>Do you even have a plan
Now that I've comprehensively broken down the physical basics of chain manipulation, and am above him, nope. Check it out!

I place my hands against a sudden air barrier mid-ascent as the Forever Rising Scarf likewise compresses against the sudden purchase, my body tightening like a spring before-

"BIG BANG STUPENDOUS STOMP!!"

My velocity on impact with Korgotyo's face is just south of the speed of sound, foot firmly planted just below his right eye socket-with the sound of cracking bone, but no yield to my attack. The Forever Rising Scarf aids me in my rapid dismount as I go skyborne-and repeat the attack again even as he moves to fend me off, awkward in his upward attacks.

Scratch that-repeat the attack twenty three times.
>Twenty three because he's erecting a chain shell that you did nothing to stop.
I just wanted to solidly beat in his face a bit, THAT'S ALL. The guy did sorta kill me, the least I could do is bloody his lip before anything else happens, right?
>And as that massive chain cocoon closes up, letting your foe do who knows what with it-what are you going to do so that this ISN'T a huge tactical blunder?
Obviously I-







What am I gonna do?
>>
No. 269799 ID: c328b9

>>269798
>Chains

>Metal

>You have a way to create electricity

BIG BANG TERRIFIC TAZER
>>
No. 269800 ID: dae664

>>269798
Get some distance. Constantly move about.
That Chain sheild is probably going to suddenly lash out, or try to grab us in not too much time.

I suggest we wait for a hole in said cocoon To open up, and then send a chainsaw arm tentacle in to cut something vital up, like a tendon.
>>
No. 269801 ID: 222dba

Going turtle, eh? Well, the softest part of a turtle's shell is the underside. Alter the battlefield conditions. SMASH THE GROUND SO HARD YOU OPEN A FISSURE UP UNDER HIM
>>
No. 269803 ID: f6360f

>>269798
A big part of me thinks that the path to victory here is to cut/blast your way into his huge body and then start burrowing around and slashing things up, since his chains probably won't have a lot of success following you, or removing you without causing severe internal damage. But that might kill him if it works.

Eh, I'm probably being silly.
>>
No. 269804 ID: 222dba

Oh, here's a thought or two.

Modify your lungs and diaphram for extra capacity and pressure, form a couple exit ports in your back leading from your new torso-compressor, use bioelectricity to ignite the concentrated oxygen while opening a direct line from from your throat into your chest. BECOME ROCKET-MAN.

Also, multiply your mitochondria, it might just, oh, INCREASE THE ENERGY OUTPUT OF EVERY CELL IN YOUR BODY.
>>
No. 269806 ID: 222dba

Oh, and another thing. You need more nerve tissue. Neurons are electrically-excitable cells. Therefore, make use of your cellular membranes to turn your nervous system into one big biological parallel-plate capacitor. FRRRZZZZAP
>>
No. 269808 ID: 903f16

>What am I gonna do?
Right Bang if you're going to do this >>269799 you'll need extra charge. You've got a little bit of electric eel action going already, let's expand on that and use some more aquatic adaptions. Take for example the electric ray, an interesting creature that compensates for it's poor sense of sight with specialized electrical organs. It's got electroreception like you do, but it also has a whole lobe of it's brain dedicated to it and to controling the way it sends out electrical shocks to it's prey. This brain has four central nerves which branch off and attach to it's organic batteries. The batteries are hexagonally are series of arranged hexagonal electrocytes I believe. This whole system is transferred out into the skin from two large electric organs on the side of it's head.
>>
No. 269810 ID: 21e57a

>>269804
You know, I thought this was gonna be about becoming the loudest ever, or weaponizing or brining the diaphragm in as a working part of the Awesome of Bang, but hey, cool idea. It might actually be a good idea to upgrade the diaphragm so Bang can get more air, and those whales and pistol shrimp seem to be the loudest animals, so maybe mimicking them would make Bang damn loud. Also, don’t pistol shrimp punch so hard they screw with physics or something? Use that too.

Also, hey, your mask is ok? That’s cool, how did you get her to feel better?
>>
No. 269812 ID: 222dba

Right, so let's break this down a little. You need to make some extra air sacs in your chest cavity. Pretty sure you've seen birds with something similar at one point or another. Just make 'em more durable and surround them with muscle tissue to compress 'em when the time comes. Make style the things after heart chambers so the air can only pump through in one direction, and then outward to a pair of sphincters in your back. Just spark bioelectricity across them and you're good to go. And you could probably run air-lines down to other parts of your body for directional control or more offensive purposes too.

As to the capacitor-nerve tissue thing, well, you can already run electricity over your skin. Think of each cell as a tiny little you and the membrane as the skin of each micro-you. Press 'em together and you can store a potential charge between them. Should give you enough of an idea to build on it properly, I think.
>>
No. 269813 ID: 81f32a

I was wondering.

Can you hear the voices of the masks imbued in Forever Rising?
>>
No. 269821 ID: a8bd5d

>>269804
You can't burn oxygen. Oxygen is what does the burning, so there'd need to be some kind of fuel shooting out Bang's back.
>>
No. 269823 ID: 252e1b

>>269821

Hydrogen peroxide, which is what peroxisomes make and contain in cells, will decompose rapidly into a great deal of heat and water when in the presence of catalytic silver.

If Bang were to make a big production organ that was mostly perioxisomes (used mostly for breaking down damaged cells and cellular nutrients), he could turn his body's water into hydrogen peroxide, and then channel that into a chamber on his back that had some silver present. Since the silver is just a catalyst, he needs just a set amount of it. I'm sure he has some silver on his person, some coins or something that he can eat and use to coat the reaction chamber with.

The reaction chamber would need to be shaped to maximize the amount of silver touching hydrogen peroxide. Using the spongy bone tissue present in the larger bones (such as in the ball of the femur) as a model, Bang could create an ossified space in the organ where all the silver was concentrated, and force the hydrogen peroxide through that spongy mass of silver-coated bone by simple muscle pressure on the periox-bladder.

The reaction chamber would have to lead directly to the nozzles, in this case orifices that neck down and bell out, like a person's lips blowing air out quickly. The reaction chamber and nozzles would all need to either be heat-proofed against the tremendous amount of heat (hydrogen peroxide turns into steam pretty much instantly around silver) or would need to be repaired constantly while in use. Flight could be controlled by using vectored thrust (pointing the nozzles dynamically) or by controlling the amount of drag on Bang's body through extending limbs, or both.

Wings, or even just an extended gliding surface of skin flaps like flying squirrels have, would greatly increase the jet pack's endurance.
>>
No. 269824 ID: 252e1b
 

>>269823

Forgot to attach this. Jump to 0:49 if you just want to watch a man fly on a tank of hydrogen peroxide.
>>
No. 269833 ID: 6e07b6
File 129449588869.jpg - (142.35KB , 550x400 , microbial-fuel-cells_odvi1_69.jpg )
269833

For generating a more constant electrical current how about creating an organic fuel cell organ?

In nature you can find plenty of exoelectrogenic bacteria that convert sugars into CO2, water and electric energy.
( http://www.microbialfuelcell.org/www/index.php/General/General-priniciples-of-MFCs.html )
Now these aren't too effective because the bacteria only displace electrons as more or less a side effect of the way they survive and reproduce. Now if the same principle could be reworked a bit to create a dense sponge like organ pumped with glucose sugars for the sole purpose of churning out electrons, water and carbon dioxide in a reckless, suicidal manner then what? You have an organ that shoots out odourless gas and water/steam while simultaneously producing vast amounts of electricity as it effectively burns the sugar. When in action it will be kept alive by curiomancy alone, but Bang can surely accept such a sacrifice in the name of upgrading himself to be the human reactor.
>>
No. 269835 ID: 81f32a

You know what we should figure out?

How to turn impact into magical energy.

....Though I have no idea how to do that.
>>
No. 269837 ID: d3dfb8

>>269835
The leather armor that Bang claimed from the Fell Mask dude, stores impacts for later use on your opponent. If we had Arkus create us a modified copy we could do that.
>>
No. 269838 ID: d3dfb8

>>269833
Now we just need to find a use for the CO2 and we've got a pretty decent system going on.
>>
No. 269840 ID: d3dfb8

>>269838
Sorry for triple posts but if we make a carbon dioxide scrubber by treating Calcium hydroxide with sodium hydroxide.
Then we filter the CO2 through it and receive pure oxygen.

We could then store this large excess of oxygen in an air tank created out of muscles for compression. Give the oxygen an exit point then light it with our rockets and we can exhume fire from any pore on our body. Now we can one up Keddic's pipe lighter!
>>
No. 269844 ID: a76809

>>269799
Really? Gonna protect yourself with conductors while being all wrapped in them?
>The amount of current you can generate at any given time could not meaningfully impact those chains enough to reach your foe without losing most of its punch-not even counting whatever combat magic he has on his person. It will do nothing.

I guess I'll need more juice then. Okay.. a 94% full scarf-time to get working!

>>269804
My first thought is how to mitigate the cost of successive craftings-what if my body itself had more energy to draw on! Should be able to pair that with the scarf's contributions to go farther.
>And how are you going to make your body just produce more energy?
Cells got little power plant-type organelles in them that provide energy-I'm gonna make them multiple, in each and every cell.
>And how will you sustain all this newfound natural energy?
I'll need to eat more-alternatively, the amount of passive magic generated by my endo-exoskeletal scrimshaw runing produces considerable power-I can just multiply exactly until I innately produce enough magical energy to passively derive matter for power my more demanding form. And yes, before you ask, I am keeping this to my Chaos form, would suck feeling quasi-hungry all the time, and I would lose what little subtlety I have left. So?
>Cellular modification sounds like it will require immense precision.
Oh yah, gonna need about 24.8 billion spell instances just so I can run a fast enough rolling wave of body conversion I don't run into issues mid-conversion. But once its done, what I got planned NEXT-well, one at a time, LETS DO THIS

As the chain sphere contorts beneath me and I rise past my prior highest point in my ascent, no air-wall to deflect off of, the world vanishes for a moment-no, it dims to obscurity as I prepare equation after equation, thousands, millions... billions. Starting from my feet and rolling up, I begin to convert each and every cell's innate structure, to further weaponize myself. The wave crest ankles, knees, rolls up my torso and-

[SCARF DEPLETED TO 79% TOTAL CAPACITY]
>-NEW BONUS: ALL OF BANG'S MAGIC COSTS WHILE IN CHAOS FORM ARE REDUCED BY 25%
>-NEW EFFECT: WHILE IN CHAOS MODE, BANG NO LONGER CONTRIBUTES MAGIC TO THE SCARF'S STORAGE. IT'S POWER MUST BE GENERATED BY THE SEVEN SELF-WEARING MASKS WOVEN INTO THE SCARF, OR KINETICALLY ABSORBED VIA THE SCARF.

...Okay, more body energy... bit hotter, too-WOO, that's got a kick, keeps your eyes wide open!
>Your internal body temperature-
Is now thirty eight percent higher, I know, my body can take it, I've worked some on thermal flexibility of function, this is within those stress limits. Now, ONTO THE NEXT MODIFICATION!

>>269806
I plot out a supplement to my nervous system, meant not so much for sensory data in the conventional sense, but streamlined to form a body-comprehensive, cellular-level biological parallel-plate capacitor
>I can see inside your mind and that still does not make sense.
Nervous system works by electrical current. Making a modified extra system just FOR current generation, spanning my whole body to make use of cellular interaction to store mass amounts of potential charge. Well, it could boost my electro-reception a bit with more tactile information, I guess. Point is-
>More electrical output yes I grasp the mechanism now.
This almost feels smalltime compared to the last expenditure. A few hundred million calculations as cells convert, shift and multiply-and I hear a humming sound from my body as my already upright hair tries to stand straighter as my body suffuses in passive charge, my new biological electrical generator online.

[SCARF DEPLETED TO 75% TOTAL CAPACITY]
>-NEW BONUS: BANG'S ELECTRICAL OUTPUT HAS INCREASED BY 267%

Even wrapped in my cocoon of adrenaline, I note my upwards velocity diminishing-I'll be returning to the fight soon enough, got to work faster!

>>269806
YES RAY FISH!
>What?
Just like there were electrical eel varieties I encountered in that swim back from the Wall, there were ray fish-some electrical as well, but from a completely different mechanism. Hey, why not have both? Okay, there was a new lobe to the brain-I'm fine with that, my backup system works in case I have problems-boost electroreception, then run out nerves to hexagonal electrocyte clusters as natural batteries and generators alike-compact them, pack as much in as I can, spread them through body-pssh, that only took thirty five million calculations!

[SCARF DEPLETED TO 73% TOTAL CAPACITY]
>-NEW BONUS: BANG'S ELECTRICAL OUTPUT HAS INCREASED BY 72%
>-NEW BONUS: BANG'S ELECTRORECEPTION SENSITIVITY HAS INCREASED BY 67%

>>269833
As I slowly begin my descent, I finally move onto something a bit more WILD.
>I don't like the sound of this.
Pssh, it's AWESOME, check this out!

Bacteria-I think that's what they're called, saw summat called that for body infections in a ripped page from an advanced Curatiomancy tome-those little buggers that cause infections in bodies-which I know you know, since I know, and you know what I know-and yes I phrased it that way on purpose-can be found pretty much everywhere. Built a pretty decent catalogue of bacteria I encountered, and among them are bacteria that produce electric energy by converting different materials.
>And I can see that normally this process is not particuarly energetic, or combat inclined, according to what you saw of energy production rates.
Sure-except those were cells trying to LAST, what if I prioritize energy production to the point of immediate cell-death as they perform mass conversion? OH WAIT I CAN HEAL IT.
>You plan a self-destructive organ that you must constantly heal or have implode inside you?
No fair just taking the info like that, I was going for a big unveil! And I plan twenty eight such organs, densely packed. Time to make some real power!
>What will you do with the excess gas and water?
I'll figure something out.

My mind seethes in calculation as the massive chain sphere's contortions become writhing whips, Korgotyo still safely ensconced as massive lengths start curling my way at deceptively fast. Three billion, five hundred eighty one million, two hundred fifty thousand, four hundred twelve equations later, I find myself packed with bacteria-inspired, sugar-electricity/steam converters, each of which lies dormant, a hair's breadth from self-destruction, so highly have I cranked up their performance. Oh yeah!

[SCARF DEPLETED TO 67% TOTAL CAPACITY]
>-NEW BONUS: BANG'S ELECTRICAL OUTPUT HAS INCREASED BY 212% WHEN ACTIVE
>-NEW EFFECT: BANG'S MAGIC COSTS ARE DOUBLED WHEN USING THIS ORGAN SET

Alright, counting what the exoelectrogenic bacteria organs can contribute, I've increased my electrical capacity to nineteen hundred sixty nine and change percent of what it was-huh, two point one seconds ago. Think that might make an impact?
>....It might.

BUT WAIT IT GETS BETTER!

>>269812
>>269823
>>269840
Now seriously, shush for a sec, I gotta connect a few things together, finishing touches, all that.
>What are you-BANG WHAT THE HELL!
I swear I'll tumor the shit out of my face if you don't pipe down, need to concentrate!

Okay, those cells that break down damaged cells, cellular nutrients, all that-they can make hydrogen peroxide, which I have found reacts rather potently with Silver. I have some silver, I keep an emergency supply of a few Lo in an internal compartment, so even if I lose my uniform going into Chaos Mode, I still have options. I begin constructing porous, sponge-like bone vents, silver-lined, in my back, chest, elbows, knees, feet and palms. Each one's pours all funnel cleanly and dynamically outward, providing a direct exit path through the silver-coated surroundings. I temper and harden the bones, already several hundred million equations in, looking to create as much thermal resistance as possible. I connect each of these new exit vents to new organs built just for producing mass amounts of hydrogen peroxide. To these new organs, I hook my exoelectrogenic organs, feeding their waste water to the hydrogen peroxide converters, making my fullpower-electric use ultimately the trigger-

For flight.

Two point nine billion equations in, I make the finishing touches, funneling the excess gas produced past scrubbers to treat it with calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide, converting the gas into clean oxygen-with I then funnel to my bloodstream to provide more places my blood can be oxygenated.

Alright, ALLLLL-RIGHT, LET'S DO THIS!

"MAGNUM MAELSTROM MODE!!"

I fire up the biological engines within, scarf now just three fifths full, as I use my chemical rockets to jet straight down towards my foe, cancer-cannons providing auxhiliary thrust so that even without air-walls to jump on I achieve impressive mobility. I lash out a hand as my body is suffused with immense current, and touch Korgotyo's chains.

ZAP

My body is immediately reduced to a neutral charge as Korgotyou's chains twitch and ark, his shell writhing so wildly I see paths opening to the warrior within, muscles knotting as I see him grimly appraising me. I rocket down, dodging about his chains and getting within his defense as I build up another massive charge, pulling back my fist.

"MAGNUM PUNCH!!"

My fist flies forward, and so trapped by his own defenses Korgotyo can go nowhere, and his robes are set ablaze, thick smoke immediately choking the sphere as his chains rumble and lash about-forcing me away by sheer dint of leaving no place for me to stay. I jet back, out of his sphere, deactivating the Maelstrom Mode to land more mundanely on the ground, watching from a distance that obscuring cloud of smoke. Reading Soulglow on a foe that big is hard, but I know he's building something-and with his chains so charged, I can't precisely pinpoint his location.

As chains unfurl and slam into the ground, anchoring themselves deeply across our whole battlefield, surrounding everything as a blazing mass of cloth is discarded, a soot-covered Korgotyo, clad only in chains and a loincloth, facing me.

"I'D ASK HOW YOU BYPASSED MY CHAINS ANTI-IGNIMANTIC COMBAT MAGIC, OR HOW YOU LARGELY IGNORED MY BODIES GENERAL ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE STYLES... BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER."

Korgotyo spits up blood and a piece of broken tooth from the pummeling I gave his face as he takes a steadying breath.

"YOU ARE IN MY DOMAIN, AND I NOW OWN THE GROUND. TAKE THE SKIES IF YOU WANT, YOU WON'T BE SO SUCCESSFUL AGAIN."

And Korgotyo the Chained adopts a defensives stance, watching me closely.
Did that fucker just call me out? HE DID DIDN'T HE!?
>Bang, you know it's a trap-
I BREAK HIS TRAP AND SHOW HIM WHAT I GOT!

Okay-wow, one hundred thirty eight giant-sized chains embedded in the ground, all bending towards Korgotyo-but not all reaching him. I see them moving about, twitching-I think he can remotely control them-through the ground, I would guess from his words. ...And that also lets him shunt current aside to ground it safely-hm. A CHALLENGE!?





So how am I going to keep this fight a rocking good time?
>>
No. 269846 ID: bdd665

>....And what kinds of things did I have the Metal Skulls focus on while they were here?
Teamwork/fighting as a unit, and practice fighting (with Korgotyo) something near their own size. Also worked a bit on tactics and stamina.
>>
No. 269867 ID: 81f32a

Hey that scarf that Figment crafted you is pretty amazing.

But we never got the appraisal for it.

What can it do and how much more magical energy can you store than before.
>>
No. 269868 ID: f6360f

>>269846
Hmm. Thinking on this, the Metal Skulls are individually strong and impressive- what they're really been lacking so far is a sense of military unity and discipline. When we were drilling against Oz' guys and the deep spawn, the battle immediately broke down into a series of individual matches where our ragegluts sunk or swam entirely on their own.

While this is understandable from a certain perspective given that they'll almost inevitably be matched up against numerous smaller opponents, we should still try to avoid it. As Korgotyo is a former military man himself, he doubtless knows quite a bit about unit tactics, working together in combat, providing mutual support in battle, and other essential skills that frankly neither Bang nor Keddic are likely to have since they excel as mindblowingly strong solo fighters.

That is what we need. Picking up general fighting skills, combat magic, and physical development are important as well, but we can learn those whenever- Korgotyo likely has knowledge that could turn the Metal Skulls from a collection of warriors into a proper unit of soldiers, and that is the most valuable thing he can offer us. And considering that we're getting registered as a veteran unit, it's something that we desperately need if we don't want to crash and burn after being assigned tasks which demand a great deal of us.
>>
No. 269875 ID: 201a4b

a fist and a chain
a desperate engagement
the chains are asleep.
------


As sudden waves of shocked realization, ripple across your face
A body of twisted, chaotic configuration, hurtles towards your embrace
The sudden movements of your desperation attempt to keep you apart
Cannot find purchase as the deranged crusader, bites into your hearts
--------
>>
No. 269876 ID: 222dba

DELIBERATELY INCREASE THE THERMAL OUTPUT IN YOUR FISTS WITH EVEN MORE MITOCHONDRIA, PUNCH THE GROUND UNTIL IT MELTS, HEAL THE GROUND INTO SOLIDITY, PUNCH THE GROUND AT AN ANGLE TO CREATE A BROKEN GLASS HURRICANE IN HIS DIRECTION.
>>
No. 269880 ID: bdd665

>>269876
not sure that would do enough damage to be worth the magic used to do it.
>>
No. 269881 ID: 81f32a

Why don't we just grow some fucking wings instead of trying to walk on air or making nitrobooster out of our body?
>>
No. 269882 ID: 5471a7

>>269881
Wings are rather energy inefficient compared to what we're doing now. They require direct energy rather than indirect since they need to be flapped, instead of just using the waste from a reaction we are already doing to run a jetpack. Plus this has a higher top speed than wings, barring diving from high altitude.
>>
No. 269885 ID: 252e1b
 

>>269882

It's a matter of lift. Wings big enough to generate the lift to make Bang, or any human, fly using base-line human muscle power are far too big to be practical. But, a set of wings like a glide suit, coupled with Bang's new jets, would let him literally fly like a jet-glider.

Not very useful in a fight, but he'd look awesome flying over a city.
>>
No. 269887 ID: 201a4b

>>269885
Man already has his bone gliders.

He don't need no more.
>>
No. 269893 ID: a76809

>>269846
>>269868
I take this momentary standoff to think about the Metal Skulls. While like usual, Torruga has been rebellious, prone to trying to off me(and getting beat down repetitiously for his trouble) and in general being a talented punk, the rest of the squad has been learning how to fight in harmony, attacks supplementing one another so that with numbers they can overwhelm a stronger foe. Torruga's even picked up some basics of Chaining Calamity, and has added an arm-wrap chain to his arsenal, along with gauntlets and his personal sword. He has also gotten a bit better at making his blood act like glue, a handy trick on his part, and one that allows his loner status to not horrifically backfire on him as he has a number of suppressing forces now at his disposal. So hey, greater general group cohesion except for one unit, and that one's learned a SECOND style that can offset his propensity to solo stuff-brings a tear to my eye, to see him keep coming back for more no matter how many times I beat him down.

>>269867
>Bang, why do you not use your scarf in combat more often?
You're talking about the kinetic absorption/conversion to stored magic energy trick? Okay sure the thing's got a way bigger battery now, like ten times the Sash in terms of total capacity, but I like getting down and dirty in a fight, 'swhat makes it a brawl and not a stuffy-ass duel. Now, if you-

Chains surrounding me strike like massive snakes, coiling towards my form. ALready having enclosed me in a net, I cannot evade them, and while some are rendered null on impact with my Scarf, the rest make it through, and again I find myself chained-and pulled to the ground, limbs stretched taut as more and more chains lash onto me. I start growing more muscle mass and tendon like last time-

To see Korgotyo airborne, a lone foot hurtling my way with every bit of his weight behind it. I start amplifying the pressure absorption about my back-up identity storage and-

[DISCONTINUITY]

...Gah, what? Rock and sand all around-I'm underground, okay-

Korgotyo's foot rises, the sun falling on me again as I finish restoring my body to its proper three-dimensional shape as-
>If twelve percent more of your brain or seventeen percent more of your backup storage had collapsed, even you would have died. Stop thinking of Korgotyo as the same as your students, while the same type of Life Golem he is not at all the same kind of breed.

As I start wrenching limbs free of bedrock, I note Korgotyo standing over my open grave, chain wrapping about his fist and blazing with so much Soulglow it looks like he holds the sun.

Said fist starts hurtling down, looking to finish pounding me into the earth-and I see no malice in his eyes, he thinks I can take it?

Now how can I let him down?






How am I going to counter the whole 'trapped in bedrock, about to be hit hard enough to become paste' thing?
And do I have any ideas on how to reclaim this battle's momentum, and go back on my customary offensive?
>>
No. 269896 ID: 1854db

If you can't block that with the scarf or get out in time you're going to have to concede. Taking that punch will kill you, Bang.

I ask you, how solid are your air walls? Can they be used to block as well, not just jump off of? If you can block with the scarf while fueling an air wall WITH that magic energy absorption that is a HUGE defensive wall.
>>
No. 269897 ID: 201a4b

Well then, this all depends on whether or not Korgotyo is shielded to healing... and if this is even possible.

We have already see how you jump on air by preventing 'damage' to it's state, so I suggest you do the same here with his muscles.

Now as you know, when the muscles move, they are put under stress and may even tear, what I propose is to use this to your advantage.

As Korgotyo's hand comes in contact with you, stop his dominant 'punching' muscles from taking 'damage'.

In other words, his muscles will not utilize the energy he is putting in them so that they can avoid the stress, causing him to freeze up.

Then move.
>>
No. 269898 ID: 81f32a

I agree with >>269896 that if we feel that we can't escape the hit and that it might be deadly we should concede.

But I don't know if Bangs personality will allow it, I just hope he'll know when to stop.
>>
No. 269899 ID: bdd665

>>269898
>Bang
>know when to stop
I do not think these words belong in the same sentence
>>
No. 269903 ID: 252e1b
File 129453244751.jpg - (29.06KB , 300x400 , mirror_table.jpg )
269903

>>269898

There's a sure way to escape the hit. Bang can just convert body mass to energy until he's small enough to fit completely under the scarf. Then, after he's taken the hit, he can explode back into a fighting form and press the attack. Neato huh?
>>
No. 269905 ID: f6360f

>>269903
For that do work, we'd have to figure out how to make our brain denser but just as functional. Bang has a minimum neural tissue volume and mass he must maintain in order to remain alive.

Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if he's suffering a bit of memory loss even now due to repeated brain crushing with a backup system that isn't proving quite redundant enough for 100% retention. He might not even realize it if it's happening.
>>
No. 269909 ID: dae664

To get away: Dig. Tunnel. Something like that, I mean, Bang can rip through steel w/ his bare hands, so a bit of rock and a few bone drills wouldn't be too hard.

How to Win: Take the path of least resistance
>>269803
this one suggests bang should get inside and cut him up from within.
Path of least resistance: The most ridiculous route, His bum.

Hear me out.

His mouth has teeth & a gag reflex, Plus theres the chance that if we actually do get in, we may end up in his stomach.

Ears are to small to enter, and far too close to the brain. I'm fairly certain That so far this is a friendly bout, So express intent to kill is
A:Ill advised.
B:Quite rude.
& C:Boring.
So, that leaves the bum.
I'm assuming that Ragegluts have skin like steel, or something, so going in through the belly, or chest Would be dangerous and quite difficult.
The colon, on the other hand, i would assume is a fair bit more tender than his otherwise impenatrable epidermis, not to mention the obvious weak points like the Prostate, And the comparative ease of cutting through the intestinal wall [Allowing for Good Ol' Banger To fuck up his insides]

So, my plan is, get out of the way; Use our jetpack, Bone talons [So we can Shadow ot Collosus our way in & wreck guts], & our electrical charge[To numb his muscles, or cause enough pain to disuade clenching of the glutes] to make our way in to his gigantic posterior, Cover ourselves w/[bone spikes/blades/saws/etc] Cut our way in to his body cavity that contains his organs, and cut stuff up until he concedes.

I like this plan.
>>
No. 269910 ID: dae664

>>269903
Replace digging away with this neat suggestion.
>>
No. 269916 ID: dae664

>>269909

Oh. i forgot a few things.
Cancer: Do we have a less violent form?
Something that doesn't consume & replicate at a psychotic rate? Something that could be used, when we try to get in, To Weaken, or make useless of Korgotyo's Muscles.

Whip-tentacle-things: Whats the estimated range?
Could we use them in a spiderman like fashion to Webzip away? Maybe to a nearby tree.
If we can, it could accelerate our escape by a collosal amount, thereby making a easier and quicker plunge up his bottom.

Also, make sure that the best method for escape is used [best being the fastest and safest, with priority to safety].
>>
No. 269918 ID: 1854db

Alright, offensive ideas... How about we start using those blades to cut up his arms and legs? Got to see how well we can pierce his flesh.
>>
No. 269920 ID: ab04d4

Somehow, this is Ulzrick's fault. Either him or Figment.

Guh.
>>
No. 269925 ID: 9446ba

Oh yeah, weren't you worried that The Red Eye was a bit off after that giant fireball? What exactly worried you?
>>
No. 269926 ID: 4573cc

>nineteen hundred sixty nine
Um, I'm not particularly a mathematician, but, from my understanding, wouldn't the end product be 1259.4288% increase, rather than 1968% increase?

What I did:

Assume, for sake of ease, that the original production had a value of 1. Increasing that by 267% would mean 1(2.67)+1=3.67 production rate. The second increase, 3.68(.72)+3.67=6.4124 production rate. The third increase, 6.4124(2.12)+6.4124=13.594288 production rate.

Now then, the percent increase:

Subtract the original from the end result, 13.594288-1=12.594288 production rate.

Divide that by the original (since the original is one, skipping this step), then multiply the result by 100%, 12.594288(100%)=1259.4288% increase.

...Er, that was amazingly pedantic, but felt the need to point that out.
>>
No. 269929 ID: a76809

>>269926
>3.68(.72)+3.67=6.4124
>3.68(.72)+3.67
>6.4124(2.12)+6.4124=13.594288
>(13.594288) + 6.4124 = 20.006688, not 13.594288, which is further skewed by earlier transposition
[I could be missing something, but I think you dropped some numbers.]

>>269925
As I consider my options I reflect that, on the bright side, time seems to have proved adequate recuperation for Nag-the Red Eye of the Dynamo, and she's back to her old self-still, a bit worrisome that each time I use a Zenith, the recovery period becomes exponentially longer.
>Not to detract from the gravity of the current predicament, but the length or recovery will continue to grow with each use... until I no longer recuperate.

>>269896
>>269898
>>269903
>>269905
I kick my mental focus into overdrive as I juice myself with adrenaline, and start thinking.

Those hits are BAD, I am quasi-dying with each one-I could be losing memories during the massive amounts of trauma while my body regenerates, and I wouldn't even know what I lost. Would rather avoid that. On the other hand, I'm chained in place, still can't really move, and my scarf can't cover ALL of me-so I need a solution to both of these problems. ....Oh hey, that could work.
>Are you really tapping Keddic's idea now? That trick on the Jade Soul School grounds?
Damn right, temporarily convert to minimum required existence mass to produce a huge amount of energy from the converted matter, and make my body small enough the scarf full covers it. scarf absorbs kinetic force, I use dual power sources to make massive air wall to trap and repel fist, using extra energy to regenerate to normal form. Honestly, I can last as a head for at least a handful of seconds if I have to. It should totally work!
>That this is your idea of how to dodge an attack is what gets me. ..Would anything I say chan-
NOPE.
>Then do what you must.

My body shrinks and collapses on itself, arms and legs shriveling as I wither out of the chain's grasp, the scarf fully covering my diminished form as that fist of doom descends. I start connecting air, hardening its bonds before the blow even comes. As bedrock powders and shakes to dust around me, I drag that first to a halt, its Soulglow dimming as the Scarf slowly suck away at it like a sponge. The ground shakes, a miniature quake from his deflected blow-and I wonder, just how many Immortals has this guy faced, to feel comfortable fighting this way in a spar? Korgotyo begins to withdraw his hand-and I let the air walls hold his limb fast for a second as I re-assemble myself, safely protected from a splattered end, before I abruptly halt my conceptual healing. What was once like clinging molasses once more behaves like air, and Korgotyo is unbalanced as he finds resistance vanishing on him

I am unbound, beneath my foe, who is currently flat-footed, his guard broken for a bare moment in recoil. If I am going to capitalize on this, I have to do it NOW!








So, how am I going to show Korgotyo I can hit as hard as he can?
(Keep in mind that while obscenely durable, Korgotyo, like most LoD fighters, possesses little in the way or rapid healing, so organ destruction might not be something he can recover from.)
>>
No. 269930 ID: c328b9

>>269929
Remember turning your legs into a massive spear or drill? Do that with you hands: THUNDERCLAP them together, turn them to bone as soon as they flatten, bind your arms together and brace them with bone, then lean down and BLAST up as hard as you can, utilizing the air jet to go faster and faster.
>>
No. 269931 ID: d3dfb8

>>269930
Aim for his femur, cripple him. You can always heal him later.
>>
No. 269934 ID: dae664

>>269929

Hmm. Improbable he has Significant regeneration you say?
No worries.

Plan to success MKII: Bone claws, jetpack, weakening cancer, Lower body converted into some form of tapering spike or something like that [maybe a bone drill lower body], and some painful, but non-leathal neurotoxin thrown into the mix for good measure.

Shoot ourselves into his body, center mass below the ribcage, with the lower leg bonespikes; Grab on with bone claws/talons And pull yourself into his torso all th while applying the weakening cancer to his dermis and muscles ONLY[We don't want to cause liver failure, Eh?]Oncce inside his abdominal cavity, Find something important, but won't kill him if you grab it, like his kidneys, or liver and, Through Phohn, Threaten to Crush/Flay/Mice/Slapchop/Etc. thos organs if he does not concede.

No "Offensive" Path-of-least-resistance here for you squeamish types.

Also, Account for Highly probable ways in which he would dodge. Don't want to miss now do we?
>>
No. 269935 ID: 9446ba

Go for his knees!
>>
No. 269936 ID: dae664

>>269934
Wait Just a minute! Istead of to boneclaws as i previously suggested, one tencacle Blade claw thing To act as a guiding line, so we can take more attention for velocity and power.

Of course, once were inside, or at least our spike is, convert tentacle claw to regular souped up Bone claw.

Oh, i remember something about rageglut blood being highly reactive to wounds and disease & such, So, once inside be wary of the damned blood.

Would be an interesting way to die though, Drowning inside a giant.
>>
No. 269937 ID: 252e1b

>>269934

Tunneling inside him may well kill him. The bloodloss and potential for shock would be enormous.

No, I'm afraid Bang will have to win this the old fashion way: by beating the crap out of his opponent. Bang could kick Korgotyo into the air, and then keep chaining kicks and punches to keep him there. Keep Korgotyo off-center and disoriented through repeated punches until he yields. Shrink out of any chain-holds as required, and break chains that attempt to attach to the ground.
>>
No. 269938 ID: dae664

>>269937
I think you underestimate the Fortitude of a Experienced Rageglut.

And besides, we can use cancer to close the wound through Expidited growth that stops after a certain period, Like a couple of seconds, maybe less.

Or, We could just stick in him like a giant Stopper, threatening to unplug bang, and therebye, he would bleed out in a matter of minutes, IF we use an anti-coagulent.

Also, Whats preventing us from healing the hole we came through? There will still be internal bleeding, but he would still be better of with a curatiomancer in his belly.
>>
No. 269958 ID: 252e1b

>>269938

I think it's better to underestimate and beat him through a thousand blows than overestimate and kill him accidentally.
>>
No. 269960 ID: dae664

>>269958
I'd hate to be seen as spiteful, but how many
times has he almost killed us? Two? Three?

Oh, right. I have a nice quote.
"My velocity on impact with Korgotyo's face is just south of the speed of sound, foot firmly planted just below his right eye socket-with the sound of cracking bone, but no yield to my attack. The Forever Rising Scarf aids me in my rapid dismount as I go skyborne-and repeat the attack again even as he moves to fend me off, awkward in his upward attacks.

Scratch that-repeat the attack twenty three times"

We tapdanced on his face at the speed of sound.
And that Chipped his tooth. Bloodied his nose a bit.

Did i mention he's pasted us quite a few times now?
Well, my crying and bitching aint doing any good.
Time to formulate a machinegun plan.
>>
No. 269963 ID: 1854db

Less arguing more serious wounding.

Go for a nasty wound that has little chance to kill him. Via bangdrill, of course.
>>
No. 269967 ID: dae664

Plan for success MKIII: Partial body carapace[Fists/forearms & Feet/calves, to better aid striking, & allow for more force in the blows from sheer density], Tentacle hooks,jetpack, Bioelectricity, muscular emphasis[Limbs, to better aid striking], lengthened limbs, Weakening Cancer.

latch on to the big guy with tentacle hooks & drive Armored feet into chest.
Basically, the exact same beginning of the plan, except the intent is not to impale with a large bone spike, but to break bones, most notably, the ribs.

Once he has had his ribs thoroughly Broken, switch gears to striking. Large arcing blows. Arms into tentacles, if that would add more force.

Every strike is to be laden with the weakening cancer. including the initial two footed battering ram to the ribs.

Likewise, Electrify yourself. Not chaos mode, but still make it aa good shock when coupled with the blows.

Oh, if its not covered by the rest of my post, the whole thing revolves around breaking his limb. Fracturing his ribs is just the icebreaker.

I like this plan Very much.
>>
No. 269971 ID: dae664

>>269967
Oh goodness. I have not posted some things that clarify the plan.

Firstly The goal is not to break his limbs, but instead to brutalize and immobilize.
Or rather, get him to the point to where he can no longer move because tumors are growing in between his muscles, weakening and limiting his range of motion.

Also, we should find a way to incorporate spines or quills into this skirmish, seems like they'd fit quite nicely. Embedded in his flesh, that is. Meh, for the future, when we actually want to kill the opposing rageglut.
>>
No. 269993 ID: d3dfb8

Get under him, punch him upward, get him airborn. as soon as he is no longer touching the ground hit him with as big a bolt as you can create.
The electricity will have to travel either through the lowest part of his body and ark through the air to the ground or to his chains. Either way it'll fuck up his nervous system and cause serious burns along the path it travels. Remember, where you hit him is almost as important as him not touching the ground.
>>
No. 269999 ID: a76809

>>269930
>>269931
I slam my hands together, bone melding and fusing as my conjoined hands become an oversized club as I squat down low, reinforcing the ground underfoot, and-LIFTOFF
I spring upwards, a thunderclap trailing in my wake as I travel in what feels like perfect silence, rocketing out of my hastily dug grave on pure muscle force. The moment I crest my grave's edge, I harden a patch of air to place a foot against for redirection, as I very briefly enter Maelstrom mode and fire the Cancer Cannons to redirect my body from purely upward to largely horizontal momentum as I bring my fused arm-club whipping about striking mid-calf, my arms already overloaded with tendons tightening my body to absurd levels before snapping, the contained energy released in one big lump as I provide myself with another air-brace, exerting every bit of force I can in the attack. As my bone club/hands collide with my foe, I hear the resounding crack of thunder as I feel bone fracture beneath my impact.

Finally hit the bugger hard enough!

As his leg starts going out from under him, bending in unnatural ways thanks to the break, I repair what I can of the snapped tendons in my body as I prepare for a second strike, a new air-wall, brief Maelstrom Mode and Cancer Cannon use once more sharply changing my vector as I now fly skyward again, this time aiming for my foes exposed chin. Korgotyo may be strong, hardy and fast, but that doesn't change that I can fit more thought into a second that he can. As I once more leave behind a sonic-boom in my wake, I ready the finale of my one-two punch, closing fast on Korgotyo's chin. I see the recognition in his eyes, I see the chains moving and the body pinwheeling-but he's lost his footing, and doesn't have enough TIME. -Now, what to call this-oh YEAH!

"MAGNUM BONE BOXXING!!"

While my cry is sharp and echoes across the school and beyond, the attending student, mine and his alike likely hearing quite clearly what I say, I doubt the words reach Korgotyo. My vicious strike to the side of his chin catches his whole body, and I see his eyes blurring as I set his body to pirouetting in a mad airborne tumble, all tugged along through jaw and neck-big as he is, that HAS to hurt.

>>269935
>Bang, there was no net gain with that self-preservation trick a moment ago, and with the rapid conversions and air-wall-
Yeah I know, down to 32%, but-

I see Korgotyo's broken leg starting to wrap in chain, tautly pressing into soot-covered flesh to hold the bone straight while his good leg finds the ground and begins taking the weight. I see his knee flexing-

Can't let him do that, got to keep the pressure up!

Again I form an air wall to brace against, and again I rocket forward, Maelstrom and Cancer propulsion alike slaved to the process to provide more driving force to my attack even as I create an air-brace instantly on impact. I've learned my lesson, I have to stack damn near every trick I have, if I want my hits to actually get through to this guy. I hear something crackle in his joint as I fling his knee outward, his rotation now compounded as his footing is lost and he begins to tumble to the ground with abandon, no longer able to stop himself. I give him no time to think, as-

>>269934
>>269936
>>269938
>>269960
>>269967
>>269971
[Okay seriously could you cool it with the multi-posting? I'd rather not have to make new threads more often than I have to, and this eats up post count. That and if you could try to keep most of your inter-poster commentary/discussion in the discussion thread please.]
>Bang, are you planning to KILL him? A respected teacher and local hero in a SPAR?
Yeah but-
>You have never told him you are NOT an Immortal, and you had noted him using the term within four hours of watching you host a Metal Skulls v. Bang spar with full weaponry allowed, and the doubletakes many of his students did on seeing you called such. He rather clearly meant it, and genuinely believed you would survive.
So he's doing the same thin-
>And you WITHHELD the truth from him by omitting such data in your discussions, and as such if he kills you its because YOU did not set the field in honor for a duel. You, on the other hand, know that rapid-healing, and instant regeneration in general was practically unheard of, and this compounds your memories of being treated with more respect after fights during your first venture down here, when your healing was slower but more frequent-the reverse of their assumption you are an Immortal is the deduction on OUR end that they don't have that. And do you know you can heal him, if you hit too hard?
The Metal-
>The Metal Skulls have had minor lacerations and bruising, you have purposefully avoided severe breakages so they could go with their beating into strenuous exertion without longterm risk or the need to heal. All said and done, you have attempted to heal them twice, and both times you noted how difficult it was, an innate barrier to access to circulation making any large changes dangerous. So again, it is not the same, him killing you in error or you killing him. So do the honorable thing, and keep trying to seek a means of concession from him, or tell him about not being immortal here and now, the duplicitous nature of how this duel is proceeding is repugnant!
.....Wow.
>What I don't understand is how a born Desparden could not want to have a fair fight, and call themselves a Masked Warrior. Perhaps you have lost touch with your roots in your lengthy travels, if this does not concern you.
All I've ever cared about is going as far as I can with combat healing-and truth be told, yes my priorities are different than the norm-but I'd say so are yours, most Desparden citizens-
>Except you aren't just a citizen, you are a public icon, a Masked Warrior, and there are appearances to uphold lets you sully the name or be decried as masked warrior. A bout with an ally is not something for deceit. End it or tell him.
...Shit I just got told, huh?
>By, as you have put it before, 'A piece of cloth with delusions of being a nagging wife.'
Okay okay, I give-man, striking while I'm busy testing out possible attack patterns by pre-emptively running the numbers-that's low-
>[i]Just like how you take advant-

Okay seriously I got it stop or TUMORTIME.
>So will you listen?
YES, I HEARD YOU.

>>269958
I spring off the ground as Korgotyo lands, and roar out as I activate Maelstrom Mode, hands unfusing.

"MAGNUM BARRAGE BONANZA!!"

As Korgotyo hits the ground, eyes still semi-blurred, still re-orienting, I strike, without pause or mercy, raining down blows as I fly and leap about, sonic booms clapping like a staccato drum beat as I just keep up the pressure, not looking for individual wounds or impact so much as pure number of attacks. In one second, I land one hundred fifty seven blows, scattered all over his body, which still has not regained the slightest hint of balance.
>Scarf down to 11% with that.
Hence why my last leap carries me onto his cheek where I grip his nose for balance and poise a fist over his right eye.

"THE YIELDING TO BE VERY GOOD YES?
"....YOUR COMMAND OF OUR TONGUE HAS GROWN LITTLE BETTER SINCE LAST I SAW YOU-AND YES, I SHALL YIELD. ...DID YOU NEED TO BREAK MY LEG AND CRACK MY KNEES?
"TO BEING HEALING OF YOU, THAT I WILL"
"I WAS UNAWARE YOUR TRICKS EXTENDED OUTSIDE OF YOUR OWN BODY.... IN THAT CASE, I VIEW THIS AS THE TREAT IT WAS, TO BATTLE A FOREIGN IMMORTAL, THE THIRD I HAVE EVER FACED."

Korgtyo draws himself to an upright seated position as Iay a hand on his leg's flank, assessing the damages-I don't have enough power.

"TO BE HITTING OF SCARF, FOR MORE OF HEALING GOOD YES?"
"...You wish me to strike at your scarf?"
"VERY YES!"
"...OKAY."

And so it goes, Korgotyo repitiously striking at my scarf, his impacts completely absorbed, each individual blow idle to him, but through the weight of numbers they give me what I need, and I have ample power to slowly work around having no control of the circulatory system. With shaped curves and funnels I direct bloodflow indirectly to continue unimpeded through the procedure-and twenty one minutes later, his knee, leg and tooth are all healed, his bruises vanished without a trace.

I look to Mahklargg, who nods.

"THE TIME TO BE GOING IS THE NOW."
"YES, YOU MENTIONED PRIOR TO OUR BOUT YOU'D RECIEVED WORD YOU WERE TO RETURN. JUST KNOW THAT IF YOU EVER WANT, I COULD INDEED GIVE FORMAL CHAINING CALAMITY LESSONS TO THEM, BUT YOU WOULD NEED TO SUPPLY A REQUISITIONS FORMS TO ME, SO I CAN GET ENOUGH FOOD AND SUPPLIES FOR A LONGER-TERM STAY OF AN ENTIRE RAGEGLUT PLATOON."
"TO BE REMEMBERING IN AM!"
"UNTIL NEXT TIME IMMORTAL BANG-IT IS ALWAYS INTERESTING TO MEET YOU."

I turn about, looking at my squad-to see nineteen of them looking anxious to go, clearly wondering if I plan to give them another impromptu lesson-while Torruga looks hungry for the challenge, or to give one of his own. MAN, I like that one's enthusiasm. Okay....





Should I have the run back to the capital be even faster than the run out, and if so by how much?
Should I try and get more details from Keddic on what he's been up to these last few days on the way back, or assume he'll tell me when we get back?
Do I have any parting questions or thoughts for the Metal Skulls as we go back to the capital?
Given I ran out of uniforms, should I stay in Chaos Form the whole way back or re-convert to get some breezey freedom going?
>>
No. 270004 ID: 81f32a

>Should I try and get more details from Keddic on what he's been up to these last few days on the way back

Very yes.

>Given I ran out of uniforms, should I stay in Chaos Form the whole way back or re-convert to get some breezey freedom going?

You have some money on you, right? Or maybe Keddic? Just buy a piece of cloth or a simple robe to cover yourself. Don't think it's good idea to run around naked.

>Should I have the run back to the capital be even faster than the run out, and if so by how much?

Yes. ... 1.5x faster

>Do I have any parting questions or thoughts for the Metal Skulls as we go back to the capital?
Dunno... ask them what the though of Chaining Calamity school and if they liked this joint-training.

Ask Korgotyo what he thinks of our Ragegluts and if he has any tips and training advice for us.
>>
No. 270013 ID: 5b95eb

On your way out, shout that you aren't an Immortal.
>>
No. 270015 ID: f6360f

So, Bang, what exactly is an Immortal? Both the significance of the title socially around here, and the mechanics of what's required to achieve it? Is there any particular reason that you let Korgotyo think that you were one- just so that you'd have more of a challenge when you eventually fought? Would it be a horrible faux pas to tell Korgotyo the truth a this point? He is a pretty cool dude, after all; truth is good on these things. Unless you're shooting for the whole belief magic, 'people think Bang is an Immortal so Bang will soon become an Immortal' concept, in which case lies are good.

>Ask Korgotyo what he thinks of our Ragegluts and if he has any tips and training advice for us.
Seconding this, definitely. Order the Metal Skulls to run ahead while you have a post-training discussion in their absence- mix that with making them go faster, by choosing a landmark partway to the capital and telling them that they'd best reach it by the time you finish talking and catch up with them.

Ask after what he thinks their weaknesses are, what we should work on, and what we should bear in mind while training them- he should, after all, be quite familiar with the bulk of a military Rageglut's opponents.

And be sure to thank him for generously hosting you. Give your own thoughts on some of his students if you have anything in particular to say.

>Do I have any parting questions or thoughts for the Metal Skulls as we go back to the capital?
After you eventually run them down, separate each one of them from the group individually and ask them a barrage of post-training questions. While still running, of course. All the usual stuff- what the most important thing they learned was, what they wish they'd done differently, if they would train there again if given the option to train there or else, how they think they need to improve the most in light of what they just saw. Take note of any interesting answers, and use the answers in general to tell you more about how your ragegluts are thinking about this whole thing.

>Given I ran out of uniforms, should I stay in Chaos Form the whole way back or re-convert to get some breezey freedom going?
Stay in whatever form will let you regenerate magic the fastest. You've got a lot of scarf to recharge, and who knows when you'll need it for something vitally important. Like, I don't know, dancing on some clouds for shits and giggles.
>>
No. 270021 ID: 8250d3

>>270013
yet
>>
No. 270059 ID: a76809

[3]

>>270004
I try calling ahead to Keddic, to get more info on what he's been up to-but beyond some vague descriptions of forms and documents, he doesn't say much, instead claiming it would be best to 'show me.' Okay, color me interested.

>>270013
As I set the platoon to jogging with Mahklarg, who is to remind them of the woe they shall face if they do not reach the nearest crossroads before I do, I turn back, and continue to speak with Korgotyo as my squad runs with desperation.

"TO BE INFORMING THAT IMMORTAL IS NOT BANG!"
"...ARE YOU CERTAIN YOU SAID THAT RIGHT, IT SOUNDED LIKE YOU SAID YOU AREN'T IMMORTAL/"
"CORRECT THIS IS, IMMORTAL BEING NOT BANG YET!"
"...I SEE. WHY DID YOU NOT CORRECT ME BEFORE?"
"ON PATH IS BANG, WISHED END VIEW NOW YES?"
"HAPPY TO BE OF SERVICE. SO, WHAT IS IT?"

>>270015
"THOUGHTS ON RAGEGLUTS BEING COMBAT SKILL YES? IS PLATOON ABILITY TO WANT KNOWN GOOD!"
"THEY LEARNED MORE OF HOW TO WORK AS A TEAM-SAVE THAT ONE, BUT HE MANAGED TO FERRET OUT SOME OF CHAINING CALAMITY WITHOUT THE NEED FOR LESSONS, SO HE MAY BE HEADED FOR A MORE PIVOTAL CAREER THAN THE REST. ULTIMATELY, WHAT THEY NEED MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IS MORE THINGS TO DEADEN THEM TO SHOCK, KEEP THROWING TRAINING SITUATIONS AT THEM THAT REQUIRE IMMEDIATE REACTIONS, AND EVENTUALLY YOU WILL HAVE A SQUAD THAT WON'T FREEZE UP. IF YOU HAVE THAT, YOU ARE PRETTY MUCH SET, SO LONG AS THERE IS SOLID UNIT COHESION."
"ADVICE TO BE TAKING FOR FUTURE YES! DAY BE WELL!"

And with that I am off, dashing with my ground-eating leaps across the landscape, outside of the city in eleven strides, racing after the squad. Some see me coming and shout a warning to the rest, as they all try to pick up their pace, trying to reach the crossroads first. Ultimately, they fail.

After I take some time to give them a group beat-down, playing on my knowledge of their fighting styles to absorb as many impacts as possible through my Scarf, we set off again, with the promise that if they are not half again as fast on the way back as they were on the way out, much more of the same will be awaiting them.

We make it back before the sun has set, cutting our travel time nearly in half as most of the squad, upon reaching our base, collapses to tremble and dry-heave on the ground, desperately trying to catch their breath. Only Torruga and Goggalor still have enough energy to stand, and both still look ready to collapse.

I harass the squad until they finish getting inside their massive building-

To find Keddic waiting for us, at the front of a set of fifty beasts that look markedly similar to that strange, blood based War Hound we tested out several days ago. Keddic starts speaking in a clear voice, from the start having claimed every bit of attention available.

>[Keddic]"You may already know this, but, now that you have recieved training from Korgotyo, an established self-owned Rageglut-"
>[Torruga]"WE ARE NOW CONSIDERED A VETERAN SQUAD, AND YOU WENT WITH WAR HOUNDS AS OUR FORCE SUPPLEMENT-AREN'T THE NUMBERS TOO LOW?"
>[Keddic]"Ordinarily yes, but these are the first set of mass-produced Second Generation War Hounds, our squad is currently the only one to have recieved any. They will follow my order without question-and lacking orders from Mordre, myself, Bang or Mahklargg, they will follow orders from you as well. They are all built around the principles of The Advisor model we were faced with before. NOW, if that weren't enough, in addition to instant Veteran status and being the ones to test out the second-generation War Hounds modelled off The Advisor, bigger bit of news-Mordre, our squad captain, has got our first official duties."
>[Nortel]"WHAT ARE OUR ORDERS SIR?"
>[Keddic]"Another entity similar to Mahklargg and the others you met at Oz's school is here with us, by the name of Rutgur. You are to verbally allow them permission to store you, so that Burduko can transport Rutgur and by proxxy, you. All of us, War Hounds included, are to be deployed into an active battle scenario, to take the place of reinforcements to a besieged force."
>[Torruga]"Where?"
>[Keddic]"Far to the north, outside of this nation's borders: You'll have allies, Mordre among them, and will be performing as part of a strike force meant to break the back of a force predominately human, with many clay golems under twenty feet, and a number of Life Golems near the thirty foot mark. Barring a single enemy unit, nothing should outclass you in size. We will be warping out in forty minutes, to coordinate with other tapped forces being brought to bear. Any questions can and will be IGNORED, is that understood? Now start getting your full war gear together, transport will NOT wait for lollygaggers. MOVE OUT."

As the squad splits to start gathering their things, Keddic makes his way to my side, and speaks quickly in Common.

>[Keddic]"Originally I called you back because I finished my preliminary lessons with Dowsan, and wanted to show how I can imbue commands in blood, but an hour before you arrived, Mordre called. Situation in the States is getting pretty grim, and Domintus has finally taken to the field. He gave us a transport timeline so we can sync up with the Arcanoworks Air Cavalry, Senth and the Blue Knight's force, and Mordre along with his Deep Spawn as a coalition force supplement. I have a representative of every supply division here, so if there are ANY supplies for Ragegluts you can think of that we could requisition and make use of within forty minutes, I'm all ears."
"Do we have a timeframe for how long until the capital falls?"
>[Keddic]"Since it is ONLY Domintus on the field... a matter of hours."
"Okay, so this is 'pull out all the stops territory... damn good thing I recharged my Scarf"
>[Keddic]"I replenished my cloak and toga with the blood Dowsan developed for his War Hounds-it should prove highly effective. And yes, your description is most accurate. ...So, any ideas on what we could ask for?"

Hmm......






Is there any sort of Rageglut-scale military supplies I think it would be a good idea to get before we teleport?
We're going to be jumping into the middle of an invasion scenario: Do I have any words for our soldiers before we go?
Based on what I know of the squad and the War Hounds, do I have any thoughts on how the troops should be disposed post-transport?
>>
No. 270063 ID: f6360f

>>270059
Bang, have to ask... why don't you speak the language here fluently? You're goddamn brilliant; there's no way that you could possibly have failed to pick up the appropriate words and rules of grammar. Certainly, you have no trouble understanding even the most complex things that others express to you. Do you think it's funny to use broken language, simply not care, or have some other reason?

>Is there any sort of Rageglut-scale military supplies I think it would be a good idea to get before we teleport?
You just ran them practically to exhaustion. If you can requisition any kind of energy restorative, now would be a very good time. If they enter a lengthy battle already practically collapsing... things won't turn out well.

Aside from that, weapons are good for fighting. In a situation like this, particularly desirable is any kind of weapon that would let them kill dozens of puny humans with a single obscenely powerful swing.

>We're going to be jumping into the middle of an invasion scenario: Do I have any words for our soldiers before we go?
None of them will be able to speak the language of their allies, which is not good. They need better knowledge of who is on what side than they've got- go over what the people that you expect to be on your side look like and how they are known to fight.
>>
No. 270065 ID: bdd665

>>270059

if possible some form of shield for the ragegluts, its rather unlikely but they could help defend against attacks strong enought to harm the giants.

are there any sort of ranged rageglut weapons avaible? spears, chains or something they can throw?
>>
No. 270068 ID: 8250d3

>Extra items
Rageglut sized shields
Dragon Cannon (just ask about it)
Some kind of healing core/item (for giant sized first aid)

>Words for your soilders
Emphasize that this is not a game, not a drill.
Up until now, their opponents have not been trying to kill them, but now they will show no mercy.

The Domintus soldiers are well trained, they will not falter because of their size, especially since the Lady might be there.

>Deployment strategy
Send out the Ragegluts first, charging behind their shields(if they get them), then release the hounds. The hounds should get beyond the front line and target high priority targets i.e. commanders, mages, siege weapons, ranged units, supplies.

and make sure that the hounds have been ordered correctly, we don't want them attacking our own.
>>
No. 270070 ID: a69afd

>>270059
Uh.... How many favors would we have to pull to outfit the entire squad with dragonsparks? Could we get a list of things the representatives are willing to grant us? What are the most popular and effective tools availiable to veteran rageglut platoons? Do they have any experimental weaponry/armor they'd be willing to give us now in exchange for the massive pile of test data we're about to get from fielding said equipment? What about the war hounds, do we get any equipment for them? They're quite useful by themselves, but any extra kick we can give them would be appreciated. It's too late to ask if the chaining calamity school could spare some of it's veteran students for the war, but would Oz be willing to send some of his students into battle? I hate to sound desperate, but anything is welcome at this point.
>>
No. 270071 ID: adfa06

>>270059
I am sorry if this has been stated before, but how large are the Ragegluts?
>>
No. 270076 ID: adfa06

>>270059
I am sorry if this has been stated before, but how large are the Ragegluts?
>>
No. 270078 ID: 21a2c4

>>270071
They are forty feet tall.
>>
No. 270079 ID: 81f32a

Dammit, this is going to be a massive battle.
Will we perspective shift back to Mordre when the battle starts?
I always preferred Mordre over other characters.
Will Premen also help us during the fight?
How about Eisenhardt?

I wish we didn't have to show our hand so soon though. The State is going to view us very much differently when they realize how much power we actually wield.


>You just ran them practically to exhaustion. If you can requisition any kind of energy restorative, now would be a very good time.
I agree with this one. Remember the fight with ... umm whatshisname ... Keddics rival at the tournament? He had something that instantly regenerated him. We should ask 2 per person. It would look really bad if we lose even one rageglut during the battle which is not meant to defend the capital. If the military depot cannot provide the stuff, we should spend our own money to get them (ask Burduko to search and buy them as he's fast)

>Is there any sort of Rageglut-scale military supplies I think it would be a good idea to get before we teleport?
Too bad we never made those rageglut sized cannons. I suggested to commission them at Arcaneworks the day we got this platoon.

>We're going to be jumping into the middle of an invasion scenario: Do I have any words for our soldiers before we go?

Hmm... I think we should explain them who the allies and the enemies are so that they know who to kill and aren't confused during the early stages of the battle.
Tell them to use everything they have learned so far, use team-work and watch each other backs, never underestimate the enemy and don't get themselves killed.


About the battle:
We are going to heavily use Sadronm, Phohn, Mury, Akeakam , right? We should delegate all of the minor deep spawn and non-combat oriented spawn to Sadronm, he should know where to attack, when to retreat, when and on whom to use Mury and Akeakam.
Also, keep in mind that when the DoD started their march, we asked Burduko to scout all of the possible battlefields and routes before the DoD army arrived, so Burduko should be able to teleport at any place in the battle (and in turn teleport Mordre and Deep Spawn where they are needed the most)
>>
No. 270080 ID: adfa06

>>270071
>>270076
Again, sorry for the double post; i think that the Ragegluts should have heavy weapons for fighting the Domintus' golems, we should fill them in on the enemy forces and The Lady should be expected among their forces and have the war-hounds focus on the Domintus infantry.
>>
No. 270086 ID: 4573cc
File 129462924390.jpg - (148.75KB , 1000x892 , Rutgur v2.jpg )
270086

...I totally did not expect that Domintus would be appearing this early (kinda thought that we would get to Vespinto before that happened...); so, no saved fanart except this colored version of the modified-from-the-original-version of the Rutgur art. Hopefully it helps...

>Do I have any words for our soldiers before we go?
...Oh god, they don't know that Domintus can consume souls! ...Oh god, they don't know that Mordre can consume souls!

Right, um, I don't know, maybe tell them that it is the convention, up north, for the souls of criminals to be consumed by Soul Graves, if one is available, so that those criminals would be made to serve that which they sought to destroy, so don't be surprised or shocked? Maybe use Phohn to do so if it would be a bad idea to say the above out loud; maybe even tell them after transit, but that would likely be too shocking in an already shocking situation.

...Well, that would fulfill Korgotyo's advice of to deaden them to shock, at any rate, probably.

And perhaps tell them to use Phohn, introducing Phohn to them if they haven't already, to communicate with everybody during the battle: it's probably easier to hear any warnings/commands/etc. over the Dirge if it's Phohn.
>>
No. 270088 ID: f6360f

>>270086
Perhaps we should just not mention the whole soul thing at all, and deal with that later. No sense giving them additional reason for doubt and uncertainty before they go into the fight.
>>
No. 270089 ID: 21a2c4

>Supplies

Requisition shields, preferably Tower shields to provide maximum cover unless the Ragegluts prefer not to be weighed down.
Ask for a large number of throwable spears.
Also ask Mordre to lend Murhyihal's regeneration spawn to help the Ragegluts recover their stamina or see if there are any military supplies that could supplement them.

>Do I have any words for our soldiers before we go? 

"REMEMBER, you are not alone on the battle field today, don't do try to impress Mordre or yourselves with your own combat prowess, this means you Torruga, stick together and strike as one. Keep in mind that you are entering a foreign land with its own language, so you will be receiving orders either verbally through me or mentally through the Deep Spawn Phohn. BEWARE of the large Metallic Soul Grave known as Domintus. DO NOT try to fight it on your own without Mordre's assistance, you WILL perish and you WILL have your soul consumed by it if you do otherwise, this also means you Torruga. There will also be three highly trained and deadly enemy officers on the field, assume that each one is just as powerful as Bang and me. Also an enemy prophet by the name of the PURE LADY will also be on the field, she is a wild card and chances are that she will be accompanying Domintus. The regular enemy infantry numbers were estimated at 100,000 at the start of the siege, although this number has probably dropped in recent weeks. Hidden among the regular infantry will be a large number of mages; try to track them down and put them down before they can cast,"
*Describe what Mages are to the Metal Skulls*
"Most of you will be seeing Arcane magic for the first time, try not be distracted by it or it will probably get you killed. 
Today, you will be facing the Domintus Zealots, they are the killers of women and children, do not show mercy for you shall receive none from them. Until all the Domintus officers, the Pure Lady, and Domintus itself have either been destroyed, captured, or leave the battlefield we shall not be taking prisoners."
*insert Inspiring speech here*

"Torruga, you once asked Mordre how he was able to become a Rageglut Captain. I think you'll find a sufficient answer on the battlefield today." 

>Do I have any thoughts on how the troops should be disposed post-transport?

Have them stick close to you, so that you can direct and watch over them as the battle continues. Keep an eye on Torruga, make sure he doesn't die from his lone wolf style. Your main focus should be to cover the Blue Knights ground forces and eliminate all Mages, Life and Stone Golems that are on the field.

Orders for Mordre:
If Jezebel was able to finish her ODIN bomb modifications, make sure that the Air Cavalry is equipped with them. Be sure to bring sufficient ammo for the lighting revolvers as well.
Secondly, Geomancy and Magnetomancy a large amount of stone and metal to be dropped upon the Domintus Army.
Thirdly, see if Eisenhardt wishes to join the battle.

Note: We should be very careful when using Soul Magic in this fight lest we damage the Metal Skulls' loyalty to us. 
>>
No. 270090 ID: 222dba

Maybe some sort of hwacha-like discardable backpack rig that let each 'glut become their own walking anti-infantry battery.
>>
No. 270095 ID: 81f32a

Oh, we have about 40 minutes, right?
Have Murhyihal rejuvenate The Metal Skulls during that time so that they are at their top efficiency when they enter the battle...
>>
No. 270103 ID: 59cd7a

I assume Mordre's upgrades are ready then? We need perspective shift to Mordre, don't want to fight this battle with anyone else.
>>
No. 270115 ID: 21e57a

"YOU TODAY HERE! YOU FIGHT WELL ALWAYS! YOU FIGHT WELL ALWAYS UNTIL MURDER! MORDRE HELP! DEEP HELP! DRAGON HELP! YOU KICK ASS!" Bang, this rousing speech that harkens back to their noble history against the puppeteers, and to their future fights to protect the land against the dragons will surely inspire the ragegluts to total victory.
>>
No. 270117 ID: 69bee4

Its time for an inspiring speech Bang, YOU CAN DO THIS!

Rageglut students of determination and very yes improvement, important tasks to be having soon combat true! Times now easy, enemies thing of home, environment of that familiar, and very yes training of hurt but seeking improvement. Enemies now fighting to kill, VERY MUCH YES FUN! But very much yes must be keeping lessons and punches in mind. I will fight now you with! But in end you protect must as one very good! Goggalor! There to be having much smaller than you, remember much though that big hurt in small as Bang. Must be very yes in protecting and working as team, and much very yes in KICKING OF AREA BACKSIDE LOW!

Rastrako! Of being fury must, fight fun! Punch of face enemy! Of not fighting cause very bad more. Zovikar, of being aid, see much enemy and give others sight, punch effect full of very good. Worpik, of being much like immortal, numberless blows, surrender no much good! Roknat, being of fast animal distraction, to be such as aid Korvan and Terooj and Nortel strength! Of one, there is much good, of team, there is very much good! Of consider Urigion and Gungor, of one loss possible, of togetherness as single fall not. Errivois as of shield, as dragon battle and sky, Jolfnir, Gondlar, Yomir and Sifgord, fear be of none very good when near! PUNCHING OF FACE IS VICTORY! Rhoptayr, of being certain others punching faces much very yes! None let go close that cause harm.

Of ultimate importance remembering, that even of very much yes immortal die when Bang punch in face numberless times. VERY YES PUNCHING OF FACE ENEMY! VERY MUCH WORKING [paternal father’s] BROTHER OF SHOULDERS!

Everyone, COLLISION OF FIST [paternal father’s] BROTHER!!! aka: Brofist!
>>
No. 270118 ID: a76809

[2]

>>270070
[The Second Generation War Hounds ARE your prototypes. Don't get to test multiple.]

>>270071
[Fifty feet tall is their average adult male height, about forty eight for female]

>>270103
[Mordre's not QUITE ready to take the field, this is messing his timetables too. So we'll get to him on the battlefield, but not yet.]

>>270063
For a moment, I wonder again at how I can be so phenomenal with numbers, arithmetic, equations in general, be it spatial geometry or spell algorithms-and it seems to mean nothing in the realm of conditional clauses, hanging participles and possessive nouns. Languages... yeesh, not my strong suit.
>Bang admits a flaw?
They have nothing to do with punching, except maybe making the punching more complicated, I don't see the appeal. I get by well enough. Maybe if I stay here long enough I can get a bit better, otherwise, I'll have to live with it.

Well.

"Brigade to be tired, restorative energy items be having?"
>[Medical Officer A]"We already have a full two dozen battle restoratives, Dragonspark class, but if you use them now... yeah, I guess if they can barely stand-okay, you'll only have four left, we have a supply shortage right now on Rageglut Energy Cores."
>[Keddic]"That won't be necessary, I've called for a friend-and here he is now, Akeakam. He shall be restoring them, have no fear, just prepare the restoratives for ready field use."
>[Medical Officer A]"Ah... okay, then."


>>270065
"Is be having shields of the Rageglut size?"
>[Requisitions Officer A]"Yes sir, we have buckler and tower shields, both for veteran use only-"
"TO BE FULLY PROVIDING FOR BRIGADE!"
>[Requisitions Officer A]"Yes sir! I'll get the paperwork in motion later, they'll be delivered in twenty minutes-"
"Ranged weapons being existing?"
>[Requisitions Officer B]"There are siege longbows with explosive arrowheads that-"
"TO BE YES!"
>[Requisitions Officer B]"...Whole brigade will be outfitted in fifteen minutes."
"And to be having the weapons of infantry killing-blades of slings, yes?"
>[Requisitions Officer C]"...Uh, Sling-blades sir? Yes those are standard veteran anti-infantry tools, already part of their new kit, with the Dragonsparks, the gauntlets and helm-and now towershields and siege bows. And before you ask, no there is no dragonscale armor available currently to outfit your brigade, so.. good thing you are getting the shields."

>>270079
>>270086
[FANART BONUS]
I decide to play it safe and use Phohn to systematically describe each of our prospective forces, from Arcanoworks militia to their Golem Armors and Air Cavalry, Moss and Nidhogg, Mordre himself-one by one I make them aware of every known friendly in the coming battle-as well as the fact we will be defending a capital city. I give them every bit of information Keddic's dispensed, checking with Mordre and Keddic both as I do, until we all know what's happening-Mordre is already beginning a layered dispatch of teleported allied forces, and has calculated our ideal drop time. So now, as Akeakam heals them and they are slowly outfitted fully-we wait for what comes.

>>270115
The only thing I can do now is try to get their heads in the game-I see many nervous twitches, downcast eyes-this isn't how a strike force should be. I try a rousing speech that harkens back to their noble history against the puppeteers, and to their future fights to protect the land against the dragons will surely inspire the ragegluts to total victory.

"YOU TODAY HERE! YOU FIGHT WELL ALWAYS! YOU FIGHT WELL ALWAYS UNTIL MURDER! MORDRE HELP! DEEP HELP! DRAGON HELP! YOU KICK ASS!"

...They don't seem very inspired, I decide I should try again.

>>270117
"Rageglut students of determination and very yes improvement, important tasks to be having soon combat true! Times now easy, enemies thing of home, environment of that familiar, and very yes training of hurt but seeking improvement. Enemies now fighting to kill, VERY MUCH YES FUN! But very much yes must be keeping lessons and punches in mind. I will fight now you with! But in end you protect must as one very good! Goggalor! There to be having much smaller than you, remember much though that big hurt in small as Bang. Must be very yes in protecting and working as team, and much very yes in KICKING OF AREA BACKSIDE LOW! "
>Bang...
Sh, I think I got this.
"Rastrako! Of being fury must, fight fun! Punch of face enemy! Of not fighting cause very bad more. Zovikar, of being aid, see much enemy and give others sight, punch effect full of very good. Worpik, of being much like immortal, numberless blows, surrender no much good! Roknat, being of fast animal distraction, to be such as aid Korvan and Terooj and Nortel strength! Of one, there is much good, of team, there is very much good! Of consider Urigion and Gungor, of one loss possible, of togetherness as single fall not. Errivois as of shield, as dragon battle and sky, Jolfnir, Gondlar, Yomir and Sifgord, fear be of none very good when near! PUNCHING OF FACE IS VICTORY! Rhoptayr, of being certain others punching faces much very yes! None let go close that cause harm. "
>Look, your grasp of Low is good enough for simple things, but this-
HEY, MIDDLE OF A SPEECH HERE!
"Of ultimate importance remembering, that even of very much yes immortal die when Bang punch in face numberless times. VERY YES PUNCHING OF FACE ENEMY! VERY MUCH WORKING [paternal father’s] BROTHER OF SHOULDERS!

Everyone, COLLISION OF FIST [paternal father’s] BROTHER!!!"

I see the confusion. I see some almost start to snicker. Then Torruga steps forth, and presses his fist against mine, offering a few words.

"SOUNDS LIKE I COULDN'T ASK FOR A BETTER BATTLEFIELD. YOU POINT, I KILL."

From there, it's easy. They're minds get in motion. We're ready.




.....................................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: VESPINTO].................................................................

-at are you... you... ok.

A second ago I was still finishing getting ready to lead a two-hundred man squad blind into the capital-I guess that transport combo thing worked, because-

Here we are.

There are screams all around in the deep darkness of night, fires blazing everywhere, only some contained and meant for light. I see bucket brigades, I see scared faces, I see soldiers shouting as they spot our sudden appearance, the two golems already gone, likely to bring Ulzrick's group as well.

Mordre requests that you prevent this gate from falling-it and the one Ulzrick's group are being sent to are the two most fiercely pressed entrances, if they are held Mordre can be more surgical in applying our forces. Your performance will set how the stage can be prepared. Good luck.

Okay.

Gate's got some fifty defenders putting their backs against it with wooden blocks and bars, pounding's clearly a ram or siege golem outside-wall's sixty feet high, top is staffed with bowmen and some armed with our hand-cannons. As what I assume to be the gate captain shows up, I start talking before he can even start.

"No time, sent here by a mage to aid the State, I'm here to help hold this gate."

And with that I set to ignoring him, as I set to arraying my forces: one hundred of the troops go to the walls above the gate, lightning guns and skyfall revolver cannons alike readied as I set the other hundred along the twin stairways leading up either side of the gate to the wall, making a killing zone-

Just in time, as the gate begins to crack and sag. I draw Dawn Craze, shift my neck as my studded leather and chain armor falls more evenly over my shoulders, as a massive clay fist smashes through the gate, soldiers flying back as it wrenches open the gate-

And the Domintus forces begin pouring in. I see the Capital forces staring in shocked dread at their breached gate, even as I note they have builders, supplies-if we can push the enemy back, they could build a new gate-they could build a wall, and lock out the enemy.

That is, IF we push them back. Already, there's some two hundred Domintus soldiers and two clay golems spilling through the opening.

"FIRE!"

After the hundred Arcanoworks soldiers unload a hundred gun volley, I redact my count to fifty two soldiers, and ONE clay golem-but their still coming. In particular, one particularly large brute, twice Ulzrick's size, has charged ahead, and is swinging a hammer bigger than me in an overhanded swipe-he plans to crush me.

Let's see:




How should I inspire the capital forces, get them to building a new gate, push back the enemy forces, and oh yes how should I dispatch this muscle-brained oaf rushing my way?
Really, this shouldn't be too hard, I AM Vespinto, after all, fastest blade in the State!
>>
No. 270120 ID: 21e57a

First, lead by actions. Knife up, send them into the big lout’s eyes, and then slice his leg off - and if you can't do that, just slice the tendons in his leg off. Dash up the falling body and stand on the shoulder to make one hell of an impression on the captain.
“I’m gonna need any soldiers and builders you can spare. I’m gonna retake this gate, and You, my little friend, are gunna help!” Turn back and grin. “Fire again!” And walk out to the gate, taunting any on comers.
>>
No. 270123 ID: c328b9

Next time, introduce yourself as an ally sent by Mage Mordre. It's important.
>>
No. 270128 ID: c328b9

You're the fastest blade? Prove it. There are certain muscles that are needed to move, to grip with hands...

Bluntly, move in, cut at his wrists, and his eyes. Dive between his legs, cut his tendons. If you do it right, he'll fall behind you.

Call out your name, your title, and tell them WE WILL HOLD THIS GATE.
>>
No. 270130 ID: 222dba

Hold your ground and then sidestep as he brings the hammer down. Time your counterattack with his downswing and use an upward slice of your own, taking advantage of the combined momentum to lop his hands off, then finish him at your leisure.
>>
No. 270131 ID: a69afd

>>270118
Toss one of Dawn Craze's blades up and loop the chain around one of the golem's wrists, use the strength and momentum it puts into the swing and pull it to the ground. Stab it until it stops moving, start clearing a path to the gate so the builders can start making progress on a new gate. Tell your men to ignore the forces already inside the gate, all munitions are to be devoted to preventing any further Domintus breakthrough.
>>
No. 270134 ID: f6360f

>>270123
That's true. It's not "Hold this gate!", it's "Mage Mordre wants this gate held!" Invoke the boss constantly while shouting orders. Not only does it improve morale by reminding the troops that they've got someone with big and heavy magics on their side, depending on them and watching over them if things go south, it'll also remind the State forces who you work for and give you greater authority by proxy. Not to mention making them probably like and respect your forces, since you're the ones who have been sending them supplies all this time.

>how should I dispatch this muscle-brained oaf rushing my way
Overhanded swipe? Too slow! Get in there low and rip him up faster than he can react.

>push back the enemy forces
Shout out orders for the heaviest ranged weapons to take out that golem. You can't afford to have something like that running around in melee with the men.

Aside from that, the men on top of the wall should focus on keeping the enemy back- particularly, smash any more clay golems or other points of strength approaching- while the men on the stairwells hit all enemies that have come in thus far with punishing volleys of fire, then charge into melee to mop up anyone left. Let the momentum of your charge carry you outside the gate, where your troops with morphic weapons well-supported by various lightning bolts off the wall and from their own rear ranks should be able to hold the line, at least for a short while.

>get them to building a new gate
As soon as your men have driven back the initial assault, shout orders and expect them to be obeyed. "Builders! GET THIS GATE BACK UP! Mordre wants it held so that he can worry about the really dangerous stuff!"

>How should I inspire the capital forces
The best time for this is immediately after your initial application of overwhelming firepower has proven successful in driving back the enemy- before their own commanders have had time to regain control, there will be a brief period when you will be able to assert yourself as the commander of the defense. As leader of the total badasses that just warped in and slaughtered the enemy by the hundred, you'll stand a good chance at taking the leadership of everyone here if you start loudly and confidently shouting things. Having them move to support your line outside is probably the most practical use, particularly since that's where you're going to want to be- the view's not quite as nice for command purposes, but where should a blademaster be but melee?
>>
No. 270135 ID: 903f16

>How should I inspire the capital forces, get them to building a new gate, push back the enemy forces, and oh yes how should I dispatch this muscle-brained oaf rushing my way?
Right, you are going to inspire them by performing blood brilliantly. The first step in doing that is avoiding that fucking huge hammer so side step that overhand swing and make a quick surgical stab at the inside of his thigh and attempt to sever his femoral artery. Then go roll around to his back and attempt to finish him by either stabbing him in the spine or getting up onto him and trying to stab him in the sockets. After that display roar out a challenge to the rest of the Domintus forces and carve up anyone who comes near you with extreme prejudice.

Also if you have time in between attacks order the men to focus fire on the clay golem if they haven't already. That thing will destroy the fortifications if it gets the chance and no matter how fast you are you won't be effective against something that big. And try to wrap your Blood Toga on one of your arms as a band or something and collect blood spurts with it or dip it into freshly made pools if you see any, when you get a decent charge put it on and wear it.
>>
No. 270137 ID: 21e57a

rolled 16 = 16

>Rolling to ride Enemy Unit like Mechanical Bull
>>
No. 270140 ID: 69bee4

Battle Cry:

They dare to insult us in this way! They dare oppose the best Mage Morde has to offer, the fastest and keenest blademaster of the State, and those chosen to serve with him? I am Vespinto! And this sword of mine is an impassible gate!
>>
No. 270145 ID: 8250d3

Simple.

Pretend to be shocked.
Jump to the side as soon as he tenses to swing.
Dive in and cut his arm near his pit.
>>
No. 270148 ID: 81f32a
File 129464415896.jpg - (36.70KB , 489x403 , Vespinto - Waltz of the Swords.jpg )
270148

Dance like Ballerina, Vespinto
Show this oaf the meaning of class!
>>
No. 270149 ID: 81f32a
 

>>270148

[Can you embed AND post a picture?]
>>
No. 270152 ID: a76809

>>270130
As the lumbering oaf's hammer swings down, I spin about, a low, sweeping sidestep, swords rising in tandem-

-and snicker-snack, there go his hands, the leather at the joint unable to resist the keen edge of the Craze.

>>270120
>>270123
>>270137
>>270148
I step up onto the colossal brute's knee, and leap up and over, spinning about in the air to land on his shoulder, sliding my Craze in through his helm's eyeslits with a cavalier grin as the mammoth warrior twitches, jerks, and starts to run madly about, limbs flailing as I ride him like a bull, plowing straight back into his forces amidst the hail of Arcanoworks fire, Lightning guns and Skyfall cannons being used liberally in a closed area-the effects are devastating. My impeccable balance keeping me standing at all times, using the chains of my Craze as a bridle. As the combined free-fire from the Skyfall cannons devastates the invading forces and thins the throngs pressing towards the gate of large units, I call out to the forces behind me, as I draw one of my Blood swords and lay about me in my improvised charge, intoxicated with the high of battle.

>>270134
>>270135
"ALRIGHT, ON MAGE MORDRE'S ORDER, THE FASTEST BLADE IN THE STATE IS HERE TO HOLD THIS GATE!"
Before anyone can react, I start pointing people out as soldiers switch out their cannons, grabbing one of their two extra Skyfall Revolver cannons as they keep the devestating fire up. Scores of lightning bolts continue to strike around me as I slay those few that still stand, my squad avoiding firing too close to my body and keeping the molten metal spray away. I point out two people with crowds of tools about them.

"YOU AND YOU, ONCE WE PUSH THEM BACK I WANT THIS GATE BACK UP AS A WALL!"

For a moment the builders don't react as I keep rolling on, but as I start speaking I see them nodding-they are following my orders. Okay.

"LET'S SHOW THESE DOMINTUS BASTARDS WHAT WE'VE GOT, FOR MAGE MORDRE AND OUR STATE! STAIR FORCES, TO THE GATE, WE'LL BLOW THEM AWAY!"

I lead a hopeful, a blood-thirsty and righteous force, pushing out, our ground-level fire compounding the elevated barrage from the wall tops-and behind us, I hear, after but a moment's pause, the roars of hundreds more throats-the gate's defenders are with me. The Arcanoworks forces set up a living wall, WASP spears in the front with double-layers of ranged weapon users. The Domintus forces simply cannot surmount our wave of bullets, lightning and molten metal faster than we can kill them-but it won't last, as we push them back the perimeter lengthens, our shot are spread thinner-

And with a roar, I lead the capital forces, as we move to hold the enemy back while the builders work, the Arcanoworks gunners reprioritizing to dropping large targets before they reach us-the question is now how long we can hold against a seemingly endless supply of foes-and the thought that eventually, the Arcanoworks gunners will run out of lightning charge packs for their sidearms, and slowly they will fire slower and slower as they end up having to scrounge for metal to convert into rounds. Simply put, the question is: How much of our resources are we going to put towards keeping the fate safe while we barricade it, and how much are we saving for future threats?

Now that I'm the captain, guardian and god of this gate by dint of being the man to take charge as things broke down.... how am I going to keep it going? And, given I see THREE separate Domintus officers that look like their planning something, a mace user with several heavy units with him, a twin battle-axe user with companions bearing equally oversized weapons, and some glaive user with a pike-wall at his back-all are cutting into the defenders already, and if left unchecked could get through and cut down the builders. That can't happen.... but there's only one me.







In which order should I try to strike down the Domintus officers and their personal forces, to minimize the threat the builders face?
Do I dare take any of the Arcanoworks gunners from siege golem sniping to help with holding the line?
Do I have any taunts for the enemy, or words of encouragement for the State warriors fighting and dying at my side to hold the gate?
>>
No. 270153 ID: c328b9

>>270152

Morale. Morale is the single most important part of any attack, defence, charge, or seige. It's a single deciding factor many a battle.

THe Domintus are incapable of losing morale, but that doesn't mean that you are incapable of gaining it. Continue your murder-spree. Big, sweeping attacks should be your focus. Make it clear that you are going to win...
>>
No. 270154 ID: 81f32a

>How much of our resources are we going to put towards keeping the fate safe while we barricade it, and how much are we saving for future threats?

Definitely keep the gate safe and barricade it. Use as much as possible.
Because while you hold this gate properly more and more of our allies will arrive. More arcaneworks militia, golem armors, air cavalry, Deep Spawn, possibly Premen and Mage Mordre himself.
If you hold the gate there will be no future threats

>glaive user with a pike-wall
I say you first focus on this guy, he seems to be able to break the line of defenders more easily than the others.
Then go to the axe user.

Have half of your ranged troops focus on golems and the other half aiding with defence of the gate.


Also, I'm sure you too have several guns on you, no? Use them once in a while to shoot some of the enemies which seem to be breaking our line of defense. Maybe if you are lucky you can try to take out on of the captains with a headshot while going to fight another one.
>>
No. 270156 ID: 8250d3

Pike em up.
>>
No. 270165 ID: 5b95eb

Ask through Phohn when Burduko will be free to resupply.
>>
No. 270173 ID: bdd665

Keep killing but next time the battle takes us close enough shout for a few men(10-15 from the city guard) to gather metal from the fallen for the gunners
>>
No. 270184 ID: d3dfb8

If you're close enough and they're unarmored try throwing knives.
Maybe hamper or take out a dangerous individual with little to no effort.
>>
No. 270208 ID: 8cccd4

I think the best idea would be to try to be efficient in the long run and to ruin the enemy formations so they slow down. The axe troops will damage the barricades a lot, but their short range and larger bodies actually make them really vulnerable to the WASP wall as those devastating spears will easily kill bears in a single stab. These guys probably need the other troops to support them.

The heavies are meant to charge the front and open things up for the others. However most armor won't stop handcannon fire (Even Ugrokk's Del Roga custom armor was no match!) or lightning blasts so if you can point some guns on them then they will fall as quickly as anyone else.

The pikes are really strong but depend on cohesion so if you can get in among them or around them then they'll be trapped in their own formation.

Order around 15-20 gunners to focus fire on the heavy mace squad and tell the rest to slow down their fire and wait a bit more for opportunities to do good aimed shots, like skyfall rounds into tight groups and reserving volleys for breaking charges. Tell them they're doing a fine job as long as they stay cool and focus on the moment.

Then start mocking the heavy mace officer or battleaxe officer. Tell him that he and his whole team are pussyfooting manwhales that are afraid of getting scraped in a real fight. Shout out that he's a pig-eyed sack of shit who takes it up the rear at the campfire every night. Also throw in some boasting for good measure. Basically keep it up and try to get one of them to come after you together with his men rather than at the barricade. Then charge the pike wall while throwing a few knifes into it and do an acrobatic somersault over the pikes and into their midst where you can start tearing them up with Dawn Craze - you've got a blood toga, right? If you do a good job at the mocking then the heavies or preferably the axemen end up trying to do a futile assault on the WASP wall and gun ranks alone while you cause the other two groups to collide to buy time.
>>
No. 270476 ID: a76809

>>270165
Hey Phohn, when's Burduko going to be ready for a resupply drop?
Burduko and Rutgur are working together to hold a central gate that collapsed, it is estimated once they are finished that no time will be left before their next designated trip. At minimum, thirty minutes.
Can't he just teleport back to Arcanoworks, grab some stuff and come back?
Normally yes, however something is effecting the spatial stability of this entire area. As of yet the source is unidentified, but until it is dealt with Burduko will be limited in mobility.
Crap.

>NEW LONG TERM BATTLE GOAL: FIND AND DESTROY THE SOURCE OF THE SPATIAL WARPING FIELD.

>>270154
>>270156
>>270184
I turn my eyes on the officer leading the pike squad-that's my biggest threat, right now, they're keeping back and just poking themselves a hole in the defensive line. Bastards and their stupid long pointy sticks, I'LL SHOW 'EM! A hand slips free of the Dawn Craze as I pull free a trio of throwing knives from the bandolier about my torso, and toss them at the officer stupid enough to go without a helm or anything-which obviously doesn't apply to me because I am awesome. One goes wide and hits air, another skitters off armor-and the third cuts a deep gash in his neck-the glaive using officer drops as blood sprays from his neck. I shoulder, duck and dash across the line, and before his squad can react to his falling, I'm among them, inside the reach of those oversized pikes-and what do you know, I can still use my shortswords just fine.

Ten seconds later, eleven of the original twenty pikeman are pulling back, their force broken as they flee my one-man whirlwind-

And I hear a shout farther down the line. The Mace and Twin-Axe officers are both moving, and with a particularly heavy wave of siege golems coming, I can't take the Arcanoworks gunners off their sniping duties, unless I want things to get a whole lot worse in a minute. ...Okay, can't reach both of them before they break through, and the builders aren't close to done, what should I-

>>270208
...This could work.

Phohn, have the gunners on the roof toss down their WASP spears for the state defenders, along with their belt of extra cartridges.

I am given no response, save the clatter of falling weapons as scores of carefully worked spears fall to the ground. As defenders turn and orient on the action, enemies fail to capitalize as the ground shakes, thousands of tendrils of multi-colored metal jutting from the ground far deeper into enemy lines as a gray dust begins to rise from the fallen, all of it converging on a single point. ...Really wish Ulzrick was here, at least he could confirm if that is Eisenhardt or not.

It is. He elected to transport himself without the aid of tractomancy, at some twelve times the speed of sound.

...Okay then.

I see a wave of relatively fresh State soldiers coming out to give us support, and I see several grizzled veterans look from the spears to me: As I nod, they set to arming the reinforcements before dashing forth. ...Okay, that will make things better very shortly, but for the here and now-

"HEY, YOU COWARDLY PISSANTS IN THE HEAVY ARMOR! YEAH, YOU WITH THE MACES AND STUPIDLY LARGE AXES!"

As if they cannot help themselves, the two remaining officers turn my way, just in time to see me swaying back from a lackluster attempt to open my face as I drop my pants and proceed to moon them.

"AND HERE I THOUGHT THE DISCIPLES COULD FIGHT, WHO KNEW THEY WERE A BUNCH OF PATHETIC LOSERS WHO CAN'T TAKE A GATE-HELL, THEY CAN'T EVEN KILL ONE MAN!"

...Oh, I think I have their attention now.

With reinforcements to the line still in route, the builders working as fast as they can to barricade the shattered gate, and the line fairly thin about me, I watch as the mace-wielding officer leads his group of ten heavy armor shocktroops my way from my left, while the Twin-axe-wielder leads his group of fifteen berserkers on a beeline to me from my right. Both officers let their rage get the better of them, and lead from the front: As a Mace swings in from the left from behind a massive tower shield, a pair of axes come in from above and below from my right-a tridirectional attack. Maybe they aren't so dumb.

Then again, I can see them coming, my balance is undisturbed, and nothing blocks my movement in any direction as I gamely loosen my grip on Dawn Craze, mind whirling.






I got two officers bearing down on me, both looking to claim my head, one heavily armored, one heavily armed: How should I fight them?
Do I want to hold the line where it is, or retreat back to the reinforcements so the pressure is lessoned on the State fighters in exchange for taking breathing room from the builders?
>>
No. 270496 ID: 21e57a

>>270476
>How should I fight them?
Pantlessly, mocking them, and getting Heavily Armed to swing at you as you dance around inside Heavily Armored. That, or just spear one of the bastards' eyes and ride him like a mechanical bull into the heavy armored guys.

But first, as you dodge out of the way and try to make sure Mister Ax hits Mister Mace pretty hard, yell out to everyone: “Hey! WATCH THIS!”

Oh yeah, while you’re kicking ass, be on the look out for anywhere that looks…screwy, when you look at it. Like stuff is closer or further away via it or doesn’t move when you see through it.
>>
No. 270511 ID: 903f16

>I got two officers bearing down on me, both looking to claim my head, one heavily armored, one heavily armed: How should I fight them?
Duck, dodge, roll, flip, do whatever you have to do to get away from that attack. Then attempt to use the chain attached to the Dawn Craze to wrap around the limbs of one of the attackers and pull it towards the other to make them attack each other as per this >>270496 plan. Move swiftly out of that attack and attempt to get a slice in on the heavy shock trooper, aiming for his joints where he's least likely to be armored and where you can potentially sever a vein. If that works attempt to collect any blood with one of your swords and check on how much is stored in your toga. If you've got more than half full try to manipulate the axe wielder into hitting you with it and watch as he falls to his own blade.

>Do I want to hold the line where it is, or retreat back to the reinforcements so the pressure is lessened on the State fighters in exchange for taking breathing room from the builders?
Keep that line right where it is. The builder's efforts are crucial to the success of your mission, if the fighters have to deal with a bit more than so be it.
>>
No. 270515 ID: f6360f

>I got two officers bearing down on me, both looking to claim my head, one heavily armored, one heavily armed: How should I fight them?
Slaughter heavily armed yourself using superior speed and deadliness, and call in superior firepower to blast apart heavily armored, or at least distract him while you get a knife in his eye or something.

>Do I want to hold the line where it is, or retreat back to the reinforcements so the pressure is lessoned on the State fighters in exchange for taking breathing room from the builders?
You've gotta hold the line until the reinforcements get here. If those builders take too many hits, a lot more of your men are going to die. Move amongst your men quickly after you've dealt with these two bozos, trying to keep as many of your guys alive and fighting as possible for these crucial few minutes. Be liberal with the application of those throwing knives for this purpose.
>>
No. 270518 ID: 46c430

The obvious course of action is to try and trick and manipulate the heavily armed guy into hitting his heavily armored friend.
>>
No. 270531 ID: 8250d3

cue epic, slo-mo, quasi-impossible, acrobatic, spinning flip move, to dodge the blades as closely as possible

land

throw your swords into their faces and then yank on the chain to pull them back.

cue shit-eating grin
>>
No. 270532 ID: 69bee4

rolled 3 = 3

rolling for Captain on Bob-o's request. Low is good... SOOOOOOO GO LOW!
>>
No. 270536 ID: a76809
File 12947262487.jpg - (244.12KB , 664x1169 , Domintus Knight Captain Suplicant 03 Iron Cutter T.jpg )
270536

>>270496
>>270511
>>270515
>>270518
>>270530
I leap into a midair pirouette, my thin body and my relatively light armo slip between blows as my hands race out, looping chain about hands and hafts alike as I land after the danger passes, jerking on Craze's hilt-

And pulling a mace and an axe free from their grasp just as I pull myself forward into a lunge. I leap at the onetime mace-user's shield, rebounding to strike upside down at the axe-user, stabbing my blades through his unguarded eyes as my grip shifts to the chain, my leap terminating into a swing as I heave his bucking corpse over my back on my momentum, his body tumbling into his own troops as I whirl about, Dawn Craze dancing in my hands. I see that mace-user reaching, leaning for his weapon-a fool, and snicker-snack, there goes his hand. He recoils, his balance slipping, and I place a foot and hand alike under his shield, pushing and kicking up and flinging away his protection, foot coming down on his knee as I dash up, slicing his throat from ear to ear before alighting on his shoulder for a moment to survey the field as I take a moment to bask in the glory.

"YOU DOMINTUS FOOLS CAN'T STOP VESPINTO, MY SWORDPLAY IS TOO MASTERFUL, YOUR RESISTANCE TOO PITIFUL!!"
I dodge a few arrows as my mount starts to collapse in his deathspasms while I cut down those few that venture near. I note the axeman's troops are still in disarray, while the maceman's heavy troops are only cowed for the moment-guess I have to deal with them-or wait.

A volley on these heavy infantry while I attack the siege weapon soldiers-Phohn, send that to the soldiers.

Again there is no response as I dive away, leaping over some of the sea of battle from the dying Domintus officer's shoulder as I plunge into my foe's midst once more. Nevertheless I feel my hair rise and thunder boom nearby, flashes of light and screams signaling the end of the heavy infantry. Once the axemen are gone-

The reinforcements reach the line, and WASP spearheads by the dozens thrust out past the defending line, impaled foes messily dying as chunks of flesh explode. I only get to cut down five of the axemen before the spearplay of our defensive line clears out the foes around me. I have the line advance to my position, its borders stretching to press our momentum and buy the builders more breathing room. I watch as siege golems continue to fall before closing distance on this gate-I even see a massive metal ball more than a hundred feet across splitting itself into a dozen massive spikes in the distance-but their numbers don't dwindly meaningfully-and the Arcanoworks gunners are now slowed as they wait for ammunition to regenerate. The city-slickers are already scrounging metal and providing the gunners with what they need, but time is proving our foe. ...We may see some siege golems reach the gates before the barricade is put back in place.

>>270532
[CAPTAIN ROLL]
>[3]
>[03/20: Iron Cutter Togre]

One of the state soldiers presses out too far, some gaudily runed sword in his hands. From the seething masses of the Domintus forces, steps a barechested, scarred man in somber silence, his grim, equally scarred and bearded face grim and contemplative. The towering scarred man-for he must be at least seven feet tall, and covered in heavy muscle-puts a hand to one of the two sword hilts at his side, and slowly draws his blade, it's tip just exiting the sheath instants before the reckless state warrior swings his Runed Steel sword into his side.

The Scarred Domintus warrior's blade cuts through the runed sword like it was butter, going past to cleave halfway through the warrior-all from an awkwardly angled, one-handed swing. Those muscles ain't for show-but that was some cutting power.

As the state soldier falls and dies, a trio of his comrades charge forth, WASP speartips leading their wrath. The scarred warrior's hand finds the other blade, and with a few sharp sheering sounds, the spears become clubs-the the arms simple chunks-before a third set of slashes cleaves bloody paths straight through shields and armor alike, bone and skin posing no impediment at all. He is butchering them, and its over in seconds.

His gaze turns my way, before he starts resolutely marching towards the line, clearly content to carve a blood whole through-

If no one stops him.

....Well, always a first time to face and kill a combat magic user.






Okay, should I:
Show that Domintus Hero how badass I am and go to face him, and if so how should I try to fight him, given my melee exclusive armaments?
Or
Give orders for the gunners to lay condensed fire on him, killing the hero without risking my neck while making the coming siege golem problems worse?
>>
No. 270538 ID: f6360f

>Show that Domintus Hero how badass I am and go to face him, and if so how should I try to fight him, given my melee exclusive armaments?
Face him personally, but because it's the strategically smart thing to do, not because you want to prove how badass you are. Your troops have to keep the troops back and the siege golems suppressed; that means that you have to take out the heroes. It's your duty- but you should fight to win, not to be awesome.

It looks like this guy's all about power, so you need to focus on speed. His sword is a nasty cutting tool, so don't try to block it- at most deflect it, but preferably avoid it entirely. Seize every opportunity to inflict wounds, no matter how minor; if there's an opportunity for a quick kill take it, of course, but against a tough opponent hedge your bets and prepare to disable him a bit at a time if you have to.

And lead with some throwing knives if you've got any left, plus hit him in the face with them whenever you need a good distraction. In the future you need to invest in large numbers of light, aerodynamic bladed weapons that you can spam during battle so that you'll be freed from your current melee-only status.
>>
No. 270549 ID: d4f98d

>>270538
Agreed. When it comes to fighting him, assume any given swing is going to pack bare minimum the kind of wallop Ulzrick's Crash Course could. You don't parry that shit, you deflect and avoid. Surgical strikes are you friend here, that means tendons and wide muscle cuts to slow him down, followed by a deathblow when he's at his weakest. I don't know how enhanced your Dawn Craze is, or what it's capable of, but better to avoid his own parries where possible.
>>
No. 270551 ID: 81f32a

>Show that Domintus Hero how badass I am and go to face him
Sword duel?
Sword duel!

>FIND AND DESTROY THE SOURCE OF THE SPATIAL WARPING FIELD.
Shouldn't Velada be able to negate any effects done by that field??
>>
No. 270555 ID: 3db52e

Take him on, but don't fight fair. This is a war and that guy is packing some kind of magic cutting power. He might even be able to cleave right through Dawn Craze. If he's the one causing the spatial disruption then he could be using specialized Tractomancy somehow?

Get 2 or 3 of your men to shoot him in the back as you circle him for a duel, drawing his attention. Then cut him down with a ranged swipe at his legs.
>>
No. 270572 ID: 46c430

What the previous guys have said, plus pull your bloody pants back up, this ain't the time to be joking around.
>>
No. 270575 ID: 21e57a

>>270538
>>270572

What the hell?! This is the perfect time to be badass and awesome and the perfect time to be pantless! Awesomeness to inspire the troops, pantlessness to mock and insult the Disciples and to inspire our troops.

Anyway, start mocking him. "HEY, SWORD-FOR-BRAINS. PUT A LITTLE SPRING IN YOUR STEP, IT LOOKS LIKE YO MOMMA DROPPED YOU ON YOUR HEAD!"

Then charge in to stop 'Slow-walk-of-killing' because god that's stupid unless you do it. Phohn up to our ranged guys to kill anyone getting close to us and see if you can't give that sword-prick a flying kicking. And, hey, no helmet. Apply Dawn Craze directly to eye socket, when you get a chance.
>>
No. 270617 ID: a69afd

>>270536
Hey Vespinto, you got like a wooden training sword or something on ya? Call me crazy, but I think this dude's combat magic only works on metal. It's worth a shot... And hey, you can always chop his wrists off if an opportunity presents itself.
>>
No. 270639 ID: 5b95eb

>>270551
Velada is time, not space.
>>
No. 270659 ID: e5b1bf

...Hm, perhaps, when he swings a sword at you, jump upon the sword and run up, really quick, to make a pass on his throat/neck or try to slam one/both blades through his eye sockets. The guy doesn't seem to have much in the way of speed, but invested much of his development into power and durability (power has been seen, but durability hasn't though it is a reasonable assumption, I think: he must have faced plenty of speedy fighters to get where he is, so he must have something that would block their 'death of a thousand papercuts').

>>270639
I think the idea is more Burduko+Velada=Space-Time Stabilization Field, rather than just Velada's Time Stabilization Field.
>>
No. 270770 ID: 222dba

rolled 5 = 5

Rolling for the next mini-boss
>>
No. 270793 ID: a76809
File 12948047259.jpg - (95.48KB , 609x800 , Domintus Knight Captain Suplicant 05 Fellaloon of .jpg )
270793

>>270538
>>270549
>>270551
>>270575
"LEAVE HIM TO ME!"

The State soldiers holding the lines before our two hundred strong gunners sway back from the scarred warrior, more than a few doing a double take as they see me tumbling through the air, pants still down as I REALLY get some good breeze going. The swordsman with such a heavy strike stops, turning to face me-and now I note his right foot to drag, how INTERESTING. An old wound, perhaps? He seems unfazed my tripod as he sets into a long, sweeping pair of slashes, aiming for neck and waist. I think back to that brawl with Ulzrick-if I just think of his blades as being every bit as much a pain in the ass as Ulzrick's, I still have options. Dawn Craze rises in a carefully measured sweep, the flats of both blades meeting and sliding as I deflect his blows off-course without ever directly opposing those potent edges. I see no surprise on my face as he encounters such a slick move-he merely instantly reverses his strikes as he takes a step forward. Again I deflect them-and again he inverts the off-course strike, bringing it right back at me. His attacks aren't all that swift, or particularly precise-they just don't stop, and I sure as shit don't want to block them. On his eleventh strike, a Domintus soldier strike at my flank, and in killing him for his efforts I overbalance, the only way to avoid those calamitous edges a rather extreme one. From me, that's saying something.

I fling my legs upward, the leather, cloth and chain of my lower body wear slack in the air as I catch the falling blades, deflecting them from my body as I dive from my now shredded leg wear. ...Hey, get to keep enjoying the breeze. Besides, gotta give the female soldiers a show, eh?

Again, no distraction in my foe as he advances without hesitation, still unperturbed. Guy is like a rock....and his allies are starting to realize they don't need to hang back either, even after the fatal end of the first to attempt interference.

>>270555
>>270572
Phohn, tell the gunners 'discourage further interruption, remove immediate audience', word for word-or I guess thought for thoug-

An octet of resounding cracks echo through the air as molten metal flies and light blooms, lightning crazing over the multitude of metal targets-and I stay well low, considering I've still got so many damn knives, throwing and otherwise. Death screams are short, piercing, and vanish as the chaos does. My foe, for once not advancing without end, eyes the burnt corpses around us, before turning back to me.

>[Combat Magic Swordsman]"...Togre, of Cut-Crush School. Foe name?"
"You can carry the sheer awesome of VESPINTO to the grave and beyond!!"

I dart forward before he can spring into his normal attacks, diving in closer and closer as his opening swings come, Craze up close to my body as I practically shrug aside his blades, diving in deeper-

And I'm inside the reach of his monstrous arms, my sprightly frame proving a boon as I bury a knife swiftly plucked from my sleeve in his arm, before kicking off his chest up and over the blades he'd already re-angled to strike at my back.

I skid to a halt, my upper body still covered in light armor weighed down with a multitude of knives and a toga, my lower body bare, as my foe, bare-armed and bare-chested with heavy leggings his sole attire-pulls out the hooked knife I plunged in his bicep-and flexes his arm like nothing happened.

What? No, no, bullshit. I don't care what magic can do, I cut you, you feel it. I refuse to accept this.

I roar with the strength of the pantless, bounding forward, circling to his wounded side, his turn sluggish as I dart in close.

A pair of swords rocket down towards my spine.

I dart to the side as I hear a grunt-and the blade that SHOULD have found my shoulder instead whiffs, and Togre's blades slam into the earth as I spring to my feet, thrusting Dawn Craze with a certain sense of satisfaction. I stab through two seperate old scars on his stomach-seven times, a pitter-pat of Crazed incisions. I feel like being thorough, what can I say.

Those blades of his never leave the ground as Togre falls, stomach bleeding with cleverly hidden wounds, all placed in old scars, while I take a moment to strut. I look about with hooded eyes and my chin thrust out, before I take a leak on the fallen Domintus soldier, mid-battle. Enough of the Domintus soldiers are distracted by this that the defensive line pushes forward again, as I walk through its midst after spotting a solider carrying a pair of pants. -Oh-ho, and she's fine... I swagger over to her, looking up into her eyes with a smug smirk.

"I know I know, it's impressive and you can't possibly fathom how I pack so much into my frame, but what can I say?"

Her cheeks fire immediately as she pushes the leather-plated leggings toward me like a battering ram, nearly bowling me over. Right, war, focus, focus.

I put on my pants, and get back to business, now confident in the knowledge that magic users ain't no thang, stabbing still works. Groovy.

.................................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: ULZRICK] .................................................................
>?
>Hey holy shit where have you been?!
>Yeah dude invasion and... and.
>Dammit you know already?
>Cease distracting the Anchor!
Gah, okay, you're back... and you know. Well then.

So, I've held the south-eastern gate of the State capital for half an hour now, keeping it from being breached. I kinda took an unorthodox approach to it: All gunners up on the towers, not over the gates, shooting at the few mage circles I spotted, where those giant clay golems come out of. It was pretty hairy at first, and I... kinda had to jump down outside the walls to put down a few soldiers who got a battering ram close, then I had to defend the battering ram while defenders got pitch and oil to throw down and soak it, and let it burn. I kept the flames to my back, going through my string of five skyfall revolver cannons pretty quick before switching to Crash Course and a Morphic dagger. Del Rogo's plate has been serving me well...
>Get to the point, or know what? I'll do-
>I will. Point is, Ulzrick jumped down, got stuck out here on his own defending the gate while the gunners focused more on mages and only clay golems while we took on Life Golems and soldiers alike.
>I would like to point out we have been recieving covering fire this entire time from the capital forces-
>Arrows don't got shit on the hand-cannons.
>Be that as it may, Ulzrick's action bought the gunners time to systematically volley-fire bombard each mage circle after walking fire out to crudely range-find them. This gate doesn't GET Clay golems anymore, as of five minutes ago.
>So gunners are now back to shooting more pressing targets, so even though the battering ram stopped burning, our back is still 'covered'.

The problem-
>>270770
[CAPTAIN ROLL]
>[5]
>[05/20: Fellaloon of Trollingwood]

Is THAT guy.
>Who the hell wheres fringed pants, belts, cuffs-fuck, fringe EVERYTHING into war, no armor?
>Better yet, who wears fringe everything?
>Good god, I think I saw something move in that bush he calls head-hair.
>And despite all those muscles and the tattoos and all that, what a GIRLY face!
>The glowing twin sabers with fractal-format energy patterns running off in the green of World or Soul would seem more important than making disparaging comments about his appearance.
>In sincerity seeing as his swords are COVERED in blood but he is not, he's got SOMETHING going that covered his complete and total vulnerability.

Head rattling with commentary, I barely hear him speak as he stands there and... poses while flexing at me.
>What?

>[Strange Warrior]"My muscles tells me that your sword is special, and that you are not a girly man. The corpses around you would seem to agree. But you hide your muscles behind the walls of metal and various things of that nature-are you really of worth?"

He shakes his head as he changes his pose, flexing even harder at me, if that were possible.

>[Strange Warrior]"But the reward for being the first into the city is considerable, so as much as I would like to be seeking a fellow body sculpter, I have the business to take care of."

He holds his swords wide as I feel some sort of weight, some pressure, some sense of danger building about his body.

>[Strange Warrior]"The cowardly hider of muscles is to know Fellaloon of Trollingwood shall be killing him with Muscle Space"

Trollingwood?
...Ooooh shit.

The swordsman's left arm and blood soaked, emerald-flaring saber vanishes as I see veins pop out on Fellaloon's chest. Oh crap.









What should I do?
There was something about Trollingwood I heard once-what was it?
How am I gonna fight this guy?
>>
No. 270794 ID: 8250d3

rolled 52 = 52

So Ulzy, remember how he actually didn't see you because you were hiding behind the burning ram?

----
If that works, give the ram a golf drive to send it flying at Fellaloon.

Run in it's shadow and prepare to strike him.
>>
No. 270795 ID: bdd665

For the most part those who come from Trolling wood love fucking with people and tend to be a mix of weird and hard to kill. Mordre hired one of them a little while ago and when he was not slacking off he spent most of his time traumatizing into submission a few thousand DoD that Mordre captured.

This guy is probably crazy strong and may be able to do crazy shit with his muscles. Probably fast too.
>>
No. 270800 ID: 5b95eb

Remember when you quickly removed your armor and flexed HARDER than him? Wait, no, that's retarded, don't remember that.

Phohn up someone to shoot him, so you can see what kind of defense he has.
>>
No. 270804 ID: d4f98d

With the heavy duty spacial distortion going on, I don't put much faith in large scale Reality Redaction working here, especially in such a hectic melee with such a large volume of potent beings. Perhaps lesser uses, such as the "remembering dodging that hit" would be possible?

Also, regarding Trollingwood: Tractomancy. Natives of that place fucking LOVE messing with senses and distances, and to a lesser degree reality if what I suspect Catbeard and the like to be capable of is accurate.

This guy called his ability "Muscle Space". His limbs and blade vanished, so assume it's coming right at your ass. I know you can't take control of anything with potent ownership, but if you can at least sense it's magnetic field, it may help you follow his attacks.
>>
No. 270807 ID: 69bee4

rolled 95 = 95

remember how instead of nicking you, the attack missed? (Similar to what you did with Vespinto, but without the intent of drawing out the fight)
>>
No. 270808 ID: 222dba

rolled 52 = 52

>>270807
Seconded
>>
No. 270813 ID: f6360f

>How am I gonna fight this guy?
With everything you've got. Dream away his hits, magnetomancy to sense him and to make your own strikes as deadly as possible, use every skill you've got.

If you think you're going to lose, suddenly 'remember' that Jezebel randomly gave you a small item just before the battle, completely out of the blue, and told you to use it if you really got in trouble before shouting something acidic and running off blushing with no further explanation.
>>
No. 270821 ID: a76809

>>270795
> For the most part those who come from Trolling wood love fucking with people and tend to be a mix of weird and hard to kill. Mordre hired one of them a little while ago and when he was not slacking off he spent most of his time traumatizing into submission a few thousand DoD that Mordre captured.
...Okay...
>>270800
> Phohn up someone to shoot him, so you can see what kind of defense he has.
See that I can work with. Phohn, tell the gunners to concentrate a volley on this guy. Now to just wait and-right that vanishing arm, what's up with that?
270804
>>270804
>[Emba] With the heavy duty spacial distortion going on, I don't put much faith in large scale Reality Redaction working here, especially in such a hectic melee with such a large volume of potent beings. Perhaps lesser uses, such as the "remembering dodging that hit" would be possible?
>Something did feel off to the general area, I could believe it spatial distortion of some form.
>[Emba] Also, regarding Trollingwood: Tractomancy. Natives of that place fucking LOVE messing with senses and distances, and to a lesser degree reality if what I suspect Catbeard and the like to be capable of is accurate.
>Hrm... perhaps he could be the source of the distortions?
>Doesn't seem like he has enough juice for it.
>[Emba] This guy called his ability "Muscle Space". His limbs and blade vanished, so assume it's coming right at your ass. I know you can't take control of anything with potent ownership, but if you can at least sense it's magnetic field, it may help you follow his attacks.

Okay, makes sense, his blades feel different with the magic in them, so-wait why is one behin-

I lunge to my side as a glowing green saber tears through my plate armor, scoring a heavy cut in my side, clutched by a disembodied arm full or runed, rippling muscles tha-

>>270807
>>270808
[95 vs 52, +43 SUCCESS INSTANT PAST, MODERATE IMPACT PASS]

My practice against Vespinto pays off as I remember dodging just a bit farther, they blade being just a bit more off. My armor gains a deep rent-and nothing more. Instant Reality Redaction can make for a potent defense, something I feel grateful for as I try to stab the offending limb-but I watch it's muscles relax and it pops out of existence, once more attached to Fellaloon's shoulder.

>[Fellaloon]"You have good muscles and things of this nature, to dodge so swiftly-perhaps you use such weight as a training aide, sculpting your body in silence? A craft I can respect, but never follow-why contain such bountiful glory as rippling pecs and twitching biceps and various similar things?"

It is now that rangefinding shots, disguised as attacks on clumps of Domintus soldiers, finish marking out distance, and I get ready to remember dodging if the blast reaches me. An entire tower's top booms with gunfire and the world goes white. Molten metal skids across my arm-and I remember keeping the limb closer, never intercepting the projectile. My side, my leg-I do the same, short, simply, instant revisions, riding on the success of my first instants ago. The light vanishes first-

And I see Fellaloon, body covered in molten metal, skin burning, looking at himself in disgust.

>[Fellaloon]"This will not do, to have such dirty muscles."
He drops his swords and begins to flex-
>Holy shit are those burns peeling off?
>Is he seriously flexing injuries off his body? That can't possibly work!
>I am starting to hate Trollingwood, this guy is ridiculous.
>Look who's talking.

The conversation is interrupted as a chunk of semi-molten metal falls away, burned skin attached, as Fellaloon continues to strain, veins standing out and effeminate face beet red and tight-lipped. Around him is nothing but devestation, a score of Domintus soldiers in the process of dying. ...I need to start moving again, if I stay still I'll get bogged down.

Case in point:

Crash Course shatters sword and arm alike of one soldier, cleaves the leg off another and splits a shield in twain all in the same sweeping strike, my Magnetomantic connection compounding its innate Gravimantic properties, as I keep my Morphic dagger on standby-I don't think my foe knows it can expand.

Okay, eighteen feet's distance separate us, but I'd have to dance around all those clumps of molten metal and twitching corpses.






Any ideas on how I should attack this Trollingwood swordsman with muscle based magic?
Do I have any ideas for Dream Recollection use? (1d100 roll for Reality Redaction, with a 1d100 roll to second it. Must beat seconding roll. Will not be used if there is no seconding roll.)
And if any voice has a clue on how I can get back on top of the wall without opening the gates or otherwise letting enemies in... I'm all ears.
>>
No. 270823 ID: 222dba

rolled 88 = 88

Remember the big musclehead standing in a crater, so all the molten metal flows back down the sides and pools around his feet. Gives you a little space to work with and maybe it'll inhibit his mobility a little.
>>
No. 270824 ID: 903f16

rolled 83 = 83

>>270823
Seconding this.
>>
No. 270825 ID: d4f98d

>dirty muscles

I never thought I'd ever hear those words used together like that in actual speech. It sounds every bit as silly as you'd think. Destroy this person.

He dropped his swords, and if he's straining as hard as he seems to be, with beet-red face and all, his attention is probably less on them and more on cleaning his "dirty muscles". See if you can magnetomance the cooling liquid metal, just what little you can, to pool over the blades, hiding them from view amid the debris and other patches of molten steel.
>>
No. 270830 ID: 5b95eb

rolled 77 = 77

Remember him getting a really bad charley horse as he's flexhealing
>>
No. 270831 ID: 69bee4

rolled 20 = 20

seconding
>>
No. 270834 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 59 = 59

Remember him being so busy flexing that he doesn't notice you walking up and stabbing him with the morphic dagger.

And then expanding it.
>>
No. 270841 ID: a76809

>>270823
>>270824
[88 vs 83 +5, 75+/75+ BONUS, IMMEDIATE PAST, LOW MODERATE IMPACT PASS]
I push farther. I remember that barrage cratering the ground beneath Fellaloon, leaving a hollow for the molten metal to pool in around his feet and swords alike. It seems randomly borderd at first, tehn I realize it stretched to claim nearly every unspent drop of molten metal, the remains of at least two thirds of the bombardment and the melted armor that was struck. Fellaloon now stands in a depression, molten metal burning his fringed leather boots and gluing to his swords-as he keeps flexing, tilting his head down to look quizzically at his feet as he continues to strain and flex.
>As easily as you are claiming the remnants of my knowledge, I caution some more restraint-even if no Dreameater comes, the power to reach the Dream comes from you/us.

>>270830
>>270831
[77 vs 20 +57 50+ WIN BONUS, INSTANT PAST, MODERATE IMPACT PASS]
I go further, reaching into that instant that just past as I remember-

Fellaloon staggers, an arm going flaccid as he stares at it in utter confusion, the fingers idly twitching, before he sets to ripping his feet out of the molten metal pool, several chunks still buried in his chest and back.
>Weapons still out of reach.

>>270825
>[Emba] I never thought I'd ever hear those words used together like that in actual speech. It sounds every bit as silly as you'd think. Destroy this person.
You have a plan or what?
>[Emba] He dropped his swords, and if he's straining as hard as he seems to be, with beet-red face and all, his attention is probably less on them and more on cleaning his "dirty muscles". See if you can magnetomance the cooling liquid metal, just what little you can, to pool over the blades, hiding them from view amid the debris and other patches of molten steel.
...No one Owns the molten metal, and liquid like that, building on that one forging and half of a lesson with Eisenhardt, I think I could manipulate it. The blades shudder, and topple, subsumed in the liquid metal while Fellaloon is still preoccupied in trying to free himself while still trying to flex, a single arm totally lax. He seems about to break free....

And I am hit by a wave of pain, in my head, my heart, along my spine... oh, oh WOW.
>That fucking HURTS!
>THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU OVERUSE MAGIC, DREAM DRAWS ON YOU SAME AS NORMAL CASTING YOU IDIOT






What should I do?
Do I think I can end Fellaloon in his apparent vulnerable state with just Crash Course and a Morphic dagger, or do I need to call for more fire support?
Any thoughts on how specifically or generally I need to fight?
And seriously, ideas on getting back into the capital without opening the gates, getting killed or letting the enemy in would be nice too.
>>
No. 270846 ID: d3dfb8

He seems to be able to just flex away most wounds, I recommend going for severing limbs.
while he's distracted approach and take a swing at his shoulder with Crash Course. No need to reveal the morphic dagger yet.

Also watch out he's totally going to attack you. His distractedness is probably a ruse.
>>
No. 270848 ID: f6360f

>>270841
>And seriously, ideas on getting back into the capital without opening the gates, getting killed or letting the enemy in would be nice too.
Tentative plan: Have Phohn order someone(s) on the wall to drop you a rope. Grab it and have them haul you up while providing covering fire and deflecting any arrows or crossbow bolts or whatever with a random shield or such magnetomancy as you can muster.

If they don't have any rope inside the capital, something has gone horribly wrong. If they do, this plan should work out quick and easy.
>>
No. 270849 ID: d3dfb8

Oh and you should ask Mordre if he has anything that might help your magic regen.
Otherwise you'll just improve the more you use/the stronger your soul becomes.
>>
No. 270850 ID: d3dfb8

>>270848
I recommend waiting on this till you've recovered a bit. You can use Magnetomancy to help lift yourself up too, at least make yourself lighter.
Another option is to find another gate, but I highly suggest this be a LAST resort.
>>
No. 270855 ID: 1854db

Lift up some molten steel with your sword and flick it at him!

Then take advantage of the further distraction by stabbing him repeatedly with everything you have.
>>
No. 270858 ID: 81f32a

rolled 100 = 100

I'm a bit late it seems. We overused our magic so probably can't do much Dream Recalling at this moment, right?

But still, I wanted to suggest this:
Recall that in these short few days that you have been Eisenhardts apprentice, you made a tremendous progress in your studies. Recall how Eisenhardt turned out to be most excellent teacher that you couldn't even have dreamed of, he could explain the complex use of magic and its capabilities with such ease and so simply that you wondered how you didn't see it for yourself.
And you, also turned out to be a great pupil. A prodigy, a genius in the field, soaking up the knowledge like ever-hungry sponge.
So combined, this let you learn magnetomancy and geomancy at alarming rate, several times faster than normally possible.

While you are in no way great magnetomancer yet, you have become much more better at it in these few days.
[I guess this can be done after the battle, when Ulzrick has rested, I would want the effect to be permanent. That is to say, the effect of being greatest teacher and pupil so that in future sessions Ulzrick will learn at much higher rate...]

>As easily as you are claiming the remnants of my knowledge, I caution some more restraint-even if no Dreameater comes, the power to reach the Dream comes from you/us.

Guys, this dude doesn't have some kind of Muscle Mystery powers like Flex Mentallo. He's a dream magic user just like us. Considering how rare dream magic is that even such powerful mages like Eisenhardt didn't know of its existence, I find it unlikely that he just happens to know of it without being practicer.
The muscle thing.... I think he's just obsessed with it... or maybe it helps him focus, but no way that it is the source of his power.

>>THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU OVERUSE MAGIC, DREAM DRAWS ON YOU SAME AS NORMAL CASTING YOU IDIOT
Can, we use our Dream Recollection to expand our magic reservoir? Maybe not now... but if it is possible, Ulzrick, you should use your powers to increase your mana a little each day.
We could even recall some kind of magic magic battery devices, like Bangs scarf....

Or heck... can't you just recall that you didn't use up so much magic? That you have become much more efficient at it and these last usages have only drained half of your reservoir?


About the fight.
Like some already said, don't be to overconfident, these Trollinwood guys are never what they seem. He might be leading you in a trap.
I would suggest asking several of your troops with skyfall revolvers to shoot right in front of him. Not to damage him, but to blind him with several lighting bolts going off right in front of him, this will create an opening for us to attack and might give us better chance at succeeding our attacks.
Keep in mind though his first comment how his muscles sensed that your blade is special, it could be that this trick wont hamper his senses in any way.

Also, if this guy can teleport parts of his body... who says he can't move his entire body at once and escape his molten metal prison?
(I wonder if we can distract him with our delicious manly muscles by removing our armor?)

Anyway, go down hard on him with Crash Course, if he defends with his swords we might break them and then in turn him. But if they are strong enough to withstand against CC, he will still be surprised by the immense power and might give us a moment to attack with our morphic dagger. Thrust it in his side, right under the arm in such an angle that when it is expanded it will pierce his brain.
You can never be sure with magic types, better be safe than sorry and destroy his brain completely.



Btw, Ulzrick, how are things with Jezebel?
>>
No. 270865 ID: daeb45

rolled 13 = 13

>>270858
Second.
>>
No. 270866 ID: 1854db

>>270865
Oh boy here we go
>>
No. 270892 ID: d4f98d

>Massive spinal, cardiac, and head pains
>USE MORE REALITY MAGIC

Also, using a magic to remember not using magic is...REALLY recursive.
>>
No. 270895 ID: bdd665

>>270892
#7 did suggest using it later, hopefully Bob takes that to mean after Ulzrick has recovered enough. That or the 100 vs 13 might keep anything too horrible from happening.
>>
No. 271052 ID: 5b95eb

I think you can kill him without another supporting volley. Run up and do it, then. I suggest going for the head.

A way to get back in? Maybe have someone lower a rope for you.
>>
No. 271075 ID: daeb45

rolled 12 = 12

Rollan for BOB.
>>
No. 271078 ID: a76809
File 129488921155.jpg - (225.54KB , 900x1452 , Domintus Knight Captain Suplicant 12 Krilkin The F.jpg )
271078

>>270846
> He seems to be able to just flex away most wounds, I recommend going for severing limbs.
Sounds reasonable.
> while he's distracted approach and take a swing at his shoulder with Crash Course. No need to reveal the morphic dagger yet.
I can work with that. I dart forward (as much as a big man in a metal suit can 'dart'), Morphic dagger trailing as I swing Crash Course into a vicious arc, terminating five inches below Fellaloon's right shoulder.

I attacked from above.

Blood sprays everywhere, coating my blade, my arm, my armor, all of it as the over-muscled arm drops to the ground. I hear Fellaloon grunt in pain as he finishes pulling a foot free of the molten metal as I-
> Also watch out he's totally going to attack you. His distractedness is probably a ruse.
Wait, wh-oh shit!

Fellaloon's remaining arm neatly caves in my chest armor, crushing not one, not two, but three seperate ribs as I reflexively cough as the single punch lifts me from the ground.
>Who would have thought the guy going on and on about muscles could hit hard!
>It's almost like he's strong or something!

As my body starts to drop back down, I whip Crash Course into motion again-

Only for the blade to be caught in the crook of his elbow, sandhiched between forarm and bicep, held fast by flexing muscles.
>[Fellaloon]"You will not kill The Muscle that easily girly man!"

>>270858
>>270865
>[№7][SO MUCH PARADOX]
Yeah, I don't know abou-
>(100/100, confirm of 13)
...Is it just me or is that weird ache in my head, spine and heart going all... wonky?
>Wonky is not necessarily a good thing.
>Nor is it a guaranteed a bad thing.
I don't know....

>>270892
>[Emba]Because clearly massive spinal, cardiac and chest pains from overusing magic means you should use more magic.
When you put it like that-
>[Emba] Also, using a magic to remember not using magic is...REALLY recursive.
>I must throw my support behind Emba's concerns, this is suicidal, to try magic in such a state, let alone such potent forms that would surely call the Dreameater.

The voices continue to argue about what the changing pain means, and what I should do about the will of Seven, while I thrust my morphic dagger into Fellaloon's navel. The point makes it perhaps an inch before a veritable wall of muscle stops it-but that's okay, my whole body weight is against it, I'm synced up with its magnetic field, and-

I am now holding a greatsword that sticks roughly four feet out through Fellaloon's back, blood running down the blade and spilling from his mouth and stump alike as he looks at me in confusion, while I desperately try not to go into racking coughs as I feel shattered bones pressing down on a lung.

>[Fellaloon]"...Perhaps I strayed from the path of Muscle. Perhaps this is my just reward and things of that nature. BUT MUSCLE WILL NEVER DIE!"

Despite his words, Fellaloon slowly collapses, sliding off my blade as he reaches out, his remaining hand pressing against my breastplate-as I feel my muscles writhing.

>Okay what the hell's going on now?
>We still don't even know what those fluctuations in magic overuse pain means!

>>270848
>>271052
I call up to the walls for them to throw down a line. The Gunners bring their focus closer to home and provide devastating cover fire as I wrap the rope about my arm, gritting my teeth as I am hauled away, creating a WONDERFUL feeling in my shattered ribs. ...Well, at least the fuck is dead, and the gate is safe. ...I think that weird space feeling went away too.
>While your foe was undoubtedly linked to it, he was not the sole source. More disrupts this field
I guess someone else will have to clean it up, I need some patching done, but otherwise I'm just the dude guarding the gate. ...I wonder how the others are doing....



........................................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: ELLORIKA] ........................................................................

-ets DO THIS!

...?

I guess we're here already.

Some idiots are trying to hit me with swords, axes, hammers, arrows-all sorts of things.

Do they not see the Golem Armor?

I bring my modified WASP saw-sword into play, explosively cutting myself some breathing room with a single massive sweep, body parts raining down in the wake of my swing. ...Oh hey, the Hydroshock Longbore's got a full charge. Okay-

Middle of the enemy front lines, teleported in... what do I aim at?

>>270175
[CAPTAIN ROLL]
>[12]
>[12/20: Krilkin The Firehorn]

..Okay.... bright red and orange armor that doesn't really provide much coverage... unnecessarily spiky armor... this guy looks like a good target. The Longbore's barrel orients, and I pull the trigger as he turns my way.

The gel stream and cannonshot alike never make it, some crazy dark flames jumping from his swords to consume both projectiles mid-flight. ...I REALLY hope that was reflexive, because if he's fast enough to see and manually react to cannonfire...

Well, the three lightning bolts reached him. ...I mean, his horns drew them like lightningrods and he isn't jerking, twitching or smoking.... All he's really doing is charging at me-

Wait why is he catching on fire?

Dammit I hate mages. ...Well, I just depleted my stored charge for the Longbore, other than that I have two six-revolver blisters on my shoulders, and a hand-cannon built in each forarm of the golem armor. Beyond that, I also have my WASP saw sword, which packs a huge punch and has some immense reach... and is slow as shit. ...This guy does not seem particularly slow.






What should I do?
Do I try and deal with this threat alone, and if so how should I go about that, given what little I now know of my foe?
Or should I try calling some of the ten Golem Armor troops with me to my aid, taking them OFF our pre-existing duties of trying to demolish the siege tower being erected here?
>>
No. 271083 ID: 21e57a

Ask why he looks so much like Fellaloon, for one. Second, how close are you to the Siege Tower and how close is the Siege Tower to the Capital? Because you could just get him to follow you, trash his tower, and drop it onto his head as you and your badass soldiers CURB STOMP HIM.

Anyway, to test him, start chucking his soldiers at him. Not hard enough that they'll be projectiles, at first.
>>
No. 271085 ID: ab04d4

Is it bad of me that I feel really sorry for Fellaloon? Poor guy could probably have been a Keddic or Bang under the right circumstances.

But yeah, make a moving retreat to the tower and in the direction of your forces, firing suppressive fire every step of the way. Using his own soldiers as cannon fodder wouldn't hurt either.
>>
No. 271087 ID: 21e57a

>>271085
He lives on within the Muscles of Ulzrick!
>>
No. 271088 ID: 903f16

Well he managed to burn up one of your shots, but as a great man once said "...Use a gun, and if that don't work-use more gun.". So get moving towards the guy and shoot. Using your great amount of firepower to try and overwhelm him so he's forced to dodge or avoid the shots. If you can, try guide him straight into melee range with you and into a situation where you get a heavy slice on him with the sword. Basically use your guns to compensate for your swords incredible lack of speed.

If you just can't muster up enough rounds at a time to do this order some of the guys to take shots at him as well. I don't mean have them focus their full attention onto him, just fire supplementary potshots at him from where ever they currently are and get right back to what they're doing as soon as they're finished.
>>
No. 271092 ID: 21a2c4

>>271087
>Lives on
Ya, I have the same supscion about that too, for example:

>>[Fellaloon]"...MUSCLE WILL NEVER DIE!" 
>>his remaining hand pressing against my breastplate-as I feel my muscles writhing. 
>>
No. 271093 ID: d3dfb8

Take up a defensive stance and let him approach, then when he get's close enough to attack you kick dirt in his eyes while jumping back.
From a golem armor that'll be a lot of dirt.
Then use his distractedness to launch a revolver volley into his face, hopefully he won't be able to block them all. When the lightning strikes launch another Hydroshock Longbore at him, hopefully we can overwhelm his electricity resistances.
>>
No. 271094 ID: 21e57a

>>271090
Ulzrick is gonna have so many voices in his head.
>>
No. 271102 ID: fd1fe7

Fire a cannon round... or two at the ground in his path.

Plan is for the shockwave to stall/stop him or at the very least for the crater to trip him up.
>>
No. 271103 ID: 1854db

Considering that the spikes on his armor are attached to ARM armor they might drain electricity to power his swords.

Don't hit him with any more lightning!
>>
No. 271104 ID: 222dba

You are surrounded by hostiles, are you not? THROW ONE OF THEM at the guy and then take advantage of the distraction to send a follow-up barrage at him while he's busy immolating the incoming meat-projectile. His vision will be obscured by first the flying person and then by the burst of flame, which should keep him from reacting in time if you time your shots until he starts to burn the body as it comes at him.
>>
No. 271116 ID: 21e57a

rolled 8 = 8

BOB WILLS IT!
>>
No. 271121 ID: a76809
File 129489934780.jpg - (176.49KB , 800x711 , Domintus Knight Captain Suplicant 08 Zolmega The P.jpg )
271121

>>271085
>>271088
>>271104
I start backpedalling, tossing my WASP sword back towards the siege tower where it explosively collides and clatters to the ground, pinning a soldier beneath it as I use my free hand to start grabbing soldiers and heaving them at my foe. I start well below what the suit's full output is, and my foe actively sways and weaves about, clearly attempting to avoid killing his own comrades. As I pick up the pace, throwing harder as I keep falling back, ignoring those who get hits in on my armor, the highly conspicuous warrior starts to lash his sword through the air, those heavy, dark flames consuming bodies as he breaks into a jog. ...I think I need to revise my opinion.

>>271093
>>271102
I fire my shoulder blisters at the ground between us, a mountain of earth flying as I briefly dig in a foot and heave even more airborne, a smorgasbord of crap flying at my foe.

He proceeds to burn it ALL, every last bit, from shell shrapnel to earth and stone.

While he's busy doing that, I open up some more distance, and reach the siege tower just as the horned guy resumes his trek, now flat out charging me.

>>271083
As I pick up my WASP sword and swing it at the already creaking side of the structure, I think about how handy Phohn is while getting my entire squad to throw a helping bombardment into my efforts.

As my foe is nearly on-top of me the last support strut snaps as a volley of shells assail the weighty structure, the entire tower falling. The moment the fire guy turns to appraise what's going on, I fire another barrage at him, and while he once more manages to transpose flame between himself and the attack, rendering my attacks ash....

He does NOT end up having the time to dodge the collapsing siege tower.

I would guess about twenty tons of wood and metal, plus at LEAST a hundred soldiers all fall in a big mess on the guy. Before he's buried, I see him trying to burn the collapsing environment-those mages, such a one-track mind. And hey, I just met my objective! I know what that means!

"ALRIGHT YOU LILLY-LIVERED SHIT-STAINS, THIS WRECKAGE SO MUCH AS TWITCHES I WANT YOU TO SHOOT THE SHIT OUT OF IT!"

Over the course of thirty eight seconds, one hundred twelve hand-cannon rounds and twenty two longbore shots are pumped into the wreckage, before not a single but of debris shifts anymore.

...Okay, siege tower down, magic fire dude dead and buried... alright, objective complete, that only took... what, three minutes?

Administrator Mordre has another Siege tower for you to stop.
Eh another? Hold on, I'll have the squad scrounge metal and build a charge so we can go in guns blazing-thirty seconds.
Administrator Mordre finds this acceptable

My squad and I go out of our way to salvage weapons, helms, gauntlets, any all-metal bits we can find to feed into out back mounted metal hoppers, to fuel both suit and shoulder armaments alike. We all rotate each revolver chamber, bringing our few active shells into the chamber as we prime our Longbores.

Okay, we're good.

Burduko pops into existence with Rutgur at his side, and each of us power-armored soldiers is encapsulated in a private coffin-

That then opens onto a new field, and Phohn's words blare in my ear as I orient myself.
Two hundred meters in front of you is another siege tower, roughly one minute from docking on the walls of the capital. Thus far three attempts have been mounted to fell it-all three repulsed by a Domintus captain with the force, a-

>>271116
[CAPTAIN ROLL]
>[08]
>[08/20: Zolmega the Poleaxe Executioner]

-mortal adept in magic item use, with an extending poleaxe topped with an enchanted blade. Thus far, his manipulation of ranges has allowed him to best all those who came for him. Your task is not only to eliminate the tower before it docks, but to kill Zolmega

As Phohn's words finish rolling through my head, I see a man with a shiny poleaxe raise his weapon high like a flag-and its length grows, its bladed peak rising into the sky-

Before the warrior swings it down with immense force, his body moving only a little as the head rockets down-

And cleaves Jensen's left arm off, right through the golem armor.

I hear her screaming as the halbred retracts, and the Domintus captain grins at me.







What should I do?
How best should we use our arsenal to accomplish our goals?
>>
No. 271127 ID: 5b95eb

Shoot the shit out of him.
>>
No. 271129 ID: d3dfb8

Have Phohn send Burduko to recover Jensen and get her healed. She would just be useless here now anyway and we don't want this tech falling into enemy hands. Recover the golem arm as well.
>>
No. 271131 ID: fd1fe7

Have everyone fire a volly or cannon rounds.

Then you fire one longbore volly at him and one near him.

Should work out perfectly unless he has enchanted armour as well.
>>
No. 271132 ID: 222dba

Order your squad to open fire on him, full barrage. Meanwhile, you target his weapon. If it gets huge again, it only presents that much more surface to hit, and he shouldn't be able to shift it easily once it's that large. Take out the polearm quick enough and he'll be too shocked to react to the incoming fire.
>>
No. 271135 ID: 69bee4

Oh no he didn't!

For ultimate revenge factor, you must kill this foe with jensen's arm! Bludgeon him, use a hidden sword component, CHOKE HIM IF YOU MUST! ironic revenge is the only revenge worth doing.
>>
No. 271138 ID: d4f98d

>>271132
Actually, he's already demonstrated he can move it rather easily: He put almost none of his body into that swing (little/no movement), which implies it was primarily arm strength.

I think I have an idea, though. When and if he extends that polearm into your firing lines again, I want you, or failing that, the best pilot you have in your squad (BE HONEST) to grab the handle of his spear below the head, and lever the end of it upwards when he tries to retract it.

Then fire at him mid-air. He can either release his weapon and fall, or be utterly incapable of mitigating your fire (barring magical trickery, though he seems an offensive sort).
>>
No. 271152 ID: 81f32a

>>271078
>>[№7][SO MUCH PARADOX]
Well, derp, I did tell to do these things when Ulzrick is out of battle and has rested. He probably should do these when he gets back to Arcaneworks and only one at the time at very carefully.

>>271121
>And cleaves Jensen's left arm off, right through the golem armor.

Have this gal retreat and someone seal her wound by burning it lest she dies of blood-loss.
We'll get her a cyborg arm if she gets home back alive.

>>271129
I don't think the spatial field that prevents Burduko traveling at will is down yet otherwise I'd think that all of our forces would have already arrived (Deep Spawn, Ragegluts, etc..)


I agree on the barrage but don't spend all of our ammo at one go. Also, have your forces form a wide semi-circle so that the attacks come from many directions and are harder to defend against.

Ellorika, should also try the same thing we did the previous time by throwing DoD at this guy as projectiles.

I believe this guy would be able to extend the other end of his weapon, basically making it a projectile weapon .... so yeah, be ready for something like that.
He could also attack from the side by sweeping and hit you all if you are not prepared.

Of course we could try to stop the siege-tower by destroying its front wheel with longbores, so give orders for that. The we'll have more time to deal with this pesky dude.
>>
No. 271154 ID: c328b9

JUST HOW MANY OF THESE FUCKERS ARE THERE?!
>>
No. 271159 ID: 259738

>>271154
20?
>>
No. 271210 ID: 21e57a

SHIT! Ok, bastard, lay down some cover fire! First goal is get her out of here. Everyone just open fire, and two other units just drag Jensen out. Burduko might not be able to get in. If he can, yeah, suppressing fire till the big guy can get in and out with Jensen. Next task is then to get to the Siege tower and weild it like a giant club in 'DISTANCE FIGHTING'.
>>
No. 271215 ID: 81f32a

Our troops could provide suppressing fire while we try to get in range.
Seems like he'll lose advantage in close quarters.
>>
No. 271360 ID: 903f16

rolled 16, 8, 3 = 27

Rolling, let's hope I don't roll triple 20s and unleash Armageddon.
>>
No. 271363 ID: 903f16

rolled 1, 9 = 10

>>271360
Two rerolls required.
>>
No. 271370 ID: a76809
File 129497613778.jpg - (598.58KB , 1981x824 , The Pure Lady\'s Suitor and Frigelda and Zulm.jpg )
271370

>>271152
[Ulzrick can't store Reality Redaction rolls, he can only use them when they are made, so if you want him to do something later... suggest it later.]

>>271159
[20, 1 for each possible roll of a d20. HINT: Try to avoid the 20 roll.]

>>271129
Phohn, get Burduko and Rutgur back RIGHT NOW, extract Jensen back to the Arcanoworks!
Acknowledged.

Wind booms at my side, and there is a swirl of cloth and confusion-then Jensen is gone, just like that.

>>271138
I try firing a pair of Skyfall rounds at Zolmega, and he cuts them out of the air. ...Shouldn't be possible, but there it is. ...Maybe his weapon's got more tricks than extension and what seems like supernatural sharpness? I guess I'll find out, as I see him raising it again, the staff once more lengthening by scores of feet before he brings it swinging down-this time at me, how lovely. I start stepping to the side as fast as I can, and the blade only cleaves through part of my leg armor, never reaching flesh.

The IMPORTANT thing, is that once his weapon hits the ground, before it can rebound or retract... I grab it.

I don't care how strong this guy may or may not be, he is NOT outmuscling Golem Armor without having some heavy duty magic-and as a Magic ITEM user, I don't see that happening. I heave on the poleaxe, trying to lever his end skyward, as I shout out orders for my squad.

"FILL THE MAGGOT WITH HOLES!!"

>>271127
>>271131
>>271132
>>271135
As Zolmega's feet come off the ground and he swiftly finds himself suspended some forty feet up in the air, roughly fifty Skyfall rounds and eight Longbore rounds all find their way to his body.

As it happens, he does NOT, in fact, have any defensive magics.

What is left of Zolmega now scattered over a hundred yards, I turn back to our troops, my grip still firm on the now un-owned poleaxe, WASP saw-sword on my back.

"LET'S BRING THAT DAMN TOWER DOWN!"

And we set to work.


........................................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: DERKIN] ........................................................................

We've been flying for... twenty minutes now I guess, and FINALLY, we can see the capital. I follow protocol as I adjust my new magic chain coat, it's inner lining acting as a dimensional storage space, currently packed with fifty Skyfall Revolver Cannons and one hundred and ten machetes.

"...Nidhogg?"

The massive dragon I and some fifty others ride turns her head back to apraise us, arching a single heavy brow.

"Fly lower please, we need to see better so we can pick out targets?"

I barely avoid flinching as the dragon snorts and dives, her fifty accompanying wyrmlings, each with a trio of Arcanoworks soldiers on their back, all following after.

....Okay, I guess we're beginning our strafing run now.

>>271360
>>271363
CAPTAIN TRIPLE ROLL
[16, 1, 9]
[16/20: The Pure Lady's Suitor]
[01/20: Frigelda]
[09/20: Zulminton The Bale Eyed]

...Okay, among the enormous masses of troops (excepting the area around Eisenhardt where thousands of tons of metal are flying all over the place, and where Domintus is currently wrecking the shit of a giant batch of soldiers from the capital, I see three people that look like they know what their doing-which means killing them would be a good idea.

-One guy's got some crazy black metal and skull armor thing going on, and while I don't see any weapons I feel pretty sure he's got some magic bullshit to make him a monster-I mean he has a green face under all that armor, how can he NOT have magic?
-There's this one woman that confuses the hell out of me. She's shouting orders and leading people sure... but she seems so mundane it HAS to be a trap. Not sure what to make of her.
-One guy in robes, which means either he's a mage or likes to wear dresses0or both I guess. Either way, got some gloying eye thing floating over his shoulder, probably has some really irritating magic.


...Okay.

I got about ten seconds before they spot our approach:







Who should I have the Air Cavalry focus on amongst these three, or if I suggest splitting fire, what fractions of our total firepower should be allocated to each target?
After this sweep, should we keep making passes until all three are dead or move on to other targets?
Should we investigate Domintus, see if maybe we can help those Capital soldiers fighting him?
>>
No. 271372 ID: c328b9

>>271370
Most of the fire on the guy with the robes.

Secondary target, the woman.

Avoid attracting Mr. Black Armor's attention until he's the only threat.
>>
No. 271373 ID: ab04d4

Save the guys being attacked, of course. Good publicity and all that. And you can hand out some of your weapons to them to help them defend.
>>
No. 271374 ID: ab04d4

I love how back in threds 3 or 4 we'd be screaming in absolute fury at such wastage of heroic souls. Now it's like, hey, three hero souls? No biggie, they're smalltime now.

Heh.

Addendum: Kill the woman first. She should be the easiest to get rid of.
>>
No. 271376 ID: a49898

>>271121
I am sorry but which Deep Spawn was Rutugar?
>>
No. 271377 ID: 222dba

Devote a third of your forces to attacking the woman, reserving the rest of your battlegroup to attack the fellow in the robes. Wide-area bombardment pattern, don't go for direct hits, no telling what sort of shenanigans he can pull if he's got an eyeball thing playing watchdog for him. Ignore the armored one for now, high threat potential there. Also, suggesting that you attack the robed man first and the woman second, put the element of surprise on what's a more definite quantity instead of wasting it on someone that may potentially be of lesser consequence.
>>
No. 271378 ID: f6360f

>>271374
>Now it's like, hey, three hero souls? No biggie, they're smalltime now.
Well, I'm hoping that Mordre ends up chowing down on half the battlefield by the end of this, so he might end up picking up some of them as incidentals. Not incredibly likely, I know, but I can dream.

>After this sweep, should we keep making passes until all three are dead or move on to other targets?
The great advantage of air cavalry isn't to engage single opponents or groups of opponents, it's shock value. Swing over the battlefield, laying down a devastating hail of fire; in your wake the enemy will be demoralized and stunned while your allies will be inspired. Thus, your strategy here should be to locate anywhere that your side is having difficulty and strafe it so that the tide turns there, rather than focusing on individual targets to the point of their destruction. Caveat: Do not fly into anything obviously way beyond your ability to survive.

>Who should I have the Air Cavalry focus on amongst these three, or if I suggest splitting fire, what fractions of our total firepower should be allocated to each target?
You have a hell of a lot of firepower concentrated on Nidhogg herself- not only a solid quarter of your troops, but also her own devastating breath and magics. She should go after the hardest target- the crazy armored man, probably.

The bulk of your remaining troops should go after the robed man, with a smaller fraction- say, fifteen spawn and their riders- going after the mundane-seeming woman.
>>
No. 271379 ID: 99e816

>>271376
see the wiki:
Rutgur
(Deep Spawn) Rutgur embodies the concept of STORAGE, in the form of WHITE CLOAKS and BLACK COFFINS. A robed figure, a series of chained coffins floating around him, each one fit with double doors, ever so slightly cracked open. Two shadowed wrinkles could be eyes, but with no mouth.
>>
No. 271380 ID: 903f16

>>271370

>Who should I have the Air Cavalry focus on amongst these three, or if I suggest splitting fire, what fractions of our total firepower should be allocated to each target?
Try to split the fire. I'll agree we avoid the big one for now, but order Nidhogg to have her spawn and start building up some acid fireballs. When we're done removing the other two targets they can attack in unison with their riders and Nidhogg herself to level the guy. For now split about ten to fifteen spawn off to deal with the mundane one and put the rest on the man with the robes.

>After this sweep, should we keep making passes until all three are dead or move on to other targets?
No keep going at those targets until you finish them off. If the plan for a second run by with acid fireballs doesn't finish the armored guy keep trying to wear him down, if it gets a bit too dangerous and you can't handle him then maybe back off.

>Should we investigate Domintus, see if maybe we can help those Capital soldiers fighting him?
Let's not do this. When you're done killing your targets you should wait until Mordre gets to fighting Domtinus and then provide him some supporting fire.
>>
No. 271381 ID: 99e816

>>271378
This is a good battle plan.
>>
No. 271382 ID: 5b95eb

Holy dicks you've got a lot of weapons on you. Are all of those resolvers for you?
>>
No. 271397 ID: 69bee4

rolled 15 = 15

BELIEVE IN ME WHO BELIEVES IN THE CAPTAIN DICE!
>>
No. 271398 ID: 1854db

Can we try not to kill the suitor until Mordre arrives? We don't really want Domintus to eat the guy.
>>
No. 271402 ID: 222dba

rolled 2 = 2

A NEW CHALLENGER APPEARS
>>
No. 271407 ID: a76809
File 129498670964.jpg - (174.66KB , 600x810 , Domintus Knight Captain Suplicant 02 Agathemon.jpg )
271407

>>271372
>>271374
>>271378
>>271380
>>271381
...Phohn, fifteen wyrmling riders on the woman with the cat, the rest of the man in robes. I'm on the one in skulls. All mounts are to start building up for an acid fireball attack, but to hold on my signal.
Orders conveyed to comrade Nidhogg and the mortal riders

Without any further action on my part, Nidhogg peels off as the wyrmling split, all the riders wielding a hand-cannon, with several Aeromancy communal wands as well, as something on the order of five hundred Skyfall rounds fall more or less on three people in the span of a second long dive that sees us drop within one hundred feet of the ground. The woman and the man in robes go down before they know what hit them, buried in molten metal and lightning, but the guy in black metal and skull-coated plate armor doesn't fall-the shells crumple against his armor, the lightning bolts find him unyeilding-and his head turns to reguard us with a scorn as Nidhogg and its minions magically dump all our momentum in the form of weight on the ground, flattening a field three hundred feet across flat, crushing the soldiers within-save the still standing dude in skull plate.

Yeesh.

As we peel out, magic allowing us to climb far more capably than should really be possible, I look back. Oh shit the guy's moving his arm, what's he-

A hundred corpses around him explode as piercingly bright emerald lances howling in agony rocket forth, missiles now meant towards our end. Before we can react, our mounts take care of things without us. They dodge and weave, sway and twist-but not all are spared. I see seven riders speared, their bodies immediately going limp to fall from their saddles, four from Nidhogg's back.

...This shit will not stand.

"ANOTHER PASS!"

As one the entire squad rounds in midair, a moment of weightlessness preceding our dive. All aim and begin firing, again his armor ablates everything we throw-

"FIREBALLS!"

He is NOT ready for, if I guess right, a pond's worth of enflames stomach acid strong enough to dissolve steel. Not a big pond-but when its acid, does it have to be? I wonder how that open face helm's working out for him?

Oh look at that he isn't standing anymore, in fact he's twitching.

I do indeed love all these wonderful toys. Shit, to think I crapped myself thinking Mordre was gonna kill me when we met. HAH! My god, a position of influence, a LEGITIMATE ONE, with great pay, perks out the ass, and THESE MAGIC TOYS MAN, THESE TOYS. And I thought being a bandit was the way to go...

>>271373
...I have to find some way to pay back Mordre, show him that I'm every bit worth all the authority and wealth he's invested in me, when he LITERALLY held my life in his hands. ...Well, we're here to help the state, that Soul Grave is currently tearing through a whole mess of dudes that look pretty important-hey, is that one Vimes? OH SHIT, IT KILLED VIMES!

Alright, I was gonna maybe do this to get some more browny points with the state for Mordre-but fuck that, Vimes was a good guy, and that's coming from an ex-bandit about an ex-guard. No one needs orders-we all level our guns on Domintus from above while the moutns prepare another volley of enflamed acid.

"FIRE!"

From eight hundred feet overhead, we all fire a single, vicious volley, a mass of violence, of harm that I can practically TASTE as it flies down onto the sixty five foot tall metal figure... oddly simplistic, compared to Mordre's, really. Metal melts, warps, dents and rends-and its head turns up to regard us with its one remaining eye before that too is consumed. We all pull up, climbing for the sky, already some thousand plus feet away-

>[Frikin]"CAPTAIN!"

I look back and-OH SHIT!

A wall of spears about a hundred feet across is exploding-EXPLODING towards us, splitting into ever more spears as it spreads-andcatchesup.

Five of the wyrmlings, each with a full three riders, fifteen souls are lost, ripped to pieces by that rising column before we finally hit the clouds overhead, and the wall of morphing weapons slows, and falls away, retreating back to the ground. ....What the FUCK was that!?

>>271397
[CAPTAIN ROLL]
>[15]
>[15/20: Gelrick the Cleaver]

>[Yulgiton]"Sir, look there-isn't that the gate Vespinto's defending?"
"Hm?"

I look down through the fading cloud cover, adjusting the pair of zooming, thermal and night-vision capable goggles and-shit the kid's right, that's the gate Vespinto's at.... oh man, and it's getting hit pretty hard. They have a half-built barricade, their defensive line in shambles, the sheer weight of numbers, soldiers side by side, wave after wave wearing down the far less numerous defenders. Vespinto's a right squirrelly bastard, and he's a dab hand with anything edged, but he can't be everywhere. He needs some backup, clear as day-and something to get the troops focused on that's easy, keep their mind off what just happened and keep morale up. Have to keep the momentum going.... I need to let Mordre know just what Domintus can do-out Air Shield, tested as impenetrible to dense cannon and heavy fixed artillery barrage in tests, was shattered like paper, and Nidhogg seems perturbed by the loss of a trio of her own. Why, when she can summon them? ...EVERYONE needs to get on this, our minds back in the game.

"ON ME, WE'RE BAILING VESPINTO OUT-STRAFING RUN, TIME FOR BREATHING ROOM!"

Minds back in the game with a clearcut, achievable goal, their moutns already following whether they will it or not, all focus-and we unload every round we have in a successive strafing swoop, pulling out our TASTE o' Doom firearms and lightning guns alike, emptying everything, the mounts spitting a stream of acid as their throats vibrate, igniting patches of the spraying fluid. Hundreds die in seconds, compounded by a Gravimantic pressure wave, everyone of the enormous bulge of Domintus troops pressing the broken gate dea-

[REDACTION]

-oh wait, there's one still standing, seriously? How did we miss him? ... well shit, we're already swooping up, and need a few minutes to replenish ammunition unless we land-time to play morale booster, and strafe ground targets, break up the Domintus line. Vespinto's now got five hundred feet of breathing room, and in all that there's the few dudes still alive close enough to him that they were spared our bombardment, and a freakily unmarred dude in dark purple, with a wierd, pale and similarly purple tinged blade.... and no armor, looks like, except maybe some leather.... no way ALL of that wall of hurt should have missed him, he's got to have some magic shit going down-

There it is, he's doing that slow, confident walk, cutting hand-cannon rounds out of the air-oh shit, even ensnaring some on those hollows in his two-handed blade-great, metal manipulation.... well, worst case scenario, Mordre can call in Moss-that thirty foot high beast would make an excellent suppressant for such a threat-and who knows, Vespinto might actually be able to-yeah who am I kidding.

Well, Moss, there it is.

I have new orders for you from Administrator Mordre

........................................................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: DAME VALIRIA] ........................................................................................

I whip my sword back, slashing at a questing fanged maw after I finish Binding my last foe, my eye constantly straying to little brother Vonjeen, using the Blue Devil, Mordre's warrior Senth still seated on the golem's head, content to smoke some bowls and play with that incessent pet otter of his. ...Though I do admit it to be quite adorable.

Ahem.

>>271402
[CAPTAIN ROLL]
>[02]
>[02/20: Agathemon]

I find myself turning about for a crossbow quarelly to be snatched from midair by one of my accompanying Blue Hounds, the guards set to my side by father in our raid of the enemy camp via those marvelous golems of his that bend space so. It sways for a moment before chopping off its own hand, some bile-tinged blood squirting from the stump before it steadies itself, resuming its fight without further pause. Thankfully father did not see, occupied in his own front several hundred feet away as we lead the three-pronged attack.

Okay, that has to be the one that shot at me-fifty feet away, standing on a boulder, reloading his crossbow.






What should I do?
How should I use my ability to manipulate and create at will the chain dangling from my sword via magic item use in this fight?
Given our objective to locate the Pure Lady, who may not even be in the camp, and to destroy as much as possible, what should I be looking for?
>>
No. 271409 ID: bdd665

>>271407
>sways for a moment before chopping off its own hand

The crossbow bolts are poisoned and its strong enough to force a Blue hound to amputate the affected limb.
>>
No. 271410 ID: 222dba

Send your bodyguard forward to flank the shooter while you advance on him directly, keeping the bound body of your previous opponent in front of you as a meat shield. Get within chains' reach of him and then use your chains to fling your meat shield forward, either forcing the crossbowman to dodge or be bowled over. Either way, you'll be clear to advance and engage in close combat, possibly with opportunity to take him prisoner.
>>
No. 271411 ID: 423166

Poor Captain Vimes,
now that I think of it Armstrong is probably in this mess somewhere too, and maybe Captian Falcon.
>>
No. 271412 ID: 1854db

Use the chain to catch the arrows mid-flight as you advance towards him. You must not let any of them reach you.

As for what to look for... well, any females that aren't gussied up in a huge amount of armor.
>>
No. 271418 ID: 69bee4

Something to be on the lookout for is maybe an icon, or magic circle, or anything that maybe hurts you to be around? There are likely magical shenanigans in play, and you may have heard of the spatial disruptions. Finding the source would be nice.
>>
No. 271433 ID: d4f98d

>Purple Tinged Blade
>Redaction
>Magnetomancy

They did it with Abaeloth, and I'll be a goddamned HORSE'S ASS if it doesn't seem like Domintus and the Pure Lady went and pulled a friggin alternate reality Ulzrick out the dream.
>>
No. 271450 ID: 81f32a

>>271370
>[Ulzrick can't store Reality Redaction rolls, he can only use them when they are made, so if you want him to do something later... suggest it later.]

Yeah... but there's no way we can know when we are going to use him. It could be that we'll get to him in few (game) days again or it could be that we wont be seeing him for 5 threads spanning over several months in-game time. Even the main character, Mordre, is getting hard to get hands on and I don't mean the latest upgrade intermission.
I just wanted to plant some ideas into his head so that Ulzrick can do them on his own at his leisure and judgement so that the next time we get to use him (which could be well months later) he'll have incorporated those ideas and become much stronger than he would otherwise.
I rolled in case it would be necessary to use those at that moment, I guess it was a good thing that it didn't happen, seeing how you noted how paradox-y it would have been...

>>271374
Bullshit, I am incredibly annoyed! All of those guys would have been useful and provided unique skills
... it's just that we can't do much to affect, so no use being frustrated about it. And besides, this is a massive battle, Mordre can't be everywhere at one time (oh wait, he can. Burduko, remember? ... if only not for that spacial distortion)

>-hey, is that one Vimes? OH SHIT, IT KILLED VIMES!
OH COME ON ,MAN!
Why, Bob, whyyy?
We never got to interact with him properly and you went and just killed him off?
How could you!?

Anyway

I'm seeing some pattern here:
Peggy, the traitor captain and in employ of DoD - Dream user
Air-Mage working for DoD - bits of Dream magic
Fellano, the muscle guy - pretty damn sure he was Dream user
Gelrick, Ulzricks rip-off - definately Dream user.

Wasn't dream magic meant to be extremely rare and unknown? It seems like DoD is heavily using it.
I think that Domintus has huge Dream magic powers, probably has several hero level dream souls powering it. Thats where his crazy ass powers come from, Eisenhardt did note that he could regenerate its lost metal at almost instantaneous rate. Can't think of anything else only him pulling them out of Dream and alternate possibilities.
This sucks, we don't really know how to negate dream magic except to drain the wielder of mana ... which wont happen soon in the fight against a Soul grave.
Could be that the Pure Lady is also Dream magic user.
Hmmm.... if we get to use Ulzrick again (or if we can just ask him) we should ask the First and the dream collective what the best way is to beat dream magic.
>>
No. 271454 ID: c93695

Grab chain
Spin, spin spin blade
Throw blade, extend chain
Sword in head
Pull Back

If you don't have the strength(which I doubt) just ask a hound to throw it.

Reloading a crossbow takes a few seconds, you should be able to get him before that.

>Pure Lady
1.With Domintus
2.A tent surrounded by guards
3.A place that everyone seems to be avoiding

That kind of stuff.
>>
No. 271584 ID: 259738

>>271433
oh my god we have to eat him
>>
No. 271603 ID: 903f16

>22:04 TheBeardiestBob each post in this war has had a secret, this will be your second to miss

Aha, so I guess I'll try for this then. Valiria should try to kill Agathemon by poisoning him with one of his own arrows. To facilitate this I suggest either taking and killing him with his own crossbow after getting close and binding him or catching a bolt in the chain and flinging it at him.
>>
No. 271606 ID: d3dfb8

"SENTH! MORDRE AIN'T PAYING YOU TO SIT AROUND!"
>>
No. 271618 ID: a76809
File 129507556297.jpg - (703.30KB , 2180x1271 , Gelricks Trick and Senths Pet Totters.jpg )
271618

>>271409
...The bolts have to be poisoned, no other explanation. I'd do well to avoid such a wound at any cost-amputation is not such a minor thing for me, as it is for the Blue Hounds.

>>271410
>>271412
I dart forward, trying-and failing-to haul my chained foe forward as a meat shield-I'm just not strong enough. I abandon him, detaching the chain as one of my guards takes point before me, while another, the one that still has both hands, moves to flank the would-be assassin. Seeing our undivided attention on him, the shooter does what any reasonable ranged unit does when faced with multiple charging foes-he retre-

Wait why is he drawing knives?

The first Blue Hound reaches the rock, that effervescent mirage, the spectral beast possessing its soul springs from its back even as daggers sink into its flesh, oily gray ooze bubbling about the incisions-as the spectral eel vomits forth the Blue Hound's body, unharmed, its old one shriveling into a withered husk. It grabs up its fallen sword-as another set of stabs likewise cripples this one, the eel once more belching forth a new body. The process continues, the spectral beast thinning as it is overexerted-

And by then I've charged into range, the shooter only now realizing his mistake as he is faced by TWO Blue Hounds and my own blade. He becomes a blur of steely flashes-and it does him no good, as the Hounds are only too happy to sacrifice their shells to pin him down while with my Chain I make it permanent, shoving my sword through his throat only after completely pinning him down. I leave his corpse chained to the stone from which he sniped as I move on.

>>271418
>>271454
I start looking around as my guards buy me breathing room with their strangely cyclic approach to immortality-or their attempts towards that end, at least-seeking out anything that could point me towards the Pure Lady. I realize not a one of us has seen her-so I start with the basics. Women not wearing a particularly large amount of armor shouting or otherwise dispensing commands, large tents, icons scratched in the ground, everything and everything could be suspect. ...Where to start.

>>271603
>>271606
....First, I HAVE to do something about Senth. The sight of that perpetually dazed, hungry and lazy napper still perched on the Blue Devil's head like a cat-we STILL have no idea why the metal which is toxic to all others does nothing to him-is a constant source of irritation. From within my cocoon of bodyguards, I call out to him, noting an eye to crack as his name roars through the air on my tongue.

"SENTH, DOES MORDRE PAY YOU TO SLEEP THROUGH BATTLE?"

For a moment I think he is going to ignore me. Then, without any regard for the inertial forces that should be affecting him, he slowly sits up, scratching his head with a positively fiendish grin on his face.

>[Senth]"....I guess not. Totters!"

His otter, mid-way through rolling a joint on its belly, finishes quickly before springing up, standing on its hind legs beside Senth in an odd parody of its master.

>[Senth]"Time to GET CRAZY! "



..........................................................................................[PERSPECTIVE RE-SHIFT: VESPINTO] ..........................................................................................

....Okay, this is a bit... different.

So. Barracades back up, hooray hooray. Got everyone back inside too, great, great. Slight problem-this one dude followed us inside-well, not one dude-its a bit wierd.

Okay, this guy in a purple cloak, big, muscley shaved head dude, got a purple-tinged sword with two holes in it-guy is no joke with a sword, he's already cut down thirty of the capital soldiers, and beyond being able to slice the hand-cannon rounds OUT OF THE AIR before getting hit, he can also grab them, and keep them in orbit of those metal gaps in his sword-and he can sling them right on back. All that would normally mean that, while a threat, I'd already have put a blade through his heart-or his eyes, I'm not picky-and been done with it. Thats where his REAL trick comes in handy. In honesty, I THINK I've killed him sixteen times so far-but every time I am spot on to skewer or filet him, I seem to inexplicably miss, or he somehow pulls of some perfect dodge, or SOMETHING happens. Conversely, his strikes are almost impossibly difficult, as beyond his expert handling, the blade seems to... to bend fate, I suppose, and come far closer than it should.

Then there's the fact that there are TWO of these guys now.

Well, its still the one guy, but-

Okay, the way I figure it works, is that both bodies are flesh and blood, but... share life, I guess, in that killing just one does diddly-and we HAVE gotten a few lucky hits in collectively. So long as one stands, the other immediately gets better. My best guess is we somehow have to put BOTH down at the same time for him/them to die.

Damn magic users, should leave that shit to mages.

>>271433
>>271584
The size, the body structure, the magic metal manipulation, the purple theme, the wierd events-all of it reminds me WAY too much of my bro Ulzrick. ...You know what.


"Oy baldies, the name Ulzrick mean anything to you?"

For a moment, the duo stops attempting to perform a pincer on me, as the last wave of supporting soldiers pulls back, again broken on this warriors might, magical and physical alike. They stare at me in identical poses, blades at the ready, before answering at the same time, words blending in perfect harmony for a stereo response.

>[Gelrick]"The name... is known. But who you associate with is not Gelrick's concern-you must die, this gate must fall once more, and the city be purged-a working of Dream must be finished to make our Lord whole."
"Not a very flexible person, huh baldy?"

...The names are way too similar, and it sounds like this shit actually KNOWS something. ...Dammit I hate it when things get complicated, I have to stop thinking so much about how to creatively stab things and start pondering ramifications and importance-BORING!

...But I gotta do it.

Okay, so for planning, lets see what I have to work with.

-I got a solid grasp of how Gelrick there fights. Sharp, compact, vicious slices, slashes and cuts are his preferred method, a careful, defensively inclined style. What makes it devestating is that since there's two of him, he constantly moves to attack your back while engaging your front-a very perceptually demanding foe to face.
-Since I've fought against him for a good bit now, I don't think his style really holds any surprises for me anymore-and as I pretty much change my combat system on the fly, he can't claim the same familiarity with me.
-I've noted that not once has that sense of... reality shifting, odds being altered been felt more than four times in rapid succession-if I really, REALLY pressure him, find time to attack him full force for a good while, I could breach his defenses.
-It seems like I could try to make a dual-KO if I tried to turn their pincer trap into my own killing field, taking them both out when they get in range with a flurry of stabs to open them for a bit of heart-skewering, and a bit of spinal severing thrown in for free. ...Also EXCESSIVELY dangerous becouse he could still be holding an ace in the hole.







So what should I do here?
Do I even have any idea of how I could get information from this guy, given it seems he knows something?
Do I have any idea on how the Arcanoworks soldiers could creatively employ their weapons on this foe?
Now that I'm effectively dueling the duo Gelrick, how do I plan to use my arsenal of Dawn Craze, a single Blood Sword, five kukris, sixteen throwing knives and two WASP throwing knives?
>>
No. 271621 ID: c328b9

>Wasp throwing knives

The earth, is it loose? If so, toss them at either side of you, into the ground. The explosion of air should kick up a cloud of dust. Use that to execute your killing feild, and if something feels off, anything, get away.

They can't change fate if they aren't aware of it! The older it is, the harder it is!
>>
No. 271623 ID: d3dfb8

You have two enemies, and two swords.
Aim for the brain, Mages need to think to direct their power. This includes any regeneration or healing powers.

So, hit both of them in the brain at the same time. Not an easy task, even for the state's best swordsman.
>>
No. 271625 ID: 493c47

Well what I would do is shift focus rapidly while keeping an eye on the situation as a whole.

i.e. Focus on one guy
Snicker snack
The other one will try and attack
Dodge with as little movement as possible, always keeping your feet on the ground for quick adjustments (unless you feel really flashy... and confident)

Try to immobilize them, knife through the trouser foot pinning to the earth, pinning shirt tails to sleeves, all that jazz.
Might be difficult, BUT NOT TOO MUCH FOR THE GREAT VESPINTO!

Keep the, you will be mainly dodging, and look out for the perfect moment, when they go for the pincer attack, throw the wasp knives (or Jam them if you are in that position) into their necks and give em identical guttings with Dawn craze, one sword per body.

Don't stop moving.
>>
No. 271627 ID: d4f98d

If they're trying to pincer you, then here's an idea: Don't use your own blades to end them, use theirs. Adopt a loose, seemingly offensive stance, but pay attention to their strikes. As they go for one of those quick, dual-pronged cuts, loop Dawn Craze's chain around their wrists, drop your back level to the ground, and pull: Use your falling weight and what arm strength you have to pull them into each others blow.

Even if it doesn't work, you have a looped chain around their wrists. As long as you keep them off-balance with it to keep them from cutting it off, you'll have a pretty nice edge.

Of course, then there's still the chance that they'll use their little magic trick to fuck things up: But if it's perception based, you just have to make them think that your doing one thing when you're actually doing something altogether different. Hence, why I suggested adopting aggressive initial movements to appear as though you aren't about to go full-on agile-defense/misdirection.


(Also, to those worrying about the heroic souls for Mordre: Consider that it can take hours, as I recall from prior threads, for even normal souls to dissipate completely. Ideally, we may be able to claim at least SOME of the souls on the battlefield before they all dissipate, though I hold no illusions that Mordre can claim them all).
>>
No. 271628 ID: 493c47

Secondary plan:
As they attack, wrap them up with Dawn Craze's chain.

Immobilize and interrogate (at the same time).

Keep asking him about Ulzrick.
If this guy is anything like him, the chain trick will work just like it worked the first time on Ulzrick.
>>
No. 271629 ID: 1854db

This guy is way too similar to Ulzrick, Vespinto. He could be some sort of strange suped-up clone. Tell him that Ulzrick is here. Does he intend to kill himself?

(of course not, Ulzrick is an Anchor and killing him would mean Geldrick loses a big chunk of his own... well, stuff.)
>>
No. 271633 ID: 903f16

>Do I even have any idea of how I could get information from this guy, given it seems he knows something?
If it looks like a duck and sounds like a duck it may just be a duck. So if that's the case here maybe this guy could be, well you know, Ulzrick but not Ulzrick. Vespinto try to talk to him about his past. You know Ulzrick, he's your bro, so you must know some things about his life prior to the Arcanoworks. Try to focus on the big things more than the little things. This may startle him a bit if you end up getting a string of them right, use that off balanced moment to goad him into answering questions if possible.

Do I have any idea on how the Arcanoworks soldiers could creatively employ their weapons on this foe?
Well obviously order them to stop firing the hand cannons, if they still have any of Jezebels tech have them switch to that and order them to fire in large clusters towards him.
>>
No. 271634 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 10, 17 = 27

FOR THE MIGHTY BEARD GODS
>>
No. 271636 ID: a76809
File 129508374417.jpg - (293.37KB , 1099x711 , Gwendelazzia Gialgorra and Felko The Magic Armor T.jpg )
271636

>>271629
Fuck it, if it looks like him, has magic like him, a name like him, a sword like him, then I have to assume that SOMEHOW or other, this is some sort of alternate-Ulzrick- I'm going to lie so smooth to this shit I'll get his head spinning. Time for some mindfuckery! And time for the capital soldiers to clear the fuck out and start defending the walls and restoring order, a ring opening around our current standoff.

"You know Ulzrick is here too right? I do hope you don't plan to kill yourself blady."
>[Gelrick]"...You know of the Collective?"
Wait what I was right? Fuck run with it run with it!
"Answer my question first before you expect anything from me."
>[Gelrick]"I... did not know Ulzrick was here. But it matters not, I am now Gelrick, my own Existence, my own council-the fate of Ulzrick is mine own no longer!"
Okay man, he's giving you information, connect the dots, you can keep bullshitting till the fuck explains things while operating under the assumption you already know, just keep bullshitting like a pro!
"And so you'd kill yourself, what you were once part of? Why the fuck would you do that? Shit seems pretty ungrateful."
>[Gelrick]"How could you understand, not hearing the voices of yourself from across existence... so many. It wears down on the mind, makes peace, solitude impossible."
Voices? Note to talk to Ulzrick about that later somehow, but for now, how can I use this, okay, voices, lots of the same person, wants peace... can't be the only one to want some alone time, or quiet time, right? Fuck it, I'm rolling with it.
"But you're not alone, are you? That council-others that wanted some peace from all the Voices, yeah? Kinda seems like running away to me-you a coward, Gelrick?"
>[Gelrick]"All of us resent such a title. We happen to be those of monastic origin, inclined to meditation that grew despondent at the unending chatter. We converse rarely, and coexist in quiet harmony."
"And that leads to you helping Domintus how? I know you you totally do not dig their style, so what's up with that?"
>[Gelrick]"My escape, our separation was made possible by the Pure Lady, who pulled me free speaking of a path wrenched open by the Ulzrick in this world, something about a Dreameater. If you know us, you know how we view debts."
The Pure Lady did this? Dreameater, a path, what-fuck, I don't have time for more questions do I? I know that tone of voice-and I know that not ONCE has Ulzrick ever failed to pay up what he owed.

So I guess that's that then.

>>271621
>>271625
I begin with a trio of throwing knives from each hand, only two on target, one knife from each hand falling short. The pair of blades each move on target to the charging Gelricks-and divert off path, somehow made to miss and be dodged in some lucky combination that just barely pushes them away-

While my WASP knives hit the loose dirt, and clods of earth and plumes of dust scatter into the air, the twin swordsmen unprepared for the event. They still strike at me-but they can no longer SEE me.

I know what to do.

>>271627
>>271628
I deflect each's blade, both sucking at my sword, magnetized blades I've already grown used to shunted past me as I loop the Craze's chains about each warrior's wrist, drop the the ground while twirling the chain about to pull across my body.

Arms are flung forward-and each finds their blade diving at their opposed chest. Even this they avoid-and somehow turn into an attack on me, perfectly turning on my weight. I spring into the air, my leg and side scored as I tumble in the air disentangling my Dawn Craze with one hand, and flicking out a trio of twin-knived throws all while I one-handed wield the Craze to fend off another set of paired slashes upside-down-the throwing knives still slipping aside/being dodged too easily-but they're getting closer. That was the fourth reaction in less than a second. If I'm right-

What am I talking about, of course I'm right, I'm awesome.

>>271623
I snap my off hand back onto Craze's other hilt as I whirl about, my spin becoming a dive as I put my whole diving weight behind two stabs. I accept the score on my cheek and shoulder as payment for getting in this hit-a small price for a solid, dual opening within my range. The Craze slips through one Gelrick's eye, and through the bridge of the other's nose. I see eyes struggling to focus and give no waurter, wrenching my blades violently free-slicing the long way out, the keen edge making short work of bone.

Both fall to the ground as I land on wobbly knees... okay, that's a bit of bleeding, actually.... not as minor as I thought. Whatever, killed the fuck-uh.....


As I sheath the Craze behind my back, the chain carefully looped, I claim both Gelrick's swords. ...Wonder what that means for Ulzrick, this whole debacle? Oh man, I kinda sort of killed my bro if that guy wasn't insane... oh man, way too complicated... Phohn I don't suppose there is somewhere I could be to do more active killy tings? I need to get my mind off some things.
Your request has been relayed to Administrator Mordre, and he believes he has a task for you...


..........................................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: SIR VONJEEN] ..........................................................................

Senth folds in on himself atop the Blue Devil's head, a patch of the supposedly All-Consuming flames lapping against him-and doing nothing-why does this suit seem to hold no sway over him? ...I suppose I have more important things to focus on.

Item one: A woman with a massive runed gear on her back and a massive swathe of devices covering her left arm under a layer of runed scale has just wiped out five Golem armors in ONE ATTACK. All she did was turn dials and knobs on her arm, her gear crackled, the air shimmered-and the pilots died as their suits keened piercing death knells for their fallen pilots. Whatever it is she can do, it completely ignores-possibly BUILDS on the massive layers of protection, as some unarmored troops seemed to survive.

Item two: A Small Tomb (Identified as such by the Blue Devil's sensors and head's up display), composed of yellow Rhodium, white Tungsten and blue Carbon (again the display-quite informative), socketed with periwinkle rubies and emeralds in paired sets, with a runed and begemmed shield of similar metallic composition-and hey, with the extra power from the Soul-Engine Mordre 'Activated' I can even get a decoding of the runes... defense, absorption, channeling-and it pairs with the sword runes. Okay, so hitting that shield with Orderfire might do diddly for me, and end up giving his sword-which already looks quite potent-that power to cut me with. The Small Tomb is also capable of flight, stemming from runes around the body gems, emerald and ruby alike.

Item three: I don't know where Senth is.

As the Small Tomb flies straight for me, I wonder:





What should I do, with my twenty four foot tall Golem Armor with shapeable Orderfire and a poisonous, acidic exterior?
What do I make of the Magitech user that just hit my soldiers so hard, and do I need to worry about her past the dozen Blue Hounds converging on her?
>>
No. 271637 ID: c328b9

>>271636
>Flying at me

Use the order fire to quickly spin around in midair and say HI with a fist to the face.
>>
No. 271638 ID: d4f98d

>>271636
We need a captive, else we'll never find that accursed PUre Lady at this rate.

The Golem seems a tad more difficult a target to subdue, whereas disarming the woman should make capture feasible: The difference between trying to capture a person with a weapon, and trying to capture a weapon incarnate.
>>
No. 271639 ID: ed59a4

I say go for the magitech girl first as she seems more offensively based. Use your ground slide mobility to avoid the small tomb and head head for the girl at full speed while enveloping yourself in protective orderfire. Once you get close enough just try to break her tools and her arms so she can be captured.

Then for the small tomb fake it out with a big, slow fireball. When he tries to block it with his shield then STOP the orderfire before it reaches him. Then dash through the flames, grab his shield and use order jets from your feet to spin yourself, twisting the shield out of his grip and burning everything BUT the absorbing shield. Then you can just go all out against him with flame lances and super punches.
>>
No. 271640 ID: 1854db

Mordre will want that golem's metal and gems and soul oh MY that is yummy stuff. Let's try to cripple it.

Also let's try to similarly cripple that lady. Priority targeting is the devices she's fiddling with. I suspect it to be some sort of sonic resonance weapon. The more metal someone is wearing the more resonance happens and the more damage is done.
>>
No. 271654 ID: ab04d4

DO NOT KILL THE MAGITECH GIRL (and try to avoid limb removal if possible)

The names on the picture Bob posted denote her as Gwendelazzia Gialgorra. We will capture her alive, get information, and return her safely to her father who will undoubtedly make a stern lecture about running off to battlefields and perhaps reward us.

Killing her is just asking for all-out war against Gialgorra. Crippling her magitech probably isn't that much of a problem though.


So let's deal with the golem. Punch the stupid golem in the face, obviously. Dodge the sword, try to get besides him. Then get into a grapple with it in extremely close range, where it can't use its weaponry effectively, and try and remove its weapons and the shield.

Also, on the note of Gelrick- what say we melt down his swords and Crash Course, and forge an even stronger blade? Or perhaps we could get Ulzrick to do some triple wielding. Vespinto's going to have a lot of stuff to say to Ulzrick once we get back.

Notably, Gelrick's much more advanced than Ulzrick in terms of magnetomancy and dream magic- I think the only reason why he didn't instantly redact us out of existence was because the first bombardment of acid-fire breath took all his redactive powers to ignore. Gelrick was a much more powerful magnetomancer and dream-user, and yet we were able to defeat him with Vespinto, who matches Ulzrick about evenly in skill.

What does this imply about Ulzrick? It either means that Dream magic isn't as powerful as one thinks- that Gelrick's defeat can be read as a warning about Ulzrick's skill- or it means that Ulzrick is much more capable than Gelrick, something that I doubt.
>>
No. 271655 ID: 81f32a

>>22:04 TheBeardiestBob each post in this war has had a secret, this will be your second to miss

How about this for a secret?

When we were controlling Vespinto the first time, we requested Burduko to resupply us, right? But he said that some kind of spatial distortion field was preventing him from moving freely and needed whole 30 minutes for another jump...
BuuutWhen we were using Ellorika, it seemed that Burdukos mobility wasn't hampered in any way. Ellorika completed her objective in 3 minutes and was transported immediately then just under a minute one of her squadmates was grievously injured and Burduko was yet again able to extract her and move her to Arcaneworks.
But we didn't destroy the field.

This leads me to believe that the source(s) are inside the Capital. It is quiet possible that there are traitors among the state forces and the whole reason to put up the field was to prevent our Deep Spawn from moving in and out, because those people were aware of this power since we have been supplying Capital with provisions for some time now. Maybe they weren't aware that we can move all over the battlefield too and they didn't put any defenses against it or maybe they just didn't have the resources.

Whatever the reason, we can travel freely across the battlefield but not inside the city, we should try to locate the source inside of it.

Also, that means that Mordre might be able to claim several Hero Souls from the battlefield before the dissipate, so this is a forward suggestion for Mordre (before we get a hold of him): Mordre should quickly (like under a minute or two) be transported across the field to claim as many hero souls as possible.
If I remember correctly Burduko should be able to transport Mordre for about dozen times in succession before feeling strained.
>>
No. 271660 ID: 44c363

She is using Phonomancy tech.

>Gwendelazzia Gialgorra
Great, now we can't kill her.

Call Bock the hounds and shout that Senth should take care of her. Non-Lethally.

Charge flames behind you and wait for him. (hide this by forming a ball of order fire in your hands so he thinks the fire behind you is just part of the fireball tech)
When he is in range, boost forward (adding the fireball to boost your momentum) and grab him by the head, simultaneously launching yourself in the air.

Pass him through your legs and dunk him in the ground.


Just in case, Senth didn't hear you, surround the girl in order fire and chuck the small tomb at her.
>>
No. 271665 ID: 21e57a

I agree with this, mostly in the sense that 'crippling' a Small Tomb to claim it's runes and metal is easier then claiming them after it's a melted hunk of metal.

Request Senth to deal with the lady - disabling her, however, not killing her.

As for the Tomb, lets rush him and start some high flying wresling moves. Jet propelled Bulldog, or somesuch.
>>
No. 271666 ID: 45be60

The woman seems like a hunter of elites. Letting the Blue Hounds engage her seems foolish, given the ease with which she just killed several. It might be better to swarm her with the rank and file soldiers.

>>271656
Senth may actually be perfect for dealing with her, since so far her ability to kill things has demonstrated a preference for those wrapped in layer upon layer of protective magitech armor. Senth has also demonstrated some capability for avoiding area attacks altogether because of his shenanigans.
>>
No. 271668 ID: a6fad5

Hm, barring Anathema (whether of the spontaneous sapience variety, or of the conscious dead soul variety), which I wouldn't put past Domintus/the Pure Lady, there should be a mage or some golem operator yelling orders to the Small Tomb; death or destruction of the operator allows us to preserve the Small Tomb (the soul, the metal, the gems, the runes), which is vastly desirable over having to disable it.

>>271654
On the subject of Ulzrick's Dream capability, I would think that, with the melding with the First, who was the first to become sufficiently capable with Dream magic to reach the Greater Dream, indicating that he is the alt!Ulzrick with the greatest ability with Dream, Ulzrick is much more capable than Gelrick in Dream magic.
>>
No. 271682 ID: 46c430

rolled 11 = 11

ROLLING
>>
No. 271691 ID: a76809
File 129512172798.jpg - (556.75KB , 2202x1184 , Domintus Knight Captain Suplicant 11 Hufken The Bl.jpg )
271691

>>271654
[Basically, the lesson that swift, difficult to predict and evasive foes with an inclination towards rapid barrages can easily overwhelm Reality Redaction.]

>>271668
[Nope. Understand that Gelrick was a seperated piece of the Ulzrick collective, those monastic members seeking solitude-but rather than all being linked through the dream where the Ulzrick consciousness resides in its gestalt glory, the Ulzricks that were removed (hereafter Gelrick) where stored in a single body, making the Gelrick you faced an Anchor on steroids, a physical host for the interwoven existences of Gelrick. Even though Ulzrick the first is/was arguably the most potent Dream using Ulzrick, Gelrick is composed of more than a score of identities. The sheer soul weight involved compensated for any skill gap, and each Gelrick can have differing skills, since they layer their expertise through their body. This is also related to how he could make a mirror-body. And yes, this applies to Magnetomancy as well, but as most of the monastic Gelrick's learned weapon handling Magnetomancy, largely being drawn from the same general set of Possibilities, does not have as much breadth as his Dream. Basically the lesson is that Dream if powerful, Dream is useful-and it is not unbeatable. Flexibility creativity and speed are still king.]

>>271637
>>271638
So far I've been carefully parcelling my Orderfire use out, trying to use this armor with a long term mindset. I decide to carefully ignore that, fire spewing from my sides as my body whirls around by contortion and propulsion alike, my fist rocketing forward on a pillar of blue flame, the dark red-black metal slamming like a hammer into the knight. His shield catches part of my fist-and does nothing, as I sheathed my knuckles in nothing-the wall of metal slams into the Small Tomb like cannonfire, and he goes rocketing to the ground in tremendous crash, mounds of earth and bodies kicked up to provide an impromptu burial. I take the opportunity to speak a few words, the Blue Devil's mechanisms picking up and amplifying my words-and removing the stutters. ...I only hope my assumption an officer with such advanced equipment as Magitech
"SENTH, CAPTURE THE FEMALE OFFICER! HOUNDS DISPERSE TO OTHER TARGEST!"
The Hounds immediately move to follow my command as Senth looks at me with lidded eyes and yawns.
>[Senth]"You hear that Totters, he wants us to grab her.... alright, why not. Could be fun, anyway. But first let me just...

Senth and his otter, standing atop a swiftly constructed pile of twitching bodies, limbs and appendages twisted and warped, frightened, screaming masses ther pedestal, as Senth carefully packs a thumb's worth of green herbs into the deep bowl of the pipe I've yet to see him without, and his otter once more rolls a joint on its belly. Both take a moment to miraculously light their smoking implements without any visible source of flame, and start marching down the writhing pile with a strange, bow-legged stride, Senth grinning like an idiot as they make a beeline for the female officer. I see her reaching for her arm, adjusting dials and knobs as a sound on the edge of hearing shifts and warps-and while I see some of the soldiers Senth walks by fall to the ground, blood pouring from ears, nose and mouth in a massive rush, the barefoot, red-maned smoker continues to saunter forward, he and his otter growing ever closer.

I find my observations broken as the Small Tomb erupts from the ground again, its body completely unmarred as it streaks towards me in a vicious lunge.

>>271654
I move in, swaying to avoid the attack as I move to grapple the much smaller opponent.

Metal screams against the Blue Devil's chest in a dozen harsh screeches, warning signals popping up on the display-superficial damage to the torso, but still this metal shouldn't even be scorable. ...And my hands find air. Nimble foe, and now that he knows of my Orderfire, he is more cautious, I think-but does he yet know what it can really do, I wonder. Another staccato howl of metal on metal accompanies more blaring warning signs, as I switch from using Orderfire for mobility-to offense, the entire Blue Devil sheath in dancing flame as I see the Soul Engine's output being eaten up-

And push on.

This is no time for reservations.

I offer forth both hands, Orderfire blossoming-and shaping to my will, tendrils folding about the airborne foe, who immediately comes to a wary halt, shield high as it regards the spreading, merging flames forming a cocoon about it.

"YIELD OR BE BURNED TO ASH BY MY ALL-CONSUMING FIRE."

For demonstration, I flare the flames about my feat, sinking into craters of ash where once dirt was found. The Small Tomb looks ready to make a suicidal last attack-and with how durable he is, he may last long enough to put an Orderfire infused sword in me.

I am saved from having to make a choice as a band of well-outfitted Domintus soldiers charge toward me,several calling out to the small tomb, calling it Felko. But just as I flare a burst of Orderfire to consume them all, the Small Tomb goes dead in the air, and I barely drop my Orderfire capsule in time to avoid destroying it as the metal warrior plummets to the ground. As I lean down to pick up the obviously potent golem, a regular Small Tomb and not one possessed of free will, I find my eyes once more straying to Senth's bout.

The Tractomancer has closed within ten yards of the magitech officer, who now works desperately at her arm, trying output after output-to no success. She finall turns to flee from the slowly ambulating Senth-to find him now standing just behind her, leering as he (and Totters perched on his shoulder) both blow out dense clouds of smoke, pelting her surprised face-and as she begins to collapse into unconsciousness, Senth snakes out an arm and catches her, before looking my way.

Senth winks into existence at the side of the Small Tomb Felco, unceremoniously dumping the unconscious officer at my feet as he lays a hand on the foe I just bested.

>[Senth]"Information extraction and all that sounds a bit boring-but this thing seems pretty cool. Trade ya-THANKS!"

Before I can even react, something-a dark shape seen too briefly for me to make out-flickers in Senth's hand, I see the Small Tomb's eyes regain light-AND both Senth the Small Tomb-are gone.

Only for Senth to reappear waist-deep in foes several hundred feet away, no golem in sight. ....Damn him.

I suppress the Orderfires once more as I order the Blue Hounds to claim the fallen officer while I relay our situation to Burduko. Two seconds later he and Rutgur appear to spirit away the fallen officer, promising to report in realtime any pertinent data gained from her.

.....Well, I hope we get something useful out of her.



......................................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: CARKIANO THE BLUE KNIGHT] ......................................................................

>>271682
[CAPTAIN ROLL]
>[11]
>[11/20: Hufken The Blademaster and the Trouble Squad]

...Those sinister, insidious six have completely locked down our advance. The Golem Armors are blocked by the staff user and the one with a metal coffin for a shield, while the gunner, a mage and a midget all keep the Hounds occupied, wounding them just enough they have to recraft their bodies to keep fighting, while the man with twin staves and the man with twin blades are currently engaged keeping me occupied. The one with staves seems to have locked down my cloak, forcing me to use solely my lance-and the trigger mechanism for its potent attack vector seems.. locked, restricted. As of now, I can only use it as a clump of metal, giant as it may be-and these six are fiendishly fast and veterans of magic combat, having tied us up completely for the last twenty seconds. Something has to be done.





What should I saw or do?
Restricted to just a twenty five foot tall Golem armor and a two handed spear I cannot magically trigger, how do I plan to fight?
Should I request aid from Mage Mordre to deal with these irritants?
>>
No. 271715 ID: dae664

>>271691

Limited as he may be, he should remember that he is in a 25ft tall golem armor with a lance to match. I feel that if he was willing to take said lance to war, he would be well versed in its use, would he not?

Suggestion: Pulverize the staff user. Full on assault until he releases his hold on your cloak. Once released, Press the offence against the one with the coffin shield when the opportunity rises. From that point, resume your attention to the sword wielder. As the golem armors overwhelm, things shall fall into place allowing you victory.

In concise terms, Divide And Destroy.
>>
No. 271736 ID: 81f32a

>>271715
Ya, I agree with this one.

Also might try to regroup and focus your entire squad on single enemy. When dealt move on to another one, etc.

The staff user who prevents you from using your abilities is the highest priority. When you kill him, use your power to the full to quickly deal with the others.

>Should I request aid from Mage Mordre to deal with these irritants?
I guess you could use Phohn for quick and untraceable commands for your forces. You and your hounds will be able to coordinate your attacks much more efficiently that way.
>>
No. 271741 ID: 903f16

>Restricted to just a twenty five foot tall Golem armor and a two handed spear I cannot magically trigger, how do I plan to fight?
You're in a giant suit of Golem armor man, restricted or not you can take these guys down. Raise a foot and stomp it down to create a little shock wave to unbalance them and then go for the double sword user or staff user that were keeping you busy. Try to skewer one on the end of the staff and then fling it at the midget to crush him. Then hit the one with the shield using the back end of the spear in an attempt to overwhelm him with your enhanced strength and then combo him with a quick gutting attack since he seems to have left his belly unarmored. If your spear has it's ability back finish off the mage and the gunner with it.

>Should I request aid from Mage Mordre to deal with these irritants?
Yeah get some aid in there, hopefully you'll get his giant pet to come in and chow down on a couple of those annoying buggers.
>>
No. 271749 ID: a76809
File 129513145161.jpg - (113.89KB , 1024x768 , Aurockoth The Anti-Soul-Grave Life Golem.jpg )
271749

>>271715
>>271736
I speak to Mage Mordre's miraculous minion Phohn-
Are you there?
What is it mortal Carkiano?
Please tell the golem armor infantry to look for chances to attack the stave user, I will pressure him.
Done, Mortal Carkiano.
I focus completely on the twin stave user, my immense spear flashing in a series of thrusts that gouge deep holes in the earth even without the magical amplification as I press the nimble magic item user. He avoids my blows, annoyingly fast-until one of my soldiers swings their oversized sword, bisecting the Domintus soldier with a golem armor-born cleave. I feel the power restoring to my cape and weapon, and as the twin sword user darts in, leaping up my lance, I reach my off-hand into my cloak, drawing my sword, already wreathed in crackling ebony and scarlet energy, gems flashing brilliantly on the gold and black blade. Harm explodes around me, and the twin sword user falls back a scorched mess, blood and puss flying from cracked skin as he spasms. I return the sword to my cloak and re-grip my lance, skewering his form with a pillar of energy before I turn to his compatriots. With my lance restored and the remaining four already only able to stall my forces, I carefully, systematically erase each with a thrust of my lance, burning tunnels deep into the earth with each strike. Just like that, what was a threat was finally removed in a blink of an eye-thanks to mage Mordre. ..Really have to track him down, surprise him with a drink in person at some point, he's been to great a boon to simply thank remotely.

I find myself distracted as I hear a sound heard twice before... one I will never forget. The sound of cloth, of stone, of earth and air, of EVERYTHING being cut, of bones creaking, flesh stretching-

The sound of Aurockoth fighting.

One of the tents near to my daughter explodes as blades tear it apart-

And a women in a simple white dress drifts out, floating in the wind as molten rock and metal appears before her, expanding and rapidly cooling into massive boulders, into metal walls, bone sprouts and grows into fanged barriers-scores of massive obstructions that would slow me to a crawl spring up in an instant, in that fluttering woman's wake, violently forced into existence.

And blades dance through them all, tearing stone, steel, bone, EVERYTHING to peaces-

As Aurockoth bounds out of the tent, in hot pursuit of the floating figure, body writhing with spined protrusions in varying states of transforming into blades, I see him gripping his sword almost casually, his runed, eyeless body focused solely on his prey.

...He's pursuing the Pure Lady in her own camp-Vonjeen's Blue Devil turns to face the new presence on the battlefield, body once more wreathed in blue fire as Senth simply laughs manically at witnessing this event, those who go to attack him now being teleported away in pieces instead of misshapen lumps, Valiria is too busy with some more Domintus mages that pulled up Siege golems to react-just what is going on here?






AND HOW AM I GOING TO KEEP MY PRECIOUS DAUGHTER SAFE NEXT TO SUCH DANGER!?
>>
No. 271755 ID: d3dfb8

We're here for the Disciples. This means the Pure Lady.
Whatever Aurokoth is doing here is unimportant. However he has revealed the Pure Lady's location for us and is keeping her busy.
Call phohn and have Mordre extract Valaria, she will not be useful in this fight. Attack the Pure Lady with your lance, draw some attention to yourself. Hopefully the fight will come your way instead of toward Valaria.
>>
No. 271756 ID: d3dfb8

>>271755
Also inform Mordre of this development.
>>
No. 271758 ID: 5b95eb

Tell them, through Phohn, to get the hell out of the way
>>
No. 271761 ID: 81f32a

Do not engage Aurokoch or the Pure Lady

Ask Phohn to move your Daughter away from danger.
If Burduko is unavailable order her to get to safety through Phohn.
Also tell your son not to fight these enemies. They are just too powerful for him and you.
>>
No. 271762 ID: 69bee4

Ask Senth to help! he may be a bit distracted by all the goings on, but he is a safe method of transportation. I'm pretty sure he would be fine saving her though if you or your son asked.

Phohn-ing her that your sending Senth and to look out can help too. Or Phohn-ing Senth as to be just a moment faster (as it uses thought instead of sound). Vonjeen could also POSSIBLY be able to pick her up very quickly if he used Orderfire as a shield, dropped it on the pickup, and basically threw her to safety with minimal touching. Senth is definitely top priority though for saving her.
>>
No. 271766 ID: dae664

I feel he should give the order for everyone to withdraw. If the pure lady is able to get away from Aurockoth, then we would be able to do little against her.

Phohn for Mordre, we're going to need the help of him personally, along with anyone he would deem able to help against these two Juggernauts.Keddic and Bang spring to mind, but still, if the Good Lady is here her Soul grave is sure to be nearby or on the way so caution seems to be of most importance.

"AND HOW AM I GOING TO KEEP MY PRECIOUS DAUGHTER SAFE NEXT TO SUCH DANGER"

Order senth to get her out of there. He can teleport, can he not?
>>
No. 271776 ID: 889b2b

>>271755
he's here because there's a shitload of death and he wasn't invited. that the pure lady caught his attention can't mean anything good, Probably has to do with making Domintus whole that was mentioned earlier. try to steer her away from whatever direction she's most likely leading aurockoth, also making sure to not put friendlies in harm's way. Also don't get on the opposite side of aurockoth when you're doing it, I doubt you want the last thing you'll ever see to be thousands of blades cutting you to ribbons when she mysteriously disappears when you get in her way
>>
No. 271777 ID: 81f32a

>>271776
Ah, right, iirc Bobobo mentioned that in every setting the DoD would kill Aurockoth.
Definitely so that Domintus can suck him up and become even more impossibly strong.
>>
No. 271793 ID: 5b95eb

Tell Phohn to contact Aurockoth and say Hi.
>>
No. 271803 ID: 21e57a

>>271749
Talk through Phohn to Senth and to anyone that can warp to go warp your daughter out. I believe that Mordre has some method of doing this - He might even be able to move all your men out of the way.

Also, use Phohn to inform Keddic of this development as well.
>>
No. 271805 ID: d4f98d

>>271793
He doesn't have any connection, the most he can do as I understand is a horrible mind-killing wail without it
>>
No. 271833 ID: bdd665

Using phone tell Senth to get Valiria to relative safety and tell Vonjeen to keep his dista-No send him away with his sister, he is too likely to throw himself into the fight if we are in danger. As for us we should keep our distance and obsurve, if the Pure Lady attempts to lead Aurockoth anywhere or appears to be gaining too much of an advantage only then do we act. While we are watching and waiting kill some of those mages that were bothering Valiria.
>>
No. 271843 ID: d26a6e

rolled 20, 15 = 35

FOR GREATER JUSTICE
>>
No. 271850 ID: d26a6e

rolled 6 = 6

ONCE MORE
>>
No. 271857 ID: 21a2c4

>>271843
>20
Fuck.
>>
No. 271862 ID: 81f32a
 

>Brothers Everywhere
>Raise Your Hands Into The Air
>We're Warriors
>Warriors Of The World
>Like Thunder From The Sky
>Sworn To Fight And Die
>We're Warriors
>Warriors Of The World


There are BRO from all around the world fighting against DoD, so I guess this fits very well.

>[Because Bob wasn't clear if when we suggest music]
>>
No. 271872 ID: a76809
File 129514603324.jpg - (456.58KB , 1904x1524 , Domintus Knight Captain Suplicant 20 The Everfeast.jpg )
271872

>>271755
>>271756
>>271758
>>271761
Phohn, tell Mage Mordre we found the target, AND Aurockoth is here already engaging her. Further I need extraction for my daughter, NOW!
As you speak, mortal Carkiano.
The flicker of two magical beings spiriting away my daughter brings relief to my troubled heart, and I turn back to the battle at hand.

>>271766
I look back towards the capital-and see the towering figure of Domintus already moving back towards the camp, summoned by the threat to its master. ...Well, we got its attention off the capital, and with the Air Cavalry and Mordre's other forces to supplement, the capital should be able to hold just fine-Eisenhardt's engaged in some titanic struggle against four individuals, three I recognize as Knight Captains, some of the oldest and strongest, the last remaining.

I don't suppose Mordre can send any extra forces here?
Primary execution squad will be ready in thirty five seconds

...Okay. My boy's keeping his distance, already trying to carve some open room for our forces to reunite-

But Senth is not in the MIDDLE of that fight, teleporting an impossible path through Aurockoth's barrage of blades as he almost manically leers at the rust ted Life Golem. He says something, but at this distance it is lost, and Aurockoth continues to strive after the Pure Lady, Senth still a minor thought in his mind.

>>271843
>>271850
[CAPTAIN ROLL]
>[20]
>[20/20: THE EVERFEAST]
>[06/20: Grendmellen of the Axe]

What accompanies Domintus concerns me. Before it are waves of State troops desperately trying to outrace the massive construct, those at the head of the pack carrying what must be considerably weighty hammers as they dash for their lives. But two harrying forces make their flight towards the camp and our deep strike even more likely to end in their death.

>>271862
One is an armored priest in a tattered, frayed cloak, a face of bleached bone peering from beneath the cowl as metal clad fingers dance on metal wires along its axe's length, sounds lashing out like knives to cut down state soldiers like Like thunder from the sky his notes rain down, slaying brothers, warriors, one and all.

...But the one that truly haunts me and draws my attention is a figure thirteen feet tall, its proportions absurdly dreamlike and unnatural, a titanic fist the equal of Mordre's on one hand, a fiendishly runed sword clutched in the other. I see steel plates riveted to flesh, I see leather stitched into skin, I see metallic implants gleaming around the plate armor that look to be bolted to its bones--and I see the mouths that cover it. This nightmare being.... I know what it is. I thought they killed it. I was mistaken, it would seem, for The Everfeast plows through soldiers in a frenzied rush, blade cleaving through entire ranks, pulling flesh and blood, organ and muscle, stripping bone clean in its wake, slaying everyone it so much as even nicks. Its mouths writhe and dance, thorned tongues lancing out to hook prey and draw them back, messily consuming them as blood and gore coats its body-

All while its face, more mouth than anything else, is frozen in a perpetual grin.

>>271793
>>271805
Phohn, I don't suppose you can speak to Aurockoth?
It has been attempted but some sort of barrier prevents my influence. It is believe permission is needed before my thoughts can intrude

Well worth a shot.

"REAPER MADE FLESH, WILL YOU ALLOW MENTAL COMMUNICATION? WE HAVE A PROPOSITION AS MUTUAL FOES OF THE DISCIPLES OF DOMINTUS."

He says nothing, and does not look my way-but his head inclines, ever so slightly, as he finally starts to turn towards Senth's constant leering presence in his pursuit of the Pure Lady, hundreds dead in his wake.
Contact established, Aurockoth wishes to know what mortal Carkiano wish to propose? Please be precise, I will carry your message verbatim.
Hrm.....






I got Aurockoth's ear, so what should I have Senth whisper to him?
How should I spend the thirty seconds left until Mordre's squad gets here, considering Domintus should be here in a minute or less?
Should I work to save the state soldiers, or to aid Aurockoth against the Pure Lady?
What should I ask my son to do with the Blue Devil?
>>
No. 271879 ID: d26a6e
 

_
>>
No. 271886 ID: bdd665

>>271872
Ask mordre if he knows anything about Aurockoth(learn about the odds of Dominatious sucessfully eating Aurockoth's soul) explain this and that it scares us shitless and ask if he would accept our(and Mordre) help in preventing this from happening.

Mordre's squad are the Ragegluts right?
>>
No. 271905 ID: 222dba
Audio Merainethal_-_Recursion.mp3 - (1.68MB , Merainethal - Recursion.mp3 )
271905

Music...well, there's something I whipped up a couple years back as a conceptual battle track, meant to be played as a loop. So here comes one Gunpowder Symphony original!

And yes, I'm aware the name on the track is different, it's just another alias I use.
>>
No. 271906 ID: 21e57a

>I got Aurockoth's ear, so what should I have Senth whisper to him?

Oh what for the love of god. Ok, tell him that the Pure Lady wants him dead. If he doesn't attack us, we won't attack him as he goes after the Pure Lady and Domintus.

>How should I spend the thirty seconds left until Mordre's squad gets here, considering Domintus should be here in a minute or less?

Can you sense a spatial disturbance other then Senth? If so, go after that. If not, start moving all your troops away from Aurockoth, the Pure Lady and Domintus and into shoring up any defenses, and mopping up any stragglers. Oh! I think there might be some squads in combat that need some assistance. Endear yourself to the people of the state, maybe even get some allies too. So, go rescue any endangered people, or the dying.

>Should I work to save the state soldiers, or to aid Aurockoth against the Pure Lady?

Save the state. Mordre will be coming in soon, and he has a Scion of the House of Harksburton. You wouldn’t want to say you helped the Living Reaper, only that you got out of its way.
>>
No. 271912 ID: 21e57a
 

Oh, and as for music?
>>
No. 271922 ID: 903f16
 

>>271906
Seconding this >>271906 for the general plan.

>Should I work to save the state soldiers, or to aid Aurockoth against the Pure Lady?
Help the soldiers. Getting in between the Pure Lady and Aurockoth will be a mess, it'll get really crazy really fast and you don't want any of that. So go towards the soldiers and try to carve a path through and DoD troops you may see with your sword. When you get close see what you can do about the Everfeast, DO NOT try anything risky around that beast, but see what can be done to impede his movement and give those men a reprieve.

>What should I ask my son to do with the Blue Devil?
Have Vonjeen continue to do what he is doing, but in the general direction of the State forces coming your way. If he creates a suitable safe zone have him leave it and try to isolate the Axe wielder and terminate him.
>>
No. 271924 ID: 21e57a

Oooh yeah, the Ever Feast. We need to kill that. You, your son, and as many troops as you can muster need to go in and stomp something that should be dead. Someone come up with actual tactics for me.
>>
No. 271925 ID: 1854db

Tell him he's not the first Aurockoth the Pure Lady's hunted. Tell him not to chase her; she is luring him somewhere, probably.
>>
No. 271927 ID: a76809
File 129516066771.jpg - (146.39KB , 1111x719 , Domintus Knight Captain Suplicant 13 The Horned Kn.jpg )
271927

>>271906
Phohn, tell Aurockoth the following: The Pure Lady wants you dead. If you offer no harm to us, we will offer none to you. Do you find this agreeable?
Aurockoth responds with a question: Why should he bother with what you do?
Tell him this: It does not matter what I do, true enough, but I am only part of a collective. The total might represented is considerable-and we wish to see this nation protected.
Aurockoth responds with the following: He agrees to out mutual ceasefire, but claims it does not extend to any from Castiliathen, or to the teleporter interfering in his battle.

Excellent.

It is at this point that The Pure Lady opens a hand, a tiny, blazing point of light abruptly in her hand, grass and soldiers alike near her being scorched by waves of heat as the air distorts about her treasure-and a beam streaks out, lancing towards Aurockoth, a lance of fire so hot the air itself is catching fire, the ground vaporizing. Aurockoth's eyes widen and his grip tightens about his sword at last-

But Senth interposes himself, a shadowed object flashing in his hand for just a bare instant-and the beam is split apart like a flower, the individual strands dissipating without further incident, the fires stopped. The Pure Lady stares in confusion at Senth without slowing her retreat-while for the first time, Aurockoth looks at Senth. ...Just what is going on in that trickster's mind?

Still... there is much to do, before Domintus arrives-the least of which would be doing what I can to save the State soldiers, however ill their prior opinion of me. We shall do what we can-

.....................................................................................[PERSPECTIVE RE-SHIFT: ULZRICK [NEW TITLE: THE OGRE SWORDSMAN]] .....................................................................................

Fuck, fuck, I have to move faster! Crash Course is a blur in my grip, the Morphic Dagger fluttering in and out of shape as I continue to dodge, shoulder and carve a path for myself through the Domintus forces, chasing after the enormous Soul Grave.
>I still hold this is suicidal, and will do your brother no good
Doesn't matter, Ozrick's ALWAYS been there for me-I can't abandon him, not when I can finally show him I found a place to call home. I can't, I WON'T let it happen.
>Dude, I know Ozrick is a total bro, literal and social, but come on, you saw what that golem can do-and you're chasing it?
>Alone through the entire Domintus Army?
>[Gelrick 13] It doesn't matter at this juncture, we are a MILE away from the capital walls-turning around may actually be more hazardous than continuing.
>[Gelrick 08] Having absorbed our skill with blade and combat magnetomancy alike when claiming us as Anchor, you became capable of moving more swiftly through a sea of foes-
>[Gelrick 02] But should you turn back, the tide of foes you've passed will catch you.
>[Gelrick 13] And in their number could be warriors most potent.
>[Gelrick 17] You know we speak the truth.
>[Gelrick 22] And you know how monstrous Domintus is, the Pure Ladie's goal in coming to the state.
>Killing Aurockoth? Using a layered Life Golem soul to layer a Soul Grave and make a God? The multidimensional stuff is still pretty murky to me.
>You know they cannot lie-while they were separated from the collective Ulzrick existence, in death they have been rejoined to our collective existence.
>[Gelrick 13] If we had a method of seizing control or otherwise effecting departure, we would. As it is, the noise is not so bad as a Voice about an Anchor. It can be tolerated.
>[Gelrick 04] You even ended with a stroke of further luck: Fellaloon's dying action, passing his Tractomantic Combat Magic into your own body.
>[Gelrick 07] Just so you are aware WHY you are now supernaturally strong compared to before, his Muscle Space style revolved around folding space, layering muscle into the same place without increasing mass-pocket dimensions in which to store extra muscle mass, still part of the body.
>[Gelrick 15] It was the source of Fellaloon's power, and is now yours, for better or worse.
>...Yeah, the whole talking muscles thing-

My body, miraculously recovered from my earlier injuries at the same time I claimed the Gelrick collective, powers a one-handed blow with Crash Course that cleaves through a twenty foot tall Life Golem's leg, layered in heavy plate, continuing past to cleave wholly through the shield, arm and body of another two soldiers, bisected parts blown away by the magically transferred momentum-my increase in strength harmonizes with my weapon.
>[Gelrick 13] Not as elegant as the weapon we chose to use, or as inclined to finesse-but the power speaks for itself.

>>271879
...This is no good. I'm not moving fast enough. ...I've got some magic muscles now right? Doesn't matter that I'm carrying plate, multiple hand-cannons, lightning guns and wasp spears-If I'm not sprinting at my top speed, there's no POINT. I strain, I heave, I focus-
>Yeah fuck those pussy doubters, I'm with you man, I always wished I had a brother! LETS SAVE OZRICK!

Veins bulge, muscles knot-and I take off, shouldering a soldier twice my size aside, my shoulder leaving a massive crater in his chestplate as I send him flying, sword rising to cut a vicious path before me, Morphic dagger likewise flickering in and out of its dual shapes. I keep running, keep cutting, keep shoving and jumping-I'm getting closer, I can do it.

>>271905
Beneath the now total fusion with Crash Course, I ply skills improved without training of mine own-my wrist turns just so, and my blade dips under a rising shield I feel a sense of 'weight' about, instead cleaving through the soldier's pelvis, her body going tumbling behind me as I keep moving. My dagger flashes to full size as mid-leap I stab a Life Golem through the heart, riding his falling form down and keeping my momentum going-I'm within a thousand feet now, I'm getting closer-I duck a morningstar, my blade rising-
>[Gelrick 13] That's right, think of all that weight, condensed into a single point-
I shatter the heavy weapon and cleave through to blow apart the wielder's face, panting as I keep going.

>>271912
I keep building on the battle rhythm I feel pounding in my veins, in my ears, blades getting lighter in my hands as I sink deeper into my adrenaline fueled act of desperation, charging alone through the whole breadth of the Domintus army. An axe falls towards me, heavy and runed-my Crash Course mangles the thing into a twisted lump as its sent rocketing from its wielders hands, breaking thumbs on its violent exit from his grip as I snap the sword down, shattering his shoulder and blowing his arm off as I run past.
>I'm with you, we can do this!
>...You are well past the point of no return, I will offer aid as I can.
>[Gelrick 13] Remember that your foe is not your foe, but merely what you measure yourself on. When you do not need to gauge your strength, you need not explore their depths.
>...Is that some monk thing?
>[Gelrick 09] When you don't have time to be careful, don't hold anything back-anything in between is a waste of your time. Either fight to survive, or fight for a goal-do not try both.
Faster, faster! I keep focusing harder and harder, and I feel the strength in my body slowly expanding. I was thrice as strong as before, then four times... now I'm five times as strong. I push farther, my breathing becoming sharp as I feel muscles straining, harder and harder-

>>271922
Blood thunders. The world is silent.
>[Gelrick 13] Your blade isn't a blade, or a tool, or any such title: It is a part of you, like your hand, your eye, your heart. You touch the world through it.
Crash Course dances. My feet pound. I leap, I slash, I dodge, I slice, I shoulder, I break. A blade darts at my shoulder-
>[Gelrick 11] Ignore it.
The blade barely cuts the straps of my thee hand-cannons.
>[Gelrick 13] Shave instants out of the world, make speed not about footwork, but about efficient choices.
I keep moving-

A knight in black armor, his helm heavy with horns, is seated atop an enormous armored horse, A sword so massive and thick I wonder if it is part lance held idly in one hand, easily hundreds of pounds of metal-I see no runes on its length, but sense a dull supernatural weight that I've sensed before.
>He's not budging dude.
>[Gelrick 21] You will have to cut him down, if you wish to reach your brother.
I keep charging forward, and as I get within twenty feet, I grit my teeth, strain even harder, leap and-

Midair, weapons already in motion, I hear-

My muscles speak.

"Then Fellaloon was right, you DO love the Muscle!"

What?
>Midair hurtling towards knight dude.
>Who is swinging his sword at you.
>[Gelrick 06] Attend to your balance.








What should I do?
Should I try to converse with my muscles, or draw more power out with further brute force?
This foe blocking my way-how am I going to get past him as quick as possible?
How am I gonna save my little brother?
Do I want to use Reality Redaction for anything right now? (If so, d100 roll on plan, d100 roll on second. Plans cannot be stored only used on proposal or discarded)
Is there anything the voices have for me?
>>
No. 271932 ID: 5b95eb

rolled 65 = 65

Ask FLEXRICK to do the teleport trick to stab him in the head, and then to run even faster.

Obviously, keep up the "I got stabbed? Funny, I don't remember it happening like that..." redactions if needed.
>>
No. 271933 ID: dae664

>>271927
No redaction. Test our new muscles and cleave his skull in twain.

>How am I gonna save my little brother?
Who the fuck redacted him from being our older brother to our kid brother? Honestly, this rampant redaction is getting a fair bit ridiculous, and reckless at that.

Ricky may have very well botched the proper timeline as far as we know.
>>
No. 271934 ID: 69bee4

rolled 33 = 33

>>271932
seconding, as you can't let anything like injury slow you down!

Don't worry though Ulzrick, Ozrick has never let ya down before, hes always been there for you, and neither of ya are gonna start failing now! BELIEVE!
>>
No. 271940 ID: 6834bc

>>271927
Well hey there, Ulzrick... and Gelricks, apparently. Say, did you all choose to get anchored to Ulzrick, or did it happen without any input from you guys? And that bit Gelrick 08 said about Ulzrick absorbing your skills - was that also automatic, or did you have to allow it?

I mean, if both of those are automatic, Ulzrick might have a problem of sorts in the future if another Anchor decides to go on a power trip across dimensions, slaying Anchors and collecting more Ulzricks to get skills and knowledge from in some bid to become a sort of superweapon-being like Aurockoth.

...Right, sorry. The task at hand. I'm honestly not much of a combat ideas guy, but... well, you're going pretty fast and you're pretty strong. Do you think you could just blow a hole straight through the jackass in front of you (with the aid of Crash Course, obviously?)

After all, the shortest distance between two points is often a straight line. If that guy's chest just happens to be in the way, well, that's too tough for him, right? Of course, you'll probably want to call on as much extra muscle power as you can safely call on to aid in busting a hole through him.

If you don't want to try this, though, that's fine. It's just an idea, albeit a rather messy one.
>>
No. 271941 ID: 99e816

OK, Let's divide and conquer


Gelricks: Could you attend to Ulzrick Prime's swordsmanship and surrounding. We (the collective) don't want to be surrprised and Ulzrick prime needs to focus on the foe before of him. (As it seems that Gelricks can share Ulzrick's sensations this should be possable)



Ulzricks: Think-tank time. From what can be seen this captain (or warrior) is probably an magic user. Some guesses as to what kind:

A soul user like Abaeloth who could have taught him, (unlikely) the only thing they is the same country and a similar aesthetic.
A Kinetimancer this would explane the very heavy sword kinetimancy is common enough that we should find a few in the ranks of of the Domintus army (possible) but an Kinetimancer would probably use their power in an more obvious way.
A Dream user an surprising number of Domintus captains can use dream we should be prepared for this one to be the same.

All in all an frontal assalt would tell us of what he is capable of.


Fellaloon: Yes, and we would ask you the proper way to grow the muscle so that it is strong and and beautiful not twisted and weak.

Ulzrick Prime: You should try to focus on the battle before you. Us Voices will try and get an cunning plan together but your job is to stay alive till then.
Also do you think you could let Gelricks/Ulzricks take over different things I.E. Ulzrick 1 uses dream, Gelrick the Magnetomancer (wich ever one of you that is) uses Magnetomancy, and you Ulzrick prime; fight at the same time!


All: If it is possible to share skills or share prime's body, if any of you think of skills that would be useful or tricks you know how to do please speak up.
>>
No. 271951 ID: b7f789

Slice through him and his horse on your way past, don't stop moving towards the objective - saving your brother.
>>
No. 271970 ID: bdd665

Just where is Ozrick? Last we heard he took over Ozmand the hammer's band of students/mercs. Is that suped up soulgrave heading in his direction?
>>
No. 271976 ID: d763e7

You need to save up your limited use of dream redaction! If anything can save your brother it would be your ability to undo any harm that has come to him! Don't overuse Gelrick's instant-rewriting defensive style. It's a good way to protect yourself but ultimately Vespinto proved that it isn't very good at winning against a skilled foe. It will also hurt your skill in the long run. What you need to do is wait and observe until you can use one crucial, powerful redaction that will turn the entire battle around or even win it before it started.

Speak back the muscles/Fellaloon. You must reach for perfection to save your brother so be grateful for the gift you've received. You've gained strength through exertion, but now you need to use it elegantly. Flex one side of your body and have the muscles burst out of your platemail, displaying their hidden mass and changing your flight path to avoid the knight's sword. Then use magnetomancy to connect Crash Course to his sword, weighing it down and letting you ride megnetomantically along the length of his blade to punch the knight in the face, putting all your might into it. Then take his horse and use it to go faster. If this works then tell your muscles/Fellalon that you may just be warming up to the idea of muscles.

Also ask if anyone in your head knows what Fellaloon's fractal swords did. Were they behind the vanishing limb trick or was that another application of Muscle Space?
>>
No. 271978 ID: 21e57a

You're right muscles, we do. Now, we are not the Ulzrick Collective, but we like Muscles. Especially muscles that will help us one shot this guy or run past him.

Anyway, Hi Gelrick Group. We’re Ulzrick’s friends. Now, how many of you are anchored to Ulzrick and why ‘Gel’? I mean, that seems like an odd name-change to use.
>>
No. 271981 ID: 21e57a

>>271976
I'm agasint breaking any armor we have, however, I have to agree. See if you can flex away the damage delt, rather then using Redaction.
>>
No. 271988 ID: c328b9

IGNORE EVERYTHING BUT THE PRESSING MOMENT. NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR CHATTER.


FOCUS.
>>
No. 271989 ID: a76809
File 129519817684.jpg - (451.93KB , 1000x1525 , Domintus Knight Captain Suplicant 20 The Everfeast.jpg )
271989

>>271941
> OK, Let's divide and conquer
> Gelricks: Could you attend to Ulzrick Prime's swordsmanship and surrounding. We (the collective) don't want to be surrprised and Ulzrick prime needs to focus on the foe before of him. (As it seems that Gelricks can share Ulzrick's sensations this should be possable)
>[Gelrick 21] We intended to put our efforts towards his swordplay and magnetomantic awareness.
>[Gelrick 12] ...Ulzrick Prime?
>Eh, I like it, makes a bit more sense when they comment, as pronouns make even less sense with them involved.
>[Gelrick 13] So these are external voices?
>As a fellow newer voice, I'd recommend not paying too much attention to that aspect.
> Ulzricks: Think-tank time. From what can be seen this captain (or warrior) is probably an magic user. Some guesses as to what kind: 1: A soul user like Abaeloth who could have taught him, (unlikely) the only thing they is the same country and a similar aesthetic. 2: A Kinetimancer this would explane the very heavy sword kinetimancy is common enough that we should find a few in the ranks of of the Domintus army (possible) but an Kinetimancer would probably use their power in an more obvious way. 3: A Dream user an surprising number of Domintus captains can use dream we should be prepared for this one to be the same.
>I'm thinkin' Kinetimancy, given that list.
>Yeah, Soul Magic is banned, and as crazy as the DoD is, getting a hold of such info is hard-
>Dream magic is rare, and takes the price of some form of tangible impairment-probably not it either.
>So, Kinetimancy?
>[Gelrick 13] ...It seems the most likely of the options presented-or you could just ask and find out that The Horned Knight is a known hybrid user of Will based Gravimancy and blood-based Kinetomancy. Ultimately, he can artificially reproduce the skills that empower your sword in his own weapon, all while improving the speed at which he can wield it.
>See, that's useful information.
>Uzlrcik Prime: You should try to focus on the battle before you. Us Voices will try and get an cunning plan together but your job is to stay alive till then.
Difficult to focus with all the voices, but I have some practice.

>>271970
> Just where is Ozrick? Last we heard he took over Ozmand the hammer's band of students/mercs. Is that suped up soulgrave heading in his direction?
>No, last we heard was about ten minutes ago, and that was that his entire group was on the frontlines, and after Domintus pulled a U-turn, that put him on the far side of the Soul Grave.
My brother is on the other side of this foe-all that matters.

>>271933
>>271951
Will Gravimancy? Blood Kinetimancy? Doesn't matter.
>[Gelrick 12] ...It does, actually. It means with an already larger, heavier weapon, he can get a heavier impact out of it than you can, and with the longer reach-
Inconsequential. Stronger, weaker, faster, slower-no matter what kind of warrior he is, I will either surpass him here and now or die trying-I cannot afford to wait.

My foe's sword begins to swing up towards me as I come in range as I bring Crash Course down into a looping slice, all my weight behind it.

>>271978
> You're right muscles, we do. Now, we are not the Ulzrick Collective, but we like Muscles. Especially muscles that will help us one shot this guy or run past him.
"Oh, you like Flexrick?"
> Flexrick: Yes, and we would ask you the proper way to grow the muscle so that it is strong and and beautiful not twisted and weak.
"That you would even ask shows care and concern, beyond the love and intoxication-Flexrick shall show you what muscles can do!"

Our blades meet, his titanic greatsword/lance hybrid so indomitable that I feel my Crash Course rebounding on impact-until Flexrick steps in. My muscles, already bulging and heavily veined from exertion, reveal to me how lightly I was using them: Heat pours in waves from my body, my sweat turning to steam as I tighten my grip, knuckles cracking-
>[Gelrick 13] No matter how strong, you need an anchor point to fully express that strength.
My hand shoots out, latching on the my foe's mount, the Morphic Dagger dropping to the ground, discarded as I bring Crash Course looping around from the rebound, racing towards my foe's head. I feel the magnetomantic clues-the shifts and reactions-he is moving to block me.

>>271988
> IGNORE EVERYTHING BUT THE PRESSING MOMENT. NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR CHATTER.
Which is why I drop Crash Course into a top-down cleave, biting through leg and mount alike, throwing the severed parts to the ground spraying blood as his mount collapses in death. Falling, The Horned Knight lashes out, the sense of weight about his sword overpowering.

As my feet finally land on the ground I brace myself and bring Crash Course around in a two-handed swing, blade against blade-

I dent, I warp, I mangle his blade-lance, throwing the weapon spinning from his hands to crash into other soldiers-

As I KEEP GOING.

I'm coming Ozrick.

>>271933
>'How am I gonna save my little brother?'
> Who the fuck redacted him from being our older brother to our kid brother? Honestly, this rampant redaction is getting a fair bit ridiculous, and reckless at that.
>...I was wondering if that was just me.
>[Gelrick 05] Beyond that... all members of the Gelrick collective were only children.
>Huh... same for those of us Anchored to Ulzrick Prime here.
>I had no siblings as well.

I discard the now pointless rambling in my mind as I see what matters most to me-on the other side of Domintus, now turning to face a squad of giants with shields the size of castles, I see my brother-

His head almost delicately held like a grape by a massive, patchwork hand, a nightmarish beast swordsmen, covered in mouths, pulls back his runed sword, a feral, hungry grin paining its warped visage. I see the Blue Knight struggling to rise, a fist-shaped dent in his Blue Steel golem armor matching the fist now clutching my brother-as the monster's piercing beady eyes regard him like a snack.

...Brother.

I am forty feet away, with one of Domintus' feet in between us:



How am I going to get past this monstrous Soul Grave to aid my brother?
How will I move fast enough to make a difference?
How can I prevent Ozrick's death at the hands of this monster?
Do I have any questions for Flexrick, the Gelrick collective or my older Voices?
What should I do, given I only have Crash Course, two WASP spears, a pair of Lightning guns and ten reloads?
>>
No. 271991 ID: c328b9

>>271989

FUCKING FUCK FUCK THAT FOOT

TELEPORT AND ARM ONTO EVERFEAST'S CHEST, CUT OFF HIS HUGE ARM. MOVE. YOUR. ASS, ULZRICK.
>>
No. 271994 ID: 21e57a

rolled 19 = 19

REMOVE THAT HAND. Use every skill you have to end this abomination's life! OUR BROTHER IS IN PEIRL! Flexrick shall strength our muscles, you Gelricks strength our sword, our magic, any skills you possess to remove limbs – Kinetimancer, Gravimancy, ANYTHING –, while we redact every blow so it hits deep, hard and true!
>>
No. 271996 ID: 21e57a

>>271994
Hey, any 'ricks know how to flip-flop dice rolls, or increase the number I just rolled? Because that would be really helpful.
>>
No. 271999 ID: 69bee4

Experience so far seems to indicate that metal golems without magic absorption react poorly to electricity.

The most effective thing to do I suspect would be to somehow get the lightning guns to effect the Soul Grave. Although its very much worth noting that this Soul Grave can essentially instantly make thousands of weapons appear on command under his control, and getting his attention could be more than just lethal.
>>
No. 272010 ID: 81f32a

rolled 12 = 12

>>271994
Yah, maybe I'll roll lower than this, who knows?
>>
No. 272012 ID: d763e7

Throw a WASP spear with the full power of Muscle space and accelerate it using magnetomancy, pushing it off Crash Course while keeping a constant magnetic connection to the spear as it flies. Then shoot the spear with a lightning gun and try to guide the electricity along the magnetic path to hit the spear perfectly.

Ignore Domintus until you can get your brother away from all this.
>>
No. 272013 ID: 81f32a

rolled 89 = 89

If for whatever reason we fail to save your brother or if you sustain serious injury use Redaction to fix stuff
>>
No. 272016 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 51 = 51

Remember Domintus being slightly slower, you dodged around him just after you fought the Horned Knight.
With Flexrick's help you managed to dodge around domintus at near blinding speed and can now run even faster, and are now but ten feet away.
>>
No. 272017 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 60 = 60

>>272013
Seconding.
>>
No. 272018 ID: 81f32a

rolled 67 = 67

>>272016
Aight, trying to roll lower
>>
No. 272025 ID: a76809

>>271991
>>271994
>>272010
Flexrick, how did Fellaloon make that arm appear behind me?
"Muscles Space creates a shadow overlay of our glorious multidimensional musculatrue on normal space. Normally its a blob around you-and you can shape this shadow to reach other areas, and via intense flexing, force a bodypart to move across the muscle shadow, and still be connected to you through Muscle Space."
Then help me do it now, I need to put an arm on that monster!
"PROVE YOURSELF WORTHY OF THE MUSCLE'S LOVE!"
I clench my teeth, sinews saut as muscles contract, veins popping out and steam pouring even more hotly from my arm as I reach out-
"Not enough muscle to reach so far, you would need to be HUGER."
I spring forward with a roar, leaping over rows of soldiers with the aid of Flexrick and my scalding-hot muscles-and I feel a shadow come into alignment.
"Connection established! FLEX HARDER!"
I tune my mind only to my arm and blade, straining, straining-
>Push, you can do it!
>[Gelrick 01] You have the capacity, make thought reality.

With a sound no unlike a cork being popped, my right arm vanishes from my shoulder, now sprouting from the monster's arm. I waste no time in marveling at the remote manipulation or the sensory data this gives-I swing Crash Course down at the arm holding my brother, putting every bit of might I can into the blow, muscles roaring. The blade swings into its elbow joint and-

And bounces off, only taking a sizeable chunk, nothing more.

[19 vs 12 <25/<25 BONUS INSTANT PAST, MODERATE IMPACT PASS]

I remember the blow being swung with even more force, finding some minor flaws in the armor, hitting at a better angle, the impact speed just right-I remember it all and reach to the Dream.

[REDACTION]

My sword rebounds from having half-cleaved through the beast's spindly joint, already swinging back in for a finishing strike-

And the monster is already charging me, its now flopping arm still holding Ozrick as with its perpetual feral grin it lashes out with its sword, slashing towards me as one of Domintus' legs rises up. As my sword bites into the creature's arm once more, I withdraw my arm, Crash Course flashing up to bat aside the coming blow-

And my body is twirled about in mid-air, the creature's greater weight and bracing scoffing at my attempts to parry. I feel it's blade score my side-

And with an agony so visceral I go blind with pain, I feel my skin, my blood, my organs and my muscles, everything being stripped away, exiting through the tiny cut.

>>272013
>>272017
[89 vs 60, >+30 BONUS, 50+/50+ BONUS, INSTANT PAST, MAJOR IMPACT [MINOR PARADOX THREAT] PASS]

[REDACTION]

I don't try to block, I try to guide, the impact of my sword pushing down, not against. The monster's blade slips by under me, and my momentum carries me forward-

The two massive mouths on its shoulders and the one in its belly ally yawn wide, thorned, blood-spattered tongue-tentacles lashing out to ensnare me.
>[Gelrick 13] Flesh, barbed or not, soft or not, will need a balanced attack. There are ways to hold the body in the air such that some weight can be put behind blows.
>[Gelrick 18] Use your momentum to push your blade, and do so without letting it be diverted into a haphazard spin like you just unwrought.
>[Gelrick 09] It is about body positioning, and relative tensions-like so.

My body glides through the air smoothly, my arm rising fluidly into a whipping slice, all three questing tongues severed. As I watch them already beginning to regenerate as they recoil, I glance quickly at Ozrick-I see his bleary eyes locked on me, his hand reaching out to me.


Domintus' foot begins to fall-directly on top of myself, my brother and the monster I face.








What should I do?
If I plan to use Reality Redaction, how should it be employed?
Do I have any ideas on how to use Flexrick's power at this time?
How am I going to save my brother AND save myself with that colossal foot coming back down?
>Something... is wrong here... if you can deduce its origins, I think doom may be averted.
>>
No. 272026 ID: 6d1be7

ALRIGHT ULZRICK!!!

You know your sword can do the weight displacement trick

BUT DID YOU KNOW IT HAS OTHER ABILITIES?
I'm not sure exactly how to activate them, but here goes.

Cast out out magnetomantic senses, merging with the blade and the area around Ugly(Everfeast)
then slash downwards with all your might, concentrating on the beast's arm.

Remote gravity slash don't fail me now.
>>
No. 272027 ID: 6d1be7

rolled 40 = 40

just in case that does diddly

redaction to make it that your slash hit the everfeast's arm and severed it.
>>
No. 272029 ID: 46c430

>Something... is wrong here... if you can deduce its origins, I think doom may be averted.

...Wait, why hasn't Ozrick deaders yet? Why hasn't he simply been killed and eaten? Bob confirms it -is- him, not an illusion, but...
>>
No. 272032 ID: bdd665

>>272029
I have been getting the felling that something was odd ever since Ozrick was mentioned. It is very odd that that creature has not crushed him yet.
>>
No. 272036 ID: 21e57a

>>272025
>Something... is wrong here... if you can deduce its origins, I think doom may be averted.

Well, first, why the hell hasn't our Brother cried out for us? And this eating machine likes, you know, eating. Why the hell hasn't it eating Ozrick yet?
And I gotta say, the whole 'younger' brother confuses me. I thought he was your older brother and the he took care of you.
>>
No. 272037 ID: 46c430

Also: GET THE HECK OUT FROM UNDER THE GIANT FOOT DUDE
>>
No. 272039 ID: 21e57a

rolled 35 = 35

>>272037
Yeah, but how are we gonna get our brother out too? Geeze, the only think I can think of is flexing, getting Flexrick to help, slice the remaining arm off, twist and fling out bro out while we run after to catch.

And I -think- we mine need to redact that, too, just to be safe. If it works, done use this, but if you screw up, Redacting to remove arm, and throw brother to safety.
>>
No. 272040 ID: 81f32a

rolled 35 = 35

>>272027
Seconding because no one is seconding and I love redaction stuff (even if might call reaper)
>>
No. 272041 ID: ab04d4

..For some reason, I now suspect that Ozrick is being held as bait to ensure that Ulzrick rushes into the enemy midst- the enemy is attempting to create a god using dream magic. Perhaps Ulzrick's layers upon layers of consciousnesses, and his status as a chaotic Anchor, factors into our enemy's plan somehow? They already intend on killing Aurockoth and forging his layered soul into Domintus- could the same not be done with Ulzrick, to use his layered mind in some form as well?

Is there an effect on Ozrick? Immobilization, mental prohibition, soul-drained left with only a framework mind to keep the heart pounding- anything could be possible with the resources the Disciples have.
>>
No. 272043 ID: 6d1be7

rolled 100 = 100

>>272026
Ok, Ive been informed that for this to work properly I need a reality redaction.

And for ease of use, I suggest that the tech be named.
CRASH COURSE COMET!
----------------

Also remember how you actually weren't under the foot, you were a few feet away remember?

(rollin
>>
No. 272044 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 51 = 51

>>272039
seconding
>>
No. 272045 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 79 = 79

>>272043
Fine, since no one else is doing it
MOTHERFUCKING SECONDED LIKE THE FIST OF THE NORTH STAR
>>
No. 272046 ID: d763e7

>>272045
Nice.

If you manage to free your brother and find yourself next to Domintus' leg, push or trick The Everfeast so his sword hits Domintus. Let's see what happens if he tries to devour an infinite chaotic storm of metal.
>>
No. 272047 ID: 21e57a

>>272046
I like this. This seems like it would do nothing bad at all.
>>
No. 272053 ID: a76809

>>272026
>>272043
>>272045
[100 vs 79, +21 BONUS, 1/2 PERFECT ROLL BONUS, 75+/75+ BONUS, INSANT PAST, MINOR-MODERATE IMPACT-PASS, SKILL HAS BECOME EASIER.
The mad ravings of Falcon flit into my mind-but this time, I see power glinting in his words. No matter how suspect the source, I'll take anything, pay any price to keep Ozrick safe.
>Are you sure-
>Prime, what-
I've decided, and will not be swayed. I pull the magnetomantic field of Crash Course wide, stretching it out further and further, piling as much weight and power into it as I can-

And I remember the blade's Gravimantic talents being likewise magnified just as I swing the blade down, looking to complete my work of freeing my brother. As I draw heavily on Dream I feel the massive megnetic currents bucking under my grip.
>[Gelrick 013] Do not be firm-you will be shaken off. Trust the blade, trust the field-they know where the power must go. A loose hand is best.
MORE.
>>272027
>>272040
[40 vs. 35, INSTANT PAST, MINOR-MODERATE IMPACT PASS]
As the blade impacts I again remember it biting deeper than it did, going farther than it did, the heavy curtain of Gravity shunted all into that cut.

The air shimmers as I cleave through Everfeast's arm, it's body collapsing to the ground as I hook Crash Course under the severed hand and flick it skyward, keeping it from crashing earthward with the rest as I reach for Ozrick, the foot overhead rushing ever closer. Just a little further-My hand wraps around my brother, and I pull him free of the severed hand, blood and hair left behind on those indomitable fingers.

>>272037
I kick off the offending limb, pushing Ozrick and I to the side-the titanic foot crashes down, breaking through the Everfeast as it shakes the very earth. Ozrick and I catch but a single moment's respite, before I am assaulted by thoughts, even in my moment of reunion with my brother. ...There is so much I wish to tell him, and now that he is safe-

>>272029
>[Conil] ...Wait, why hasn't Ozrick deaders yet? Why hasn't he simply been killed and eaten? Bob confirms it -is- him, not an illusion, but...
This 'Bob' again-look, I don't have time for your raving-
>>272032
>I have been getting the felling that something was odd ever since Ozrick was mentioned. It is very odd that that creature has not crushed him yet.
>[Gelrick 04] It bothers me as well, that such a creature as that, caked in gore, would take the time to taunt a fallen foe like that rather than eating him-
Yeah but-
>>272036
> This eating machine likes, you know, eating. Why the hell hasn't it eating Ozrick yet?
Look, I-
>And I gotta say, the whole 'younger' brother confuses me. I thought he was your older brother and the he took care of you.
He is my younger brother and-
>But you've called him your older brother before.
>Yeah, kinda weird that didn't get noticed before....
>Do you not find it strange only you off all the Ulzricks represented here have a brother-and what's more you don't know if he's older or younger-which is he?
Ozrick's my older brother-
>You just said younger brother before-
I-
>What do you remember of your brother?
He was always there for me, protected m-
>What is his favorite food?
What?
>What hobbies does he have? Any favored or disliked foods?
I don't-
>Shouldn't you know this about your brother?
>[Gelrick] The one brother any Ulzrick here has ever had?
>One you can't remember details about?
>And never questioned before?

Ozrick reads the warring confusion on my face, and with a look born of genuine concern, turns to me even as he struggles to clear his head.

>[Ozrick]"What's wrong brother? ...The voices are bothering you again?"

He coughs as his eyes go in and out of focus, blood slowly leaking from an ear and one nostril as he looks about in a daze.

>[Ozrick]"Where's my hammer? I can't protect you... if I don't have a weapon.."

The Everfeast tears itself out from under Domintus' foot, its body far too broken to function yet moving all the same-it's massive hand flying back to the stump on its arm as its body starts knitting iteself back together, and with a roar it starts charging my way, blade and hand both intended for me. And as this beast charges at me, I look to my brother, and wonder:

Am I going mad?






What should I do?
I see Ozrick's hammer twenty feet to my right-I recognize his engraved mark-should I claim it and return it to him?
How should I fight Everfeast with what talents I have at my disposal?
My body is starting to ache from steaming so much-should I ease off on using Flexrick?
Something is very wrong here, even I recognize it-just what is going on?
>>
No. 272055 ID: 46c430

...Wait. Perhaps... Is... ...Is Ozrick some sort of... Dream Construct? An imaginary friend, of sorts, of Ulzrick's own (unconcious)making? Ulzrick demonstrated how unique he is before, perhaps... Perhaps this is part of it, or the root cause? ...Hell, I don't know.
>>
No. 272057 ID: bdd665

>>272053
IDEA
You have had the voices for ages right?
Even when you were young?

A lonely little kid wanting someone to watch out for him and be his friend and accept the whole voices in his head thing...
That is the sort of situation where a child might come up with a imaginary friend, it may be that your first use of dream magic was to make your "imaginary" brother real.

Well that is the only thing I can think of that is not horrifically sinister.

Also, if I am right his dream based origin may be the reason he is not a puddle of gore right now.
>>
No. 272060 ID: 46c430
File 12952141158.jpg - (305.85KB , 1696x1549 , Bored_Mordre.jpg )
272060

Don't worry, Ulzrick! Help is coming! ...Um, eventually! ...As soon as he reenters the atmospehere!
>>
No. 272069 ID: 46c430

...Wait. Is that OZRICK's or OZMAND's hammer? Because Ozrick took Ozmand's hammer when Ozmand got killed. Also... How do you recognize the symbol on it? Your brother has his own personal symbol? And you learned, know, and remember this symbol, even when you can't remember ANY OTHER details of your brother?
>>
No. 272070 ID: 69bee4

Are you mad Ulzrick? Of course you are! These villians, even some parts of yourself, are trying to take away one of the few things you care about! Are you insane though!? No! You are more sane than any of these, you are a one of a kind, empowered with a growing number of confusing voices and powers all intermingling in your mind and body, and yet here you stand fighting for what you believe in, you yet continue on, adapting, overcoming, refusing to give up in the face of a living god. You are not INSANE! You are LIVING, you are GAINING, you are THRIVING! You are Ulzrick, and in the last few days you have had to put up with dying, turning Vespinto’s rage into friendship, turning an ornery and insanely dangerous old man magnetomancer into your teacher, gaining talking muscle powers, and another yourself killed TWICE AGAIN ON THE FIELD OF BATTLE. If that is what you have had to put up with in the last few days, damn if any refusing to die flesh golem and living god is going to stop you now while you have your brother! Fuck reality! You laugh at reality! YOU ARE ULZRICK!

You don’t need reality redaction right now, just remember the next few moments when you killed that flesh golem!
>>
No. 272071 ID: 252e1b

>>272053

The Lady has proven ability in manipulation of the Dream. She used it to free Gelzrick from the collective.

You know the Dream to be malleable by strong Dreamers. You know that reality redactions can be made incrementally, and work best when there is the least amount of potential for paradox.

Couldn't the Lady and Domintus have spent ages seeking out the strongest people, or those who had potential to become the strongest, and used small redactions to prime the field? They knew they couldn't take an entire nation without conflict, and so they spent time using the Dream to create family members, either whole cloth or by using specially designed life golems as changlings, to gain bargaining chips over their enemies?

Who better to convince a man to set aside his arms and join the Domintus than his own brother?

And Ulzrick Prime, as an anchor you represented the highly Ordered template that other Ulzricks are based on. An anchor gone to war would be a fearsome fighter (as we have seen). Wouldn't having a brother who went to war provide you with the motivation to go to war yourself?

And wouldn't you have joined Gelzrick if you had died first here? He was an anchor for the Gelzrick collective, and would have served as your anchor (since you are isolated from the collective at present).

Ozrick may be your blood brother, or he may not be, but his very existence is the result of The Lady meddling in your life. She has designs on you.
>>
No. 272085 ID: 6d1be7

>>272055
And that would explain why Olzrick was not killed immediately, so that they could lure in the one who was talented enough to do this and not know, and do this and make the dream construct not know it' s a dream construct.
>>
No. 272086 ID: b0b61b

>>272071
Not only that, what if... What if, the pure lady herself is a dreameater? Pieces of the caged one can come to the surface and manipulate the world of the living, who says that a dreameater(a being that acts as a white blood cell for the dream which is merely the sleeping gestault consciousness of the caged one) could not take matters into its own hands?
>>
No. 272089 ID: 81f32a

rolled 63 = 63

Hey, Ulzrick, remember Domintus lost his footing and crushed Everfeast AGAIN?
>>
No. 272090 ID: 6d1be7

rolled 70 = 70

>>272089
Yea, that musta hurt
>>
No. 272093 ID: f6360f

rolled 22 = 22

>My body is starting to ache from steaming so much-should I ease off on using Flexrick?
You're not going to be doing much damage to Everfeast without him, so no. Feel the burn in those muscles, love them and know them and keep them just as strong as they are. Unless Flexrick would be so kind as to advise us as to just how hard he can be pushed, of course...?

>How should I fight Everfeast with what talents I have at my disposal?
If he ever hurts you at all, redact it. Rolling for that. You can't afford to get hit by that shit. Aside from that...

You hacked its arm off and it came back together. Hopefully if you strike a more more critical location, it won't be able to regenerate- slice its whole damn body in half. If it comes back from that, new strategy- lure it towards something more deadly than you and let them kill it.
>>
No. 272094 ID: 81f32a

rolled 43 = 43

>>272090
Maybe for the better, messing up with an entity like Domintus might have not been the best idea.

How about:
"Remember how the Ragegluts siege arrow completely missed its intended target but caught Everfeast right in his head?"
>>
No. 272095 ID: 5b95eb

>Am I going mad?

Of course you are. I thought you already knew that. I mean, you hear voices, after all, and you can use dream without being physically disabled. I think I remember Jojo saying it'd get worse as you get better with Dream, so, uh, heads up.
>>
No. 272097 ID: 5b95eb

Also, Call Phohn to see if you and Ozrick can get extracted by Rutgur and Burduko. See if Burduko can pick up his hammer, too, or if you can Magnetomance it over to you.

>>272069
I'm just going to assume it's on his armor or something.
>>
No. 272102 ID: d4f98d

>I see Ozrick's hammer twenty feet to my right-I recognize his engraved mark-should I claim it and return it to him?

Ozricks Hammer? Didn't Mordre say he took up the hammer of Ozmand? When have you ever seen Ozmands hammer, let alone with Ozrick wielding it, to recognize?
>>
No. 272131 ID: 5b95eb

>>272102
Well, even if he did take Ozmand's hammer, it's Ozrick's now so that's not really important.
>>
No. 272135 ID: d4f98d

>>272131
Point is Ulzrick's never seen Ozrick with Ozmands hammer, whereas he seems to have seen him before that.

So is it Ozricks old weapon, or new one?
>>
No. 272137 ID: 81f32a
File 129522478710.jpg - (115.60KB , 824x804 , Mordre - Waiting.jpg )
272137

>>272060
>>
No. 272149 ID: 5b95eb

Anyways, this is really not the time for theorizing what's the deal with Ozrick, focus on living.
>>
No. 272153 ID: 1854db

Ulzrick, I don't know why you're so worried about your brother, he's obviously a massively powerful warrior who is immune to practically all forms of magic. How else could he survive this long, so deep in enemy lines? Even Everfeast couldn't eat him.

Let's not try doing any Redaction that affects Ozrick in any way though; he doesn't really need the help, right?

Grab his hammer with some MUSCLE SPACE and hand it over... but be sure to focus on Everfeast first.
>>
No. 272161 ID: 21e57a

>>272070
I agree completely! We are not mad, we ARE FURIOUS!

But yes, pull the hammer and hand it to brother. We're gonna take down the Everfeaster...or, really, we should talk to Ozrick, and ask Bro if he wants to turn tail.
>>
No. 272165 ID: 6d1be7

rolled 25 = 25

What are you all worried about?

Ulzrick's CRASH COURSE COMET had some far reaching effects remember?

that thing is gonna be stuck to the ground for at least the next 30 seconds.
>>
No. 272169 ID: 81f32a

rolled 64, 39 = 103

>>272093
>>272165

seconding both
>>
No. 272170 ID: a76809

>>272069
>[Conil ...Wait. Is that OZRICK's or OZMAND's hammer? Because Ozrick took Ozmand's hammer when Ozmand got killed. Also... How do you recognize the symbol on it? Your brother has his own personal symbol? And you learned, know, and remember this symbol, even when you can't remember ANY OTHER details of your brother?
Whoever that hammer belonged to before, I know it now to be Ozrick's-that etching is something he puts on everything he uses-a detail of his life I know, thank you very much!
>>272102
>[Emba]Ozricks Hammer? Didn't Mordre say he took up the hammer of Ozmand? When have you ever seen Ozmands hammer, let alone with Ozrick wielding it, to recognize?
I just said, I-
>The point, I believe, is that you recognized the hammer as his BEFORE your attention settled on any mark-and don't try to deny it, we can see your mind as it is ours as well.
>[Gelrick 13] ...Something occurs to me. A moment while I verify.
>Can you yet figure out if he's your older or younger brother?
.....No.

>>272055
>[Conil] ...Wait. Perhaps... Is... ...Is Ozrick some sort of... Dream Construct? An imaginary friend, of sorts, of Ulzrick's own (unconcious)making? Ulzrick demonstrated how unique he is before, perhaps... Perhaps this is part of it, or the root cause? ...Hell, I don't know.
That's impossible, Ozrick's my-
>Brother you can't iron out details to, and that survived the everfeasts attention-you do see the bodies scattered everywhere, so why is he still alive?
>[Gelrick 20] I am as of yet unconvinced, it does not seem to fall within the purview of known Dream abilities of Ulzrick-
>>272057
> You have had the voices for ages right?
..Yes?
>All of us have.
>From birth
>A lonely little kid wanting someone to watch out for him and be his friend and accept the whole voices in his head thing...
>...An interesting approach, I see where you are going with this.. hm
>What, I'm lost?
> That is the sort of situation where a child might come up with a imaginary friend, it may be that your first use of dream magic was to make your "imaginary" brother real.
>Yeah, it's possible-SHIT, that's heavy!
>How would such a thing be given form?
>[Gelrick 13] I can answer that. Ulzrick-you are currently, and from what I can tell have for years, been persistently practicing the self-mirroring technique you as of yet were not able to replicate from our absorption.
>[Gelrick 16]It would give a stable form-he would have an Ulzrick to work with, one isolated from the collective, to reshape with redaction into just what he needed... but to do it that young-
>But how young did he do it? Remember, is seems his own memories are question. Absurd as it is to contemplate, it seems clear he altered his own memories of events-which should be impossible. To even ACKNOWLEDGE this issue, it took those outside voices to draw attention to it.
....But-

I turn to look at my brother again, Everfeast pouncing like a lion, arm and sword at the ready, trio of mouths open and sending out their barbed tongues-
>[NaiveOne] Are you mad Ulzrick? Of course you are! These villians, even some parts of yourself, are trying to take away one of the few things you care about! Are you insane though!? No! You are more sane than any of those who would confuse you, you are a one of a kind, empowered with a growing number of confusing and conflicting voices and powers all intermingling in your mind and body, and yet here you stand, fighting for what you believe in, you continue to hold your mind together, adapting, overcoming, refusing to give up in the face of a living god. You are not INSANE! You are LIVING, you are GAINING, you are THRIVING! You are Ulzrick, and in the last few days you have had to put up with dying, turning Vespinto’s rage into friendship, turning an ornery and insanely dangerous old magnetomancer into your teacher, gaining talking muscle powers, and another you killed TWICE AGAIN ON THE FIELD OF BATTLE. If that is what you have had to put up with in the last few days, damn if any refusing to die flesh golem and living god is going to stop you now while you have your brother! Fuck reality! You laugh at reality! YOU ARE ULZRICK!
...Yeah.
>What?
>Oh no-
YEAH! What does it matter if he might be a dream, who cares if he's fabricated-Ozrick's my brother, and nothing, no revelation, no act of god or fate will EVER take that from me!

>>272060
>>272137
>>272085
>[Falcon] That would explain why Ozrick was not killed immediately, so that they could lure in the one who was talented enough to do this and not know, and do this and make the dream construct not know it' s a dream construct.
....Flexrick?
"Yes?
Give me EVERYTHING!
"...You shall see the brutal apex of muscle, as requested!

I toss Crash Course into the air, hands darting out as Everfeast falls upon me-

My hands collide with both of Everfeast's, the gigantic and the emaciated clutching the fell sword, feet dig heavy trenches in the ground, steam billows from my body in a scalding rush as I feel some of my clothes beginning to smolder, all while I roar my outrage at the Domintus warrior.

"You think that capturing my Mirror Self will draw me? WELL IT HAS!!"

Ozrick, no longer dazed or injured, stands next to his fallen war-hammer, because that is where I think my Dream should be.
>[Gelrick 13] That's right. If he is a Mirror, then he can be moved wherever the Original wills... just like that.

The moment Ozrick's hands close about his warhammer I feel his body surging with Will, lacing into armor and body, weapon and soul-he has learned much in our years apart. I now see him overhead, falling-I see the startlement on his face at the shift that fades in a bare instant, the hammer rocketing down to snap shut a shoulder-mouth on a roving tongue inches from my face. The creature seems confused by what is happening-and how it's arms are slowly being forced back.

"BUT YOU SIGNED YOUR DEATH WARRANT WHEN YOU ATTACKED MY BROTHER!!"

I shove away the massive fist and through a brutal punch at an oncoming tongue before catching Crash Course and cleaving with all my might towards Everfeast's arm, my grip on it's hand ironclad as I push with everything I have-

The monster's arm is torn from my grasp as my blade, without the aid of dream magic, on sheer brute force cleaves through the incredibly dense monster's form, as Ozrick dashes up it's arm, hammer already swinging towards its head. I see the beast's mouth snapping open and-
>>272153
> Ulzrick, I don't know why you're so worried about your brother, he's obviously a massively powerful warrior who is immune to practically all forms of magic. How else could he survive this long, so deep in enemy lines? Even Everfeast couldn't eat him.
...As Ozrick's shoulder chips one of Everfeast's teeth to a look of confusion on the monster's part, his body now basking in its dream origins and no longer bound to the frailties of death, torn flesh restoring just as the monster's does, I barrel forward, shoulder charging as I snap shut the stomach mouth and tackle the beast, building... on my BROTHER'S... efforts.

As we both make contact and bowl over the monster, several things become apparent:

-The beast's arm, chipped tooth, everything is still moving to rejoin it's body.
-My strength, while now greater than Everfeast's, comes at a price-my right shoulder and left arm are both riddled with fractures, and I think I've lost four pounds in water weight while steaming-my body cannot withstand the full might of Flexrick, not for long.
-Everfeast is already looking to resume its hunt for my life, trying to sit up mid-tackle.
.Domintus has moved deeper into the camp, the wall of giants, Keddic, Bang, some guy in a burning blue golem armor-all of it is slowly being pushed back, and Domintus forces are starting to come to Everfeast's aid.






What should I do?
Do I have any Redaction ideas for how to slay this foe?
>Any ideas how he could be restored most efficiently?
>[Gelrick 13] Since there isn't time, if you have any thoughts on how to use our rather... unique... Mirror Ozrick, voice your plan and we Gelrick's will do what we can to realize it with our collective knowledge.
I'll admit at this point I'll take any help I can get-I want to make this monster SUFFER for threatening my brother!
>>
No. 272171 ID: c328b9

PICK UP ITS ARM

MAKE IT EAT ITSELF

CHOKE ON YOUR OWN SHIT MOTHERFUCKER
>>
No. 272172 ID: d3dfb8

Everfeast's sword is an extremely powerful weapon, lure him into hitting himself using Ozrick's SUPERSPEED!
>>
No. 272173 ID: 5b95eb

rolled 57 = 57

Jump back, and shoot him with all your guns, fast as you can, and then Redact it so it's better. Redact so more of your rounds hit the target, so that you drew and fired faster, etc, etc. You could ease up on Flexrick a bit during this, I imagine.
>>
No. 272176 ID: 21e57a

Would you guys shut up about 'Mirror Self'? he's our brother, damn it, and he's gonna fucking END this bastard. Ok, Gelricks, tell my-your-our brother everything you know about hammer-time. We'll bash and lead the Feaster around to get him to attack the Domintus.
>>
No. 272177 ID: 6d1be7

rolled 79 = 79

Hey Ulzrick, remember how you had crash course morphically treated?
>>
No. 272179 ID: 21e57a

rolled 25 = 25

Remember how we didn't drop our dagger or our guns, so we can do >>272173?
>>
No. 272181 ID: 21e57a

rolled 70 = 70

>>272177
Lets do this, morphically awesome.
>>
No. 272182 ID: 222dba

rolled 21 = 21

>>272177
Seconded, with addendum that morphic treatment took place slightly prior to entering combat, for minimal temporal disruption.


Hey, Ulzrick. You have a nasty sword and your brother has a hammer. Why not put 'em together and literally NAIL the bastich?
>>
No. 272183 ID: 81f32a

rolled 92 = 92

>>272173
Add to that we didn't lose our guns on this way and we're good.
>>
No. 272184 ID: b14128

Throw your lightning power packs down its throat, then have your brother Ozrick use his hammer to smack the Everfeast's head, cracking his skull and breaching the power packs. He'll be fine, he's your brother, he's bloody invulnerable!

Or heck, both of you smash the everfeast's skull at the same time from opposite directions, with how stupidly powerful you both are you might well cause his head to get exploded, which, with the destruction of his brain, is sure to cramp his style.
>>
No. 272192 ID: a76809

>>272171
>>272172
I see Ozrick now by Everfeast's darting arm, not teleporting so much as simply beginning to exist in a different place, grabbing the monster's blade from the air and driving it forward on a different path. With the beast unbalanced and already committed to its recovery attempt, it can do nothing as Ozrick stabs it through the beasts nightmarish maw of a face, flesh stripping onto the blade-

And halting, starting to flow back.
>Jeeze, this thing does not go DOWN!
>Regeneration is a vexxing thing to face-
>[Gelrick 13] And ultimately now in your... brother's... purview, with his nature now understood.
>[Gelrick 02] So long as you actively keep restoring him, which takes focus, effort, and power.

>>272177
>>272181
[79 vs 70, 50+/50+ BONUS, MODERATE PAST, MAJOR IMPACT-]
I begin plotting to work Dream as I plot some way to fell this beast, thinking of some way to make my weapons stronger, wondering if I dare risk Redacting Crash Course's forging to include a Morphic Treatment-
>>272182
>[Gun]A proposed addendum that the Morphic Treatment in question took place slightly prior to entering combat, for minimal temporal disruption or risk of paradox.
>A much wiser, more discreet use of the power-you should follow this one's advice.
>[Gelrick 22] He has provided consistently objective analysis of cost and gain-follow his advice.
[79 vs 21, +58 BONUS, RECENT PAST, MODERATE IMPACT PASS]

I remember having rushed to the first floor of the Arcanoworks before we left, and asked Del Rogo to treat Crash Course before we left-I remember the recalcitrant smith grumbling but doing as I ask nevertheless-

And as I remember it, I feel the oh-so slight shift in Crash Course' weight, as the excessively hefty shortsword adopts a new magical facet. ...A fifty fold mass increase...
>[Gelrick 18] It would be beyond a Great Sword at that point, a cleaver wider than your shoulders and taller than you, an indomitable purple tower.
>Its weight, shielded by the magics involved as it may be, would still be insane-especially with the broken arm and shoulder-
The pain is nothing, and the risk of redacting my own wounds is considerable-
>But you could do it, you could pull it off!
>I recommend against it-You have heavily used Dream today, and skirted Paradox more than once-I worry that the Dream Eater has not shown itself.
>[Gelrick 13] The important point, I believe, is that short of being fully healed and still tapping... Flexrick... as fully as you are, you would not be able to use such a massive, weighty weapon with any skill-and such a weapon would be difficult to wield, considering in such a state it would outweigh you.
For the amount of punch it would pack, it would be worth it.
>[Gun] Hey, Ulzrick. You have a nasty sword and your brother has a hammer. Why not put 'em together and literally NAIL the bastich?
>That seems excessively-
Like it'll have to do-it's own sword went through its head, ripped brain and flesh away-for the creature to survive. If damaging it's head does nothing-then I'll go for its heart.
>You saw what it's got under that armor-an exoskeleton, three successive ribcages, two sets of internal plate armor-that thing is a fortress!
Which is why I'm aiming for it-why put so much protection on something that regenerates if not because that which is protected CANNOT regenerate? Its heart was not threatened when Domintus stomped upon it-the theory seems sound, and will be explored irrelevant of objection.
>Seriously where did all this drive come from.
Whatever form he may take, Ozrick is my brother, and anything that would harm him is to be taken the same as an attack on my own life, and dealt with just as lethally. It is as simple as that, no matter the specifics of the situation-I don't have time for hesitation, not now.
>[Gelrick 13] Built on what you experienced in you rush across the battlefield, those moments where nothing but the fight existed-you are becoming a genuine warrior, beneath all the magical trappings internal and external you've accumulated.
Enough chatter-I have a job to do. With my mind blazing, I speak to my brother.

"...We'll need to have a long, long talk later, but for now-can you strike my sword's pommel if I wedge the blade in the monster's chest?"
>[Ozrick]"Brother...... you know I can."
"Heh.... let's DO THIS!

I dash forward, Flexrick seeming to quiver in encouragement as I recklessly leap forward, driving the point of Crash Course into the gap between separate plates on the chest of Everfeast, hardly any penetration to it-

While Ozrick comes up from my side to hammer on Crash Course's pommel with all his might, the blade biting deeper-

As through my hands still wrapped about the hilt, I reach out with Will at the new magical mechanisms I feel in the blade, and-

My shortsword, originally a short but viciously thick and sturdy weapon was brutal while still allowing finesse-no longer the case once expanded.

Fifty times as large-the sword now skewered through Everfeast is 9.2 feet long, 2.1 feet wide, 9.2 inches thick.

Its point now sticks out of the creatures back, and its sheer mass and sudden presence has thrown the creature off-kilter, and it falls onto its back, the weighty blade easily cleaving into the ground, my brother and I riding the hilt of Crash Course to its halt-

As Everfeast's arm surges back into place, goo and ichor, blood and hydraulics all leak from the massive wound in the monster, as it struggles to rise, body reacting sluggishly.

All the same, it swings its word at us while pushing itself up with the massive fist, mouths all reopening and sending out his barbed tongues-and it's head's mouth now sprouting a tongue shaped like an arm, clawed hand groping our way.
>DAMN, this thing doesn't stay down.
>[Gelrick 08] The sheer scale of this weapon-and with its material based magic properties-
>[Gelrick 13] Not only has it gained more of Ulzrick's blood, fifty times as much, in fact, all the material that fuels the Belief and Gravimancy have likewise grown-but the weapon's mass has ALSO grown-if Ulzrick swings that, I don't think much could stay in its way.
>IF Ulzrick can wield it-how much is that gonna way? We can barely budge it as is!
I haven't tried yet, too busy restoring my focus from jarring my shoulder and arm so badly in this paired strike. I see one of the giants rush forth with Keddic, Bang and Vonjeen, putting some pressure on Domintus and forcing the creature back a step as I wonder-





What can or should I do now?
Do I risk healing myself with Redaction, a potentially Paradox-ridden path?
Do I dare use Dreamhealing, on its own or with Redaction, knowing I'll displace the wounds on other Ulzricks?
How will I kill this beast, having already skewered heart and head alike?
What will Ozrick and I do about its continued attempts to end us?
Do I have anything to say to Phohn, now or possibly on Everfeast's death?
>>
No. 272194 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 30 = 30

Remember how Ozrick hit your pommel at an awkward angle, giving it some spin when it switched into HUGE form causing MASSIVE RIPPING AND TEARING
>>
No. 272196 ID: 222dba

Take the power packs from your lightning guns and pile them up against the blade of your megasword, then have your brother smash them with his hammer to breach them and deliver MASSIVE VOLTAGE directly into the bastard's internals.
>>
No. 272198 ID: f6360f

>How will I kill this beast, having already skewered heart and head alike?
The morphic properties of that weapon are almost your only significant asset that won't weary or endanger you to use. Abuse that- shrink it and grow within that wound again and again, at different angles, to deal ever more damage to Everfeast faster than his regeneration can keep up. Don't bother actually swinging it when it's large- set yourself up for a strike when it's small, and use expanding it as the attack. Swing high when it's small and you can lift it, then bring far more weight and magical potency crashing down.

>What will Ozrick and I do about its continued attempts to end us?
Have Ozrick handle most of the defense against its attacks. He's much less vulnerable than you are. You play offense while he keeps both of you alive.

>Do I dare use Dreamhealing, on its own or with Redaction, knowing I'll displace the wounds on other Ulzricks?
Avoid it if you can. If you can't, try to heal yourself only partially so that instead of killing another Ulzrick you only give him an injury from which he'll be able to heal. If you can later discover more about how this works and practice for a bit, maybe you'll be able to send a tiny fraction of a wound to a huge number of different Ulzricks- perhaps eventually diluting it enough that none of them would even notice.

>Do I risk healing myself with Redaction, a potentially Paradox-ridden path?
Paradox might kill you... but if you're going to die if you don't heal anyway, what's the risk, really? If the dreameater shows up, evidence based upon what we've seen on the field today points to there being numerous other Dream users here for him to try devouring anyway.
>>
No. 272201 ID: b14128

Hey. Isn't Ozrick, like, pure dream magic or something? Can't he, like, USE dream magic as combat magic, then? Probably be way stronger than what he's got, if what we've seen of its abilities is any indication.

>>272194
What's keeping him from hitting it again RIGHT NOW to open the wound bigger? Heck, combine it with >>272196 so that it shocks him AS the wound gets openned bigger. Also stab the WASP spears down into the Everfeast's important bits. ...And, uh, maybe magnetomance a dropped sword or something to you so you can ward off those creepy-ass tongues. And dodge the sword, dude.
>>
No. 272206 ID: 222dba

Additionally, should my prior idea prove ineffective, follow it up by shrinking your sword back down and jamming your WASP spears into the open wound for some deep internal trauma action. Then jump away and approach the problem from a new angle, which is to say focus on finding more of those hydraulic lines to breach with more hammer-and-nail attacks. Should at least slow the sucker down a little. And mind the mouths, don't want to get chewed up right?

...Now that I think of it, you might try to note the places where you DON'T see mouths appearing, chances are that's because there's not enough space behind those areas for something to be swallowed through. Which of course means that there may be something else occupying that space, and that something else just might be more structural bits for you to smash.
>>
No. 272207 ID: d3dfb8

"Ozrick we're going to beat this thing and get you back home. I'm never going to give you up, I'll never let you down brother.
Never gonna run around and desert you.
Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you"
>>
No. 272208 ID: b14128

>>272201
Building on the idea for Ozrick dream magic, maybe he could do something like Jojo's dream limbs, in addition to his 'real' limbs, in some fashion?
>>
No. 272209 ID: d3dfb8

rolled 64 = 64

With it's brain and heart destroyed the only two things left that could possibly regenerate him are his cybernetic/magitech implants or alchemical augmentation.
Pray it's not the latter.

We need to disable his cybernetics, to stop them from repairing him. Perhaps using Electrical packs for the Taste o Doom. Remember grabbing some of the extras with you before you left the arcanoworks.
>>
No. 272210 ID: b14128

rolled 92, 93 = 185

>>272194
>>272209
Rolling for confirmation, I guess. Unless anyone figures they involve paradox, then DON'T DO IT.
>>
No. 272212 ID: b14128

And the final touch: ONE-LINERS!

One possibility: "Looks like you bit off more than you could chew!" Or some variation.
>>
No. 272213 ID: 5b95eb

rolled 62 = 62

On defeating the Everfeaster, call Phohn for immediate extraction for you and your bro.

Remember having strapped an extra revolver to your leg, and then use that to fill Everfeaster full of lead.
>>
No. 272214 ID: d3dfb8

>>272212
"Overweight is something that just sort of snacks up on you."
>>
No. 272215 ID: 69bee4

Ulzrick, are you really going to risk giving up NOW!? You know who your brother is, he is your protector, you are his guardian too, but you expect me to sit here and accept that you literally toy with reality, AND HAVE YOUR MINDS SENSE OF A SUPERHERO ON HAND! AND THAT YOU CANNOT WIN! Believe in your brother Ulzrick, believe in him as he believes in you too! TOGETHER YOU CANNOT FALL! One supports the other, you are more than brothers in arms, you are armed as brothers. Can one beast, no matter how foul stand against you? You dare to give up and you accept defeat, believe in muscle, believe in the skills that brought you here, believe in the hero you have become, DO IT FOR YOU, DO IT FOR YOUR BROTHER. SEE HIM AS THE HERO YOU HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN HIM TO BE! Make him grow! Make both of you grow past defeat! WIN ULZRICK!
>>
No. 272216 ID: b14128

>>272213
NONONONO! There's still the other survivors that were with Ozrick! We gotta save them too!
>>
No. 272218 ID: 5b95eb

>>272216
Ok.
> call Phohn for immediate extraction for you, your bro, and your bro's bros
>>
No. 272219 ID: 222dba

One last thing, Ulzrick. A word on those WASP spears. The pressurized canisters they use contains fluorine gas. It's pale yellow-brown in color, and extremely hazardous. If being highly poisonous weren't bad enough, it also corrosive, and VERY reactive with quite a lot of things. It reacts with hydrogen by way of exploding for example. Or in the case of metals, water, and so on, by IGNITING them. It also forms hydrofluoric acid when exposed to water, which in itself is another poisonous, corrosive compound.

So to break it down, the spears are going to be pumping the big bastard full of a gas that can potentially dissolve, burn, explode, poison, and form an acid that will also dissolve and poison...ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

So essentially, you may possibly want to get clear of the wounded area once you stab him, for obvious safety reasons.
>>
No. 272220 ID: d4f98d

>>272198
I find myself largely concurring with the estimations made by this individual. If you can't lift your morphic Crash Course while expanded, minimize it and expand again to create your enhanced strikes dynamically.
>>
No. 272221 ID: 6d1be7

Retract it while holding on to the handle so that you end up up the air.
Use the force of it's retraction to help you twist in the air, 3/4 revolutions parallel to the ground, sword perpendicular.
As you do the last 1/4 revolution, extend your blade again and allow your force to carry through as a slash, using muscle space to boost the effect.

Then, as a finisher, continuously extend and retract your blade, changing the angle at which it penetrates each time, keeping in mind that you are attacking so the gravitational multiplier will still be in effect.

I call it meteor shower.
>>
No. 272223 ID: a76809

>>272196
>[Gun] Take the power packs from your lightning guns and pile them up against the blade of your megasword, then have your brother smash them with his hammer to breach them and deliver MASSIVE VOLTAGE directly into the bastard's internals.
That should pack some punch, but-
>>272219
>[Gun] One last thing, Ulzrick. A word on those WASP spears. The pressurized canisters they use contains fluorine gas. It's pale yellow-brown in color, and extremely hazardous. If being highly poisonous weren't bad enough, it also corrosive, and VERY reactive with quite a lot of things. It reacts with hydrogen by way of exploding for example. Or in the case of metals, water, and so on, by IGNITING them. It also forms hydrofluoric acid when exposed to water, which in itself is another poisonous, corrosive compound.
I could detach the spearheads and find some way to introduce them into the wound some way or other, but, just to be clear, on top of the freezing explosion-
>[Gun] So to break it down, the spears are going to be pumping the big bastard full of a gas that can potentially dissolve, burn, explode, poison, and form an acid that will also dissolve and poison...ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
...Okay, between a shock and all of THAT, this would represent the best I got. Now, how to make it work-

>>272198
> The morphic properties of that weapon are almost your only significant asset that won't weary or endanger you to use. Abuse that- shrink it and grow within that wound again and again, at different angles, to deal ever more damage to Everfeast faster than his regeneration can keep up. Don't bother actually swinging it when it's large- set yourself up for a strike when it's small, and use expanding it as the attack. Swing high when it's small and you can lift it, then bring far more weight and magical potency crashing down.
>[Gelrick 19] He speaks sense in generals, but one part of that is pertinent for the here and now-
>Shrink the sword, turn it, re-expand.
>gives you time to throw the WASP spear heads with... Flourine... gas inside them in, where they'll active when the blade is re-grown.
>And on expansion Ozrick can strike the Electrical pack, and as a Dream entity the shock through his hammer shouldn't bother him.
>[Gelrick 13] There are many differences from normal use of Mirroring-but Ozrick should indeed prove electrocution proof, so there should be no problem.
>What about Everfeast's impending attack?
>>272201
> Hey. Isn't Ozrick, like, pure dream magic or something? Can't he, like, USE dream magic as combat magic, then? Probably be way stronger than what he's got, if what we've seen of its abilities is any indication.
>>272208
>Building on the idea for Ozrick dream magic, maybe he could do something like Jojo's dream limbs, in addition to his 'real' limbs, in some fashion?
Jojo did it, I know Dream can do it-so can.
"Brother-"
>[Ozrick]"I feel it, one moment."

An unseen pair of hands act, one grabbing Everfeast's hand, locking his sword in place while the other snares all four tongues and holds them tight, unable to take action, all while Ozrick does not move-he has adopted Jojo's Dream body ability as combat magic, just like that.

With time bought, I shrink Crash Course down, tossing the pair of detached WASP spearheads down into the gaping wound as I whirl the sword about, rotating it ninety degree as I pull out all my electric charge packs, slapping them against the blade as I channel will in-

The explosion of activity that follows thankfully includes my hands comming free of Crash Course, Ozrick pushing me aside even as the WASP spearheads violently, explosively begin releasing their gaseous discharge. As Ozrick's hammer, once Ozmand's, swings home, rupturing all the batteries, Everfeast's body jerks and twitches even as its entire chest explodes around the now enormous Crash Course.

I am pushed back, crashing into some nearby soldiers with a thud, hitting hard enough I feel a few more ribs crack-
>Great, that healing Gelrick gave us in passing's now completely undone.
and armor deform as I struggle to rise, looking up-

And Ozrick now at my side, smashing back enemies as I catch my barings.

-Everfeast is not a pelvis and legs, a hand and a sword. The rest is chunks, gore and scrap blown across the battlefield, no movement to suggest it will recover.
-As of right now, some one hundred eighty one State soldiers are still alive-none of them from Ozrick's squad, and widely dispersed, in small groups and dwindling as they are slowly overwhelmed by the Domintus forces.
-Domintus is pushing back, and Bang's numerous electrical discharges and the shield wall of the giants seem to be losing out as Domintus presses ever forward, even the dark armor's blue fire not able to consume metal faster than it is produced.
-Eisenhardt seems to have slain two of the Knight Captains and now fights only his double, their continued Magnetomantic and Geomantic duel claiming Domintus lives by the second in sheer collateral as titans collide.
-Administrator Mordre wishes it known he will be on the battlefield in five minutes, and asks that state forces be evacuated from the enemy camp and vicinity of Domintus/the Pure Lady, and regrets to inform Burduko is not available for removal.

Okay.....
>Not like you don't have a bit going on-




What should I do?
Do I want to talk with my brother now that Everfeast has fallen?
Once I reclaim Crash Course, what should I do?
If I plan to rescue state soldiers, how am I going to safely get them back to the capital without teleportation?
>>
No. 272224 ID: b14128

...Do you think bro could nick Everfeast's sword? Seems like a bad idea to leave it just laying around for anyone to grab.
>>
No. 272225 ID: d4f98d

>>272221
What is there to talk about at this time?

You said it yourself: Wherever he came from, he IS your brother. He's lived his life the same as you have, the only real difference being how he came to be; something that at this moment, here and now, is not relevant.

Right now, you have people to save, and an army to help rout. Ulzrick and Ozrick, the Ogre Swordsman and the Dream Hammer.

Magnetomance the Crash Course back into your grip, and give a rallying cry. You two brothers will be twin pillars around which you allied Forces can regroup. Cut them some space.
>>
No. 272226 ID: d4f98d

>>272224
I would recommend breaking that weapon. Whatever Everfeasts nature, that sword seemed intrinsically a part of it: Along with the heard and mind, the feasting weapon may have been a core component and one of the reasons it would not die when the former two were destroyed.

Best to take no chances with such an abominable thing. It was thought destroyed once before. Make sure this time.
>>
No. 272232 ID: 1854db

Talk to your brother briefly and set up some ground rules. Figure out what the limits are as far as you messing with his existence is concerned. By that, I mean what he's willing to let you do.

I'd like to point out that regardless of what you do, approaching Eisenhardt's duel is a BAD IDEA. The doppleganger will yank out your blood. Ozrick might be fine but it's his choice really and his hammer would be used against him anyway... Unless it's magnetically shielded?
>>
No. 272238 ID: 81f32a

>If I plan to rescue state soldiers, how am I going to safely get them back to the capital without teleportation?

I think we need to gather all 180 State soldiers and bullrush in one group towards capital with us at the head like an unstoppable train.


Anyway, this was amazing, Ulzrick! Everfeast a massive threat, older than centuries (probably) in all that time no one had managed to kill him but you did! You should be proud.
Also, Flexrick, AMAZING job on those muscles! Now, you need to make Ulzrick even more stronger (passively) so that in future he can wield the expanded Crash Course with ease.

What we need to do is to heal ourself. Can't we use Dream-Healing now? Does it even require rolls?
>>
No. 272243 ID: 81f32a
File 129526706372.jpg - (60.57KB , 705x779 , Hammer & Sword.jpg )
272243

Hey, look

This is new Ulzrick & Olzrick brothers family coat of arms (or emblem)

I call it:
"Hammer&Sword"
>>
No. 272251 ID: 1854db

Try to use Dream Healing in small bits and pieces. In theory you'd be handing out these wounds to other ulzricks in small doses; shouldn't kill them, right?

Another thing: Stop using Peak Flex for a while so you don't die of thirst. That'd be bad.
>>
No. 272262 ID: bdd665

>>272251
We might be able to slove a problem by dreaming into existince a nice big mug of water to drink and refill it a few times. Those awesome muscles need water to help them work and your body will need it to heal in the longrun.
>>
No. 272264 ID: 61eb90

rolled 25 = 25

Well then, just to make this eaiser, tell em all (through phohn) to run.

You will cover their retreat.

Grab crash course, super flex jump to the nearest group, slash down and extend sword as a wall between state forces and enemy forces. Sweep it in the direction of teh enemy.

Rinse repeat.

Better hurry up man, you are gonna be ruined in about 3 minutes.

Redact any attacks to you and HEY!
WHERE DID THAT CONVENIENT POOL OF WATER COME FROM?
Looks like someone exposed an underground source in an attack.
lucky you huh?
>>
No. 272286 ID: 967cde

rolled 49 = 49

Help your master Eisenhardt! He's in a stalemate with his double, if you can cause him to win his battle then he could easily blow the remaining Domintus soldier saway and save the State soldiers before engaging Domintus himself. Your dream redactions have unlimited range so you can help him just by focusing and creating a perfect opening for him.

Tell Eisenhardt via Phohn that you're going to skew the odds in his favour via dream magic for an instant. Tell him to launch some weapons with wood in them at his enemy and prepare to follow up.

Then do a redaction - remember how Eisenhardt picked up some arrows and spears in a magnetomantic sweep with the shafts snapping violently midair from the forces on the arrowheads, sending long, sharp wooden splinters deep into his double's eyes.
>>
No. 272304 ID: b44898

rolled 23, 18 = 41

>>272264
>>272286
>>
No. 272306 ID: 10af19

Fun fact: The dice roller hates Golem Quest
>>
No. 272333 ID: 259738

>>272306
And yet somehow both those redactions succeed
>>
No. 272436 ID: 6d95fb

rolled 81, 65, 93 = 239

Alright, Ulzrick, lets try to redact you wounds then.

don't do it all at once, might just be too hard.

Remember the first injury not happenning, when tha is dealt with redact another wounds, etc.
Spread your healing in several bits and it might just work and not attract DreamReaper or anything.
>>
No. 272442 ID: 69bee4

rolled 14, 33, 24 = 71

>>272436
seconding
>>
No. 272448 ID: 1854db

(psst redaction isn't dreamhealing)
>>
No. 272469 ID: 69bee4

Ulzrick, you have accomplished much, but this is not over yet. You have defeated a foe, you have your brother, YOU ARE A HERO TODAY! And it needs to stay that way. This falls under the ‘pulling from outside sources’ thing, but you have earned it my friend! Ask Phohn to get you in contact with Keddic and/or Bang, your preference. Anyways, probably best with Bang, tell him how you just KICKED A GIANT GOLEMS ASS AND SAVED YOUR BROTHER, and demand that you want to keep on kicking SO MUCH ASS! I suspect he will respond to that, ask if he has anything that is akin to having BEES AND TIGERS OF VERY MUCH GOOD COLLISION OF FIST on him (his command of language the is bad, just… trust me when I say that), or its called Dragonspark. Take some of that, and you can continue your epic kicking of ass, promise.

So before you end up with that on your hands, Good Job, just really… damn good job Ulzrick.
>>
No. 272478 ID: 4abdb3
File 12953248918.jpg - (80.03KB , 1459x698 , BEES AND TIGERS OF VERY MUCH GOOD COLLISION OF FIS.jpg )
272478

>>272469

Mention that after single handely killing Everfeast, you are kind of winded down and would need something to help you to fight further.

>BEES AND TIGERS OF VERY MUCH GOOD COLLISION OF FIST
Here's the visual representation of that line. Yes, I know, I'm a genious painter
>>
No. 272506 ID: a76809

[2]
>>272224
>[Conil] ...Do you think bro could nick Everfeast's sword? Seems like a bad idea to leave it just laying around for anyone to grab.
It can be done-as I stand I look to see Ozrick now standing next to the fallen Feaster's sword, wrenching it free from his dead hands-before I see him standing beside the still enormous Crash Course, laying his hands on that, hammer already on his back-before he again stands before me, returning to me my weapon in a fluttering second.
>[Gelrick 13] With our comprehensive skill-base to draw upon, you began midway to reaching expertise in the field, compounding on your realization you've used the ability for so long.
>...I still admit curiousity as to WHEN you dreamed up Ozrick, as-
Not now.

After I make sure Phohn has indeed informed the State troops of the request for them to retreat, I grasp Crash Course's handle, the massive blade already re-sunk into the ground by Ozrick as he lays into soldiers around us with blade and hammer alike, invisible, ogrish limbs crushing and breaking warriors that get within his reach. ...I put aside the pain of my broken, screaming body as I reach out to my sword, thinking of the capital soldiers yet stranded and dying here, fighting to protect the nation I live in.

I need to return to the fray.

...But so thirsty...
>"By this point you have lost just shy of ten pounds in water weight fueling the true might of MUSCLE."
>HOLY SHIT YOU COULD HAVE TOLD US SOONER, AND YOU CALL YOURSELF A RICK!

>>272436
>>272442
>Alright, Ulzrick, lets try to redact you wounds then.
I could go for recovery.
> Remember the first injury not happenning, when tha is dealt with redact another wounds, etc. Spread your healing in several bits and it might just work and not attract DreamReaper or anything.
>A wise proposal.
If even the First agrees...

[81 v 14, +67 BONUS, RECENT PAST, MODERATE IMPACT PASS]
I remember the raking waves that shattered my arm when I first fully tapped Flexrick-not occuring.
[65 v 33, +32 BONUS, RECENT PAST, MODERATE IMPACT PASS]
As I feel my arm whole again-always having been whole-I remember my shoulder not crumpling when I smashed into Everfeast.
[93 v 24, +69 BONUS, 90+ ROLL BONUS, 75+/24- OVERWHELMING BONUS, RECENT PAST, MODERATE IMPACT PASS]
As I feel both arms regaining function, I remember my ribs never breaking when I was thrown back-and as I roll my shoulders before shrinking down Crash Course, I finally breathe an un-pained breath.
>An impressive flair on the last redaction-

>>272264
>>272304
[25 v 23, 25-/25- LOW BONUS, INSTANT PAST, MINIMAL IMPACT PASS]

I stare into the remembered pool of clean water bubbling up from where Crash Course's weighty blade plunged before I shrank it to its normal proportions. I sling my water bag down and set it to filling, trying to occupy my mind, get focus off my thirst.

>>272286
>>272304
I look far across the battlefield, back towards the capital, Ozric periodically dancing by as he uses his awakened Dream powers and less mortal form to devastate the soldiers-who never stop pressing, ever the fanatic zealots. I look to Eisenhart, his duel with another Magnetomancer continuing still, the massive magnetic fluctuations overwhelming even miles away, even to my limited senses-the scope, the scale of what they do.
>[Gelrick 17] I calculated it out. After absorbing us, and our Magnetomantic talents, your direct weapon harmonization and magnetic contact manipulation has increased in raw power by 287%, has increased in efficiency by 112%, and evidenced 62% greater sustainability-oh, and you Magnetic Perception has had its total range expanded by 28% and general sensitivity has increased by a factor of ten. These are my conclusions after referencing your recollection and perception of performance prior to our absorption. That adds up to some monstrous improvement-that you didn't feel, thanks to those waves. Do not fear-you've gotten better.
What?
>[Gelrick 13] If he says it, I believe him. He believes that math can show the truth of everything-whoever heard of a math-monk?
>[Gelrick 17] And while you were more respected and had more pupils, there is no doubt I divined more permutations and variations of Magnetomancy and swordplay than you through exhaustive range of motion analysis and analytic spatial geometry, along with motion physics.
>[Gelrick 01] You trouble a mind that needs focus. Silence.
>[Gelrick 13] ...
>[Gelrick 17] ...
>...Hm

[49 v 18, +21 BONUS, 50-/25- LOW ADVANTAGE BONUS, INSTANT PAST, MAJOR IMPACT PASS]
>You plan a fifth-
Quiet.

Phohn, can you tell Eisenhardt-
Clarify which Mortal Eisenhardt is meant
>What?
The... one that's my master?
Acknowledged Ulzrick: What is the messaage?
I don't know specifically how, but I am going to make an opening for him with Dream, in his duel-because I hope he can help get the State soldiers with me, my brother among them, away from the enemy camp where Domintus and the Pure Lady are.
Message delivered to Mortal Eisenhardt: He accepts Ulzrick's request to aid his brother and friends and fellow State soldiers, pending said useful aid in his contest.

Okay... here goes.

I remember....

I remember an opening on a nameless foe, a Magnetomancer that has confounded my instructor-a lowered guard, an inopportune blink-and I remember Eisenhardt seeing it. With him already prepared to search for it, the ease of altering his portion of reality compensates the difficulty of affecting his nebulous, still unknown foe.

A spire of crystal stabs from the ground, propelled upon a buffer of stone, all atop a massive cylinder of metal, a tower that rises in an instant, the wall of air blowing away nearby wounded.

And with a boom that jars my ears and a slap of wind to the face, I find Eisenhardt standing atop his metal platform twelve feet above me and sixteen feet away, as he looks down at me as I finally put my waterbottle to my dry and cracked lips, forcing myself to take slow measured swallows as I watch his eyes. He turns to look at Ozrick-his eyes dart back to me and return to Ozrick, before he looks on to the fallen form of Everfeast, and the sword Ozrick wields-before staring at my own. Finally, he smiles, after a long second of observation.

>[Eisenhardt]"Excellent, you've evidenced some hardy growth from the trials of battle-likely against that monstrosity over there-had a Moment of Inspiration, did you? Not to mention the tactical acumen to forewarn me of your efforts-that buckle coming undone, his pants dropping-he couldn't resist the reflexive confusion. Then to top it off, concern for the common soldier, for family and countrymen-yes, I think I can endorse such a wish."

Eisenhardt glances at the Domintus soldiers.

Every common soldier, all the metal-armed and metal-clad masses within a thousand feet of my teacher are broken, their armors crumpling and pulping their bearers, weapons sliding through joints in armor to drain lifeblood-THOUSANDS die as a gray mist flits from all their froms, their bodies breaking apart as the mists collect and become a cloud overhead-before shrinking down into a sphere the size of my skull before Eisenhardt-

Blood Iron.

Crash Course flies from my hands to float before the magnetomancer as the capital forces get over their shock and start charging towards Ozrick and I, all while Eisenhardt re-melts down my sword, seperates it into its elemental bases, and discards the vast majority of iron-replacing all but a tiny sliver with what he just pulled. Then, like watching the past in reverse, the sword reforms to its prior state, identical in every way-

Except for the pit of power, raw and unclaimed, that I feel fragments of my own Will slowly fighting to claim.
>[Eisenhardt]"One detail you neglected about Blood Iron in your oration earlier-once wipe of Ownership, it can be given character and ownership, a magical association with a specific individual outside of the body-such as in weapons or armor. You'll make it all yours, some day or another."

The almost genial look on his face, like a grandfather pleased with a favored grandson, fades as he turns to regard the fight we are going to fight through the whole Domintus army to get away from-Domintus, The Pure Lady-the core of the invaders is here-and the look of cold hatred on the Metal Titan's face makes me all too happy to get caught up in the fleeing State forces, my brother and I needed to do what we can to clear a path for them. Even as I hear the sounds of nightmares made manifest behind me, after seeing that look on my master's face-

I don't look back once.
>Besides, we still have an army to fight through!


........................................................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: TORRUGA] ........................................................................................

I tried to fight my way to the human commander-what was she called, the Dirty Whore? Anyway, that shitty red-haired troll did some space-warping bullshit, so I can't get in on that fight. Fucker. So, after cutting down and stomping through each tent in the camp I could find, finally staunching the periodic flow of new warriors, I make an attempt on Domintus, no hesitation or forwarning, springing from my work to a lunge with my sword at the spiky dude, the one guy bigger than us here.

He cuts my sword to pieces before I can even react, and while I dodge back fast enough he doesn't reach me with that WALL O' WEAPONS bullshit....

He broke my sword.

That was two year's pay!

SON OF A BITCH!

>>272469
>>272478
Oh that fucker is gonna pay. I turn to Drill Sergeant Bang, bouncing from air to foe and back in a dizzying flurry, his tiny body pounding back the titanic golem. Behind him I see the rest of the squad keeping Domintus' attention on them with Lieutenant Keddic's help.

"BANG I'M USING A DRAGONSPARK, THIS FUCKER'S GOING DOWN!"
>[Bang]"HAVING OF THE WHAT NOW?
"PUT POWER IN BODY, STRONGER FIST, MORE RAGE!"
>[Bang]"BE PUTTING THE BEES AND TIGERS IN BLOOD FOR RAGEFUL HAPPY FIST TIMES!
...Knew I could count on Bang.

I pull out the Dragonspark I was given before this battle, a scaled one for Rageglut use-and with it, I pull out a Rage Core, all while grabbing hold of my outrage. I gulp both down as I think-

That fucking sword was one of my two only damn personal possessions, what the fuck was that-I'm gonna kill him!
Sinews tense and muscles bulge, veins standing high and stark as my body starts to redden.
I'll RIP HIM TO PIECES, I BREAK THAT GOLEM APART!
My heart thunders, actual pressure waves flooding from my body, knocking over those two close as my skin continues to redden as muscles swell and tense-even my cornea's are filling with blood.
DON'T GIVE A SHIT HOW STRONG FUCKER'S SUPPOSED TO BE, I'LL BEAT HIM TO DEATH!!
Bones creak under added weight even as power surges to support my every particle as my rage transcends the primal and becomes something so profound it is a state of mind.

My skin now is the scarlet of blood itself, body steaming, heart throbbing so hard the air shakes, veins throbbing, eyes crimson orbs to match the trademark fiery Rageglut hair-my uniform, heavy leathers and canvas, metal plates sown into the foot thick material-all of it rips away, discarded like a shell to my form. I've gain at least three meters of height, and half again as much weight, only my loincloth, a tiger-patterned loincloth now the only partner to my lensed skull-themed helmet, gaps for my prominent horns and no back to avoid being fouled by my mane, and the metal gauntlets all of us in the 17th Brigade received.

I look at Domintus, the object of my hate and rage. I do not need to restrain myself from acting-my hate, my disgust, my outrage demands that I be meticulous-I will find a way to hurt a soul, and I will make this Domintus feel pain and know fear, I will make it BEG for salvation as I systematically break and unravel it like a puzzle, this object of my hate.

Domintus. If only it could understand the depths of my rage. I cannot froth because I would flood the valley, I cannot scream for I would crack the skies-the ONLY thing that can take my hate-

Is Domintus.






What am I going to do to Domintus?
>>
No. 272517 ID: 21e57a

>>272506
YOU. ARE. GOING. TO. BEAT. HIM. TO. DEATH. HIM. AND. HIS. FUCKING. WHORE. WHY. ARE. YOU. TALKING. YOU. SHOULD. BE. BEATING!
>>
No. 272525 ID: 210f2d

RIP HIS ARMS OFF

TEAR HIM TO PIECES

DESTROY EVERYTHING THAT IS HE
>>
No. 272532 ID: b0b61b

>>272506
Domintus can become a wall of weapons, no? Use his own metal against him- rip pieces of his form off and glue them to your arms with your blood adhesive. He can make all the weapons he wants, it matters not once they all belong to YOU.
>>
No. 272579 ID: 1854db

Beat him with his OWN ARMS

Also please do not get hit by that wall of weapons attack, it will damage your soul.
>>
No. 272604 ID: 46c430

Rip up a piece of the very world to be used as your weapon, and then either throw it at Domintus or start hitting it with it. If your giant piece of earth is broken, then get another one.
>>
No. 272614 ID: 10f195

This is going to end horribly.

Ok then, so you have to be hit without getting hit.
Good thing you have those gauntlets.

Ok, no matter how good this guy is, if the very earth under his feet betrays him, you can topple him.

with that in mind.

Rip pieces of the earth out of the ground and beat the crap out of him.
After you make enough room, hit the ground and break it.

proceed to bury him.
>>
No. 272672 ID: ac9fdf

POUND HIM!
AND KEEP ON POUNDING HIM!
NEVER STOP!
NEVER FALTER!
LET HIM FEEL YOUR ANGER!
LET HIM DROWN IN YOUR CONTEMPT!
THE RIGHTEOUS FURY WILL CONSUME HIM!
THE VIOLENT HATE WILL DESTROY HIM!

Hey, can we ask questions to Torruga right now? I would like to.
Anyway,
What в oyou think of Mordre? I know that you have actually seen him for only a moment but his drill sergatns and Deep Spawn may tell a lot about the man.
Speaking of which, what do you think of Bang, Keddic and the Deep Spawn?
Did you like the training at Chaining Calamity? How do you look at the legal loophole we used to promote you to Veteran status even though you are all rookies?
What do you think of your squadmates? Why don't you try to work with the unit rather than trying to do your own thing?
Why did you become a Rageglut?
>>
No. 272676 ID: 46c430

...Hmm. I wonder... I don't know if Torugga is in any state to talk in a civil manner, but perhaps he could phohn the super metal-manipulating dude over there and ask him to quickly slap together a huge-ass weapon of some sort for him? Or maybe Eisenhardt or Keddic or Bang or somebody else will think of the idea on their own and see to it while Torugga focuses on smashing.
>>
No. 272679 ID: 8367df

ANGER

"I have built it up
I have let it thrive
Great beast that hides inside
Graveling for the chance to devour
Gaining more power
Giving it all the fuel to go
Grinding all these bones
Granting a chance to let go
Now its time to let it show
Today is the day it breaks free
The animal held inside of me
I can’t control it, I cannot stop it
This feels like the end
The life decaying
The world dying"

>>
No. 272680 ID: 46c430

...Actually, didn't he learn a bit of chaining calamity too? Maybe he can try binding Domintus up and slow him down a little with it (Again, Eisenhardt is an option if he needs physical chains to do this)

...Ooo. KEDDIC BLOOD MAGIC + CHAINING CALAMITY = CHAINS OF BLOOD! Do it!
>>
No. 272683 ID: 46c430

>>272680
Expanding on the 'CHAINS OF BLOOD' idea, perhaps chains literally made out of blood arn't the best option, but at the very least, you just might be able to soak and/or cover metal chains in your own blood for additional power and control over them. (Heck, could even try doing this for your gauntlet, or for a hand-weapon if you get another one.)
>>
No. 272709 ID: bdd665

The gauntlets are based on Mordre's Seige Fist and Sable Executioner. The Seige Fist gauntlet is obviously a big heavily armoured fist but what about the Sable Executioner? Is it setup like Wolverine? Solid blades mounted on the back of the hand?
>>
No. 272724 ID: 46c430

Ok, building on another idea: If you do go with the 'Pull up a piece of earth' idea, try putting some of your blood on the part you're whacking him with. Super-glue it to his face!
>>
No. 272740 ID: a76809

[1]

[Torruga can ONLY use his blood as an adhesive, or not magically employ it at all currently, and he can bind either end of the chain on his arm to anything he touches, and can marginally reinforce the chain, but otherwise can do nothing.

>>272532
I spring to the side, lunging at the wall of weapons assaulting my squadmates. my arms bulge and heave, rage made manifest as a force surrounds my limbs-

The iron of my Hatefoe tears and crumbles like paper before my might, the millions of layered spears and lances unable to stop me. All the same, I find rents and cuts branding, rippling their way up my limbs blood flying everywhere-

The weapons that tore so firecely at me even in breaking glue to my arms thanks to my adhesive blood.

>>272517
>>272525
>>272672
>>272679
I bask in the exhiliration, the clarity of purpose I feel as I lunge in low and deep after Bang is batted away by a choice attack, my body contorting as my weapon-coated, bloody red fist rockets upward-Domintus struck full on in the face with his own spears, wrenching back the metal of his neck so badly were he living his neck would be broken. His head immediately starts sliding back into place-

Before it does my other arm slams down into his leg, buckling the knee and rolling its ankle, the joints unable to withstand it. Each blow, a perfect moment of putting my everything into making my hate a palpable thing. My third blow snaps his head back worse than the first as my fourth cave in a crater on it's chest, all already healing-as Domintus starts to topple back, the remaining attacks on the 17th withdrawn. I seem to be HIS singular focus as well.

Let my rage be known.

It is true that spears assail me, and my flesh flies with blood-but the weapons CATCH in the gunk, and shortly enough Domintus runs out of surface area from which to exude weapons, all while I slowly, surely beat him down, my rage made manifest surpassing its monstrous metallic regeneration. I pull back my fist for my hundredth blow in seven seconds as I find myself slapping against the golem's chest as all the spears are withdrawn forcibly, surface cleared of weapons. Wha-

I am four hundred feet in the air and climbing the wind pressure on my back like a waterfall as a Spear forty feet across tries to grind a path through me on sheer acceleration. My abdominal muscles tear and rip, organs are pierced, the tip inches closer to my spine and freedom-

My rage will not be contained so.

With a roar that crack the air around me, dispersing clouds in passing, I slam my arms down and mash to pulp the spearhead, freeing myself in the process as I whirl to the side, my descent beginning-

Only, at more than a mile above ground, to see THREE more such spears flying my way-along with six sent towards the rest of the squad, courtesy of Domintus. And to notice my onetime manifold spear coated gauntlets are now just massive metal lumps pounded about my hands and forearms. ...And to feel my rage becoming harder to physically manifest as I regenerate from the stomach wound, already dropping like a rock, zipping down past the still-extending spear beside me. ...And Domintus, the moment I let up the pressure, by choice or no, has fully, completely regenerated. ...I find myself grateful, as it gives me more time to make my hate known to the Swordbreaker-and to finally kill his Dirty Whore.

My rage will be gratified.




How shall I deal with the less numerous but far larger attacks being thrown my way?
Do I have any ideas on how to use all the momentum I'm building up right now?
>[20 Seconds until Eisenhardt enters fray]
>[25 Seconds until Arkus enters the fray to mark for Mordre]
>>
No. 272741 ID: 2e5e29

Grab spear
Swing up on it.
Run down like a boss
howling a battlecry

Jup off before he spike you again

Ground pound
>>
No. 272754 ID: 81750d

DON'T LET THE HATE LET UP!
KEEP THE LOCOMOTION OF RAGE GOING.
LET THE ANGER STEAM FROM YOU BODY!
FALL DOWN LIKE A FIST GOD!
ANGRY GOD!
EVADE THOSE LOUSY SPEARS,
THEY ARE NOTHING COMPARED TO YOUR RAGE!
FALL ON HIM AND SMASH HIM INTO A PANCAKE!
AAAAAARGGHHJKJHLKJHKHLLKHKH!!!!!
>>
No. 272760 ID: 903f16

Break into a clean dive and try to move towards him while avoiding those spears. When you get close enough grapple onto him with your chain in your offhand and use all that force to deck him.
>>
No. 272762 ID: ab04d4

When you land on him, grab onto his newly grown weaponry and use them as handles to begin ripping into him. Dig inside and rip his body open from the inside, if possible.
>>
No. 272763 ID: 81750d

It is unlikely that you will be able to destroy him with your pure physical force.
You need to suppress him and hold him back till Mordre arrives.
Don't let him get to your squad or to Pure Lady. We need to keep them seperatted.

Umm... I don't know. Other than that this is pretty straight forward.
Avoid the spears so that your momentum is not broken.
>>
No. 272764 ID: 222dba

Right, next spear that comes up, wrap your chain around it and use it as a stabilizer as you ride down. The leverage will make it easier for you to shift away from further spears as they come at you, plus you might be able to snap the end off one as it rises upward and drive it down into the golem's head with all the momentum of your fall behind it.
>>
No. 272765 ID: 1854db

SPEARS?! WHY HE HAS GIVEN YOU WEAPONS! HE TOOK YOUR SWORD AND NOW YOU SHALL RETURN THE FAVOR!
>>
No. 272768 ID: f6360f

>[25 Seconds until Arkus enters the fray to mark for Mordre]
I now cannot stop picturing Arkus as a Starcraft ghost putting a little red dot on things and having Mordre blow them up. Complete with unit quotes, except that's horribly disconcerting because everything the ghost says is the sort of badass stuff that Arkus would never say.
>>
No. 272804 ID: a76809

>>272764
>>272765
I loop out the chain about my left arm, and kick off the existing spear pillar as I dodge the second, snapping off the spearhead as blood gunks about my still-healing stomach wound, running down the pillar as I rip my fingers free of my misshapen metal mits and take hold of the titanic spearhead. I will gladly take his attack back to him, if only so I get the satisfaction of putting that much force behind a blow.

>>272754
>>272760
I have flesh cleaved from a shoulder in a near-miss, and lose my footing after the third attack, resuming my drop. I draw closer and closer, digging my fingers into the spearhead, their crimson tips digging through the heavy iron with relative ease-as my hands gain further lacerations to be healed, cut by that force that surrounds this metal. As I close the final hundred feet, body screaming like a rocket, I whip out my free hand, and in the space between moments, I find the timing to get purchase on Domintus' pile of spears just in time for impact.

I drive the spearhead into his head and upper body, driving both into a crumpled burial deep underground as the extruding spears start reactively withdrawing. I wield my lump of spear once more, this time as a weighty club, and bash away at one of the collapsing spear-shafts, looking to bring it crashing down-but its too durable, and moves too quickly.

Until Bang puts in some help.

>[Bang]"TORRUGA BE HAVING THE TIME OF BREAKS, PUNCHTIME IS MY TIME OF VERY GOOD!!"

And with that Bang rockets through the air, feet stomping like thunder on open air as he passes by in a supersonic cocoon... my skin's losing the sheen, my veins are... that fast? In just healing those injuries and boosting myself that long, its running out? ...Shit, I'm slipping back to a normal frame of mind... FUCK!

...Didn't do it, damn.

I decide to sit back and watch the show, as Bang throws his arms out wide, limbs lengthening to organic ribbons with heavy fangs lining their sides. He loops his arms about a spear-

>[Bang]"THE EXECUTION OF BANGS!!"

His arms snap shut, cleaving through the massive column in an instant-

And sending the column of metal, still more than a thousand feet long, racing into Domintus' gut. He finishes being driven into the ground, a makeshift tombstone being made out of his onetime spear. I make my way back to the 17th, shedding my metal club gloves and the mangled gauntlets beneath as I claim a shield and take position just in time to see the buried Domintus, something the small black-red, blue-flamed knight was trying to get near, fexploding from the ground, sheets and bars and coils of metal scores of meters thick threading their way skyward, weaving around and together, taking shape-

A Domintus roughly seven hundred feet tall stands before us.

[20 Seconds pass]

It is struck in the head by a massive blur that shatters on impact, its titanic feet staggered as it maintains its balance-

And another projectile a hundred feet tall slams into the incredibly proportioned Domintus-and this time the monster holds his ground, turning to face-

A lone elder human standing on a metal disk, floating in the air-

A mass of metal, from armor, weapons, small tombs, coins, trinkets, gray mist from corpses-thousands upon thousands of tons gather behind him as he claims the detritus of, by my best guess, twenty thousand dead, and slaps it all on top of a metal core he already has floating beside him some hundred feat across-

And then the ground erupts into nightmarish medly all behind him, ravaging strips of the Domintus forces as rock-wrapped crystal explodes from the ground, studding itself, crystal-out, all over the tiny moon forming behind him. Even the Pure Lady spares a moment to glare at this incredible sorceray.... how does he manipulate it at range so?

[Translated just for viewers]
>[Eisenhardt]"Domintus. Pure Lady.

I have to dig in my feet as my shield bucks and heaves, trying to pull itself free of my grasp as magnetism goes wild, a thin ring of scrap formed around his enormous crystal studded orb, the air rippling, humming, sound fading away to nothing-save a voice.

>[Eisenhardt]"Can you bear the weight of my grudge?

the ring breaks, a wall of air knocks me and the entire brigade back, as the six hundred foot diameter all metal, crystal studded bullet flies forth at an incredible speed.



...........................................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: ARKUS] ...........................................................................

-n't want to-

Shit I'm here.

Okay, look around-

-Domintus is NOT sixty five feet tall as reported, but SEVEN HUNDRED OH WHAT?
-It is currently staking a bunch of metal into the ground to stop it-
-Since its being pushed back by a massive metal sphere, magic anulling crystal every-
-Ah Eisenhardt's here-oh MAN, that thing has some punch to it!
-Domintus is ALSO exploding with swords everywhere, oh man!
-Senth, Aurockoth and Pure Lady are still busy in their little brawl-
-Hey, Blue Knight's here!

I blink, finishing my unbound thought moment, thumbing the ring on my finger that I just triggered, happy the runes worked as, heart racing, in the middle of a battlefield, I think desperately-



Where am I going to make a World anchor in the ground for Mordre to home in on? He's already above the atmosphere with Burduko, I just need to give him a place to orbital drop to, and I'm GONE!

...Well?
Beneath Domintu's feet, middle of the field, next to Pure Lady-whole bunch of options. WHAT DO?
>>
No. 272806 ID: 21e57a

>>272804
Hey, Arkus, you feeling crazy? Under Domintus. I know you can do it.
>>
No. 272807 ID: f6360f

>>272804
Well. Hmm. The Pure Lady or Domintus; which is more dangerous?

...

Based upon what we know, Domintus exists only in this reality, at least in any form resembling this one. You know who else exists in only this reality? Mordre. Anything that's a Mordre-analogue in any significant manner needs to die, lest everything get even more horribly fucked than it already is.

That said, the Pure Lady seems to have control of Domintus somehow- or at least the ability to strongly influence his actions. They're always together. Plus, she's the one who seems able to draw heroes from other realities- what's to say she couldn't somehow keep Domintus alive in some form even if we kill him? While she's incredibly powerful I'm inclined to think that an orbitally striking Mordre will take out virtually anything, including her, so let's one-shot her and worry about Domintus later.
>>
No. 272809 ID: 1854db

Uh, you have to do it wherever you're standing so don't do it right next to the 700 foot tall golem. Try somewhere near the action but not where anyone would think you're a threat.
>>
No. 272811 ID: 222dba

I'm thinking you might have a better chance of marking a space near the Pure Lady instead of trying to get close to a colossus of pointy things.
>>
No. 272813 ID: d4f98d

>>272804

Near the Blue Knight, IF he's relatively close to Domintus. This is going to take some firepower, and I WILL NOT HAVE US BE THE VICTIM OF A KILL-STEAL AGAIN.

We'll team up with Carkiano to eliminate the Pure Lady.

Then Domintus. I look forward to seeing our new armor and our new Deepspawn Blade, Aehroahquia, the Edge of Oblivion.
>>
No. 272821 ID: 7362b9

I think Pure lady would be easier to put down then Domintus...
At least it looks so. She might have crazy dream power but does she have isane regenerative abilities that Domintus has? I doubt so.

So yeah, lets put down Pure Lady first. We might even claim her soul before duking it out with Domintus.
>>
No. 272822 ID: b0b61b

>>272804
Hey Arkus, tell Mordre to charge up the Immortal Genocide on the way down- I imagine all the heat it absorbs from re-entering the atmosphere would make a pretty fucking powerful anti-magic burst or MAGIC NUKE PUNCH.

Also, go for the Pure Lady. She's far too busy to notice a world marker. So long as you don't get involved with her fight.
>>
No. 272838 ID: 58560b

>>272822
Which would probably kill Eisenhardt, so not the greatest idea ever.
>>
No. 272842 ID: bdd665

>>272838
On that note we should make sure that Phone warns Esinheart about the beakon and Mordres orbital attack, we dont want him to lose focus and the orbital strike of Mordre will almost certainly make an opening he can use.
>>
No. 272854 ID: b4b33c

>>272822
indeed
>>272842
indubitably
>>
No. 273002 ID: 1854db

If we're doing an antimagic burst we'd have to warn EVERYONE with a magic battery that's nearby. That includes Bang, Aurockoth, Senth, and Eisenhardt... but we may as well tell everyone in our forces.

I'm kindof against the idea personally. Can't we just launch a railgun shot right as we land or something?
>>
No. 273004 ID: 00b1bb

>>273002
Better idea.

Instead of using the secondary function
Use the primary and give Dom the magic explosion punch.

It'll be a gas.
>>
No. 273009 ID: 259738

>>272804
Don't activate the IG until we arrive. We don't want to screw over any of our allies, and we can't just tell them to get away, because that leaves Domintus free to do whatever.
>>
No. 273022 ID: 5b95eb

>>273004
>It'll be an explosion which will absolutely destroy everything, including Mordre

Anyways, I'm in favor of charging the IG on the way down, but I'm not necessarily in favor of using it. It'll help with heat issues on the way down, and can be used in an emergency as an ace in the hole (The explosive OR the Antimagic)... Or maybe pristined for something new? Who knows? It hurts us little to charge it, anyways, even if we don't use it.

Try to get as close as you can, Arkus, hope you have a squad or something to cover you while you do this. Out of curiosity, whatall does your ring do? I know it like spins or whatever, but I mean what are some handy effects it can have?

How was the runing? Did it go smoothly? Anything you just threw in? Maybe some simple defensive runes here or there? Or were you focused on FLIGHT and MAGNETS and maybe MINDSHIELDAN?
>>
No. 273029 ID: a6fad5

>>272822
>>273004
...Considering that, at the very least I would think, Domintus has just as much energy stored within its form as Goran had at the beginning of our fight with him, and that Bob stated using IG's Primary Function on Goran would result in the equivalent of a nuke that would be almost certainly fatal for anybody within a mile, I don't think using IG's Primary Function on Domintus is a good idea.

...On the subject of Goran, if the Heart Soul Nexus and the Left Hand Soul Nexus were to be connected, would Spectral Gorging Anima, in conjunction with Feasting Vestments, be able to consume magic it touches, in addition to its flesh rendering?
>>
No. 273033 ID: 252e1b

Hey why haven't we asked Dulu if he wants to fight with us here? I mean, Wenshino has to know Dulu slipped his bonds by now.

If he accepts we'd have to tell our allies that Dulu was on our side, though. I don't think we ever told the Blue Knight about how Mordre freed Dulu.
>>
No. 273040 ID: 1854db

GUYS! We can't antimagic burst, Everfeast will DIE and Domintus will EAT ITS SOUL which is BAD NEWS, seriously!
>>
No. 273041 ID: 06e06f

>>273040
what he said

Better to charge up Jade-soul punch, and mega-punch Pure Lady when we are above her. Then crash our body into her, and hope that we will eat her soul.
>>
No. 273070 ID: a76809

>>272807
>>272811
>>272821
>>272822
-FUCK, I'm going with the Pure Lady. I start dashing across the battlefield, getting spun this way and that as blows cut through my robe and are stopped cold by my magic leather body glove. One hundred feet, seventy five, fifty-

I JUST barely avoid getting skewered by that Aurockoth Life Golem thing.

Right close enough.

I reach into that World Source inside me, what was once alien and now feels second nature, and channel a shaft from my body down, deep beneath the earth-and hook it onto a Leyline. I release the magic-and the pillar remains. ...Marker placed. PHOHN GET ME OUT OF HER-

Burduko and Rutgur appear before me, and by the time I finish the thought, I'm already gone.

............................................................................................[PERSPECTIVE SHIFT: MORDRE] ............................................................................................

I float above the world, outside the pull of its atmosphere, in the cold void of space-

When I sense the marker being placed.

...Arkus has done his job then.

I cease my constant, rapid-fire conversation with Phohn that let me stay abreast of the battlefield's happenings as I begin to move, body gyrating as I line up my Revolver Cannon-the cylinder on my right shoulder opening to spew forth sixty runed saw rings, all of which I carefully float into place, their placements perfectly in alignment down past the micrometer. I divert all magical power into Ignimancy and Magnetomancy, turning my attention on my cannon, thankful for the extra bulk on my body, as I now wear thirty thousand pounds of detachable, modular ablative armor, further layers of defense that I imagine I will find a use for in this coming battle. I take a last moment to reflect that not only did I gain the thrusters and right shoulder armament modifications, as well as the Shade of Souls rune inscription covering my floating silver skull of a head in scrimshaw runework-blocking my thoughts from even the most powerful of beings-on top of this, my left arm now has upscaled replicas of the runes on the ducal small tomb, rigged to draw power from use of Goran's soul and his magic eating, and this just body modifications. ...I also think on the fact that I placed Aehroahquia's core in the Edge of Oblivion brings me visceral joy, my sword vastly improved, returned to me-and now given a voice and will of its own, absolutely subservient to me. I even reflect on my postulations of how Trollzaru's Magic Eater blood, and that of Goran harvested from the ice around Mordreden could be combined with the Morphic Fluid to evolve the Sable Executioner and the alloy it is built on. All of this is exhaustively reviewed in the space of a picosecond, just on the tail of my last full-body scan.

I have chosen to be quite meticulous about how I enter the fray, considering the forces at work, the variables involved.

With my recollection of personal modifications complete, I block off every extraneous thought or calculation, as I triple and quadruple check the numbers-if I'm off by even the SLIGHTEST bit, in accounting for known air currents, planetary rotation, the effects of atmospheric entry, the shell's vacuum capsule, physical distortion due to thermal influence, the sustained thrust of the projectile's rocket.....


I am ready.

RELATIVITY CANNON

The shot is away, a hole in the ozone and thunder on the ground startlingly clear through the puncture mark are my first evidence of the shot's passing-my body rocketing away into the void of space-

For twenty feet before Burduko catches me, and we shift-

I am now flying back-first toward the planet, my moment reversed as I get the jumpstart for my orbital drop. My cannon already molten and hissing, I re-sheathe the runed saw-rings in my right shoulder armament-spinning around to face my inevitable impact.

As I plunge into the atmosphere, into the riotous storm where wind returns to the void left by my attack, I turn my attention to the thrust-based runed pits on the back of my shoulder mounted weapons, the center of my back, at my waist and on my feet, all points still accessible even with my modular overarmor equipped. I activate the Immortal Genocide as I feel myself covered in a thermal envelope, the air distorting in heat-then returning to normal as my hand feasts so greedily, always looking for more heat to claim, as if it's true joy was the slow heat death of the universe. My equations rechecked, I adjust my right shoulder saw-cylinder-and active my rocket-propulsion system, left arm in front, and accelerate, already magnitudes beyond the speed barrier to begin with.

The Immortal Genocide is starting to crackle as it finds its endless hunger constantly flooded with more to eat as I re-open the whole in Zakrath's atmosphere by my shot, which landed all of 215 milliseconds ago. Four hundred milliseconds after firing I close the last thousand feet to the ground-

For the barest instant I percieve the Pure Lady injured, harmed in some way, but there she stands in the middle of a crater five hundred feet across that dives eight hundred feet deep, heavy cracks showing the tremors the earth was subjected to-as I consider that I did not account for how velocity amplifies Osmand's impact. Senth is likewise inside the crater untouched, turning his back to the Pure Lady as he looks at Aurockoth, leaping back down from the crater's edge. All of this I detect through the smoke and debris still in the air from my relativity cannon shot less than half a second ago, the Pure Lady just starting to look up as my fist, the Blootz steel vibrating at the raw power held in the everfeasting Immortal Genocide, collides with her face by means of my middle knuckle. There is something, some distortion I cannot perceive and elicits confusion from Zagrath as well as she take the raw kinetic impact and ignores it, already raising her hands for some sort of counterattack.

When I have Burduko, who has already exhuastively visited every corner of the Domintus Camp, teleport me again, this time to her back. In that instantaneous shift, I contain the Immortal Genocide's primary function just long enough, all that absorbed power shunting into her back and spine, magical energy being converted into fuel for a Soul-based explosion of one's own power, and with that much force-

AGAIN reality shifts around her and she is somehow unharmed-

The moment I register this I channel the Jade Soul Style in my arm, again switching magical gears as I employ their signature move, the Jade Fist. Left hand now sheathed in soul energy, I use Kinetimancy and Magnetomancy to push my fist into the supersonic-

AGAIN reality shifts around her and she is somehow unharmed-or is she? I sense a heavy turmoil in her magic, having only now classified her as a Chaos mage, possibly like Mordecai was, as well as a SoulDreamer on top-and EVERYTHING I feel shouts that something not of her making is occurring. Intrigued, two thirds of a second into my attack pattern, I decide to stop slicing time so thinly-

And analyze what occurs.

A second passes, and the Pure Lady is doubling over, eyes darting at something only she can see as a look of pristine horror pvertakes her. She claws at her eyes, rupturing one eyeball as she lets out a reedy wail a second after that-

Four seconds in, the Pure Lady falls to the ground, heart still beating-

Yet her soul.... CONSUMED itself.

I turn to see Aurockoth looking out me, his every spine slowly turning to orient on my from seventy feet away as he places both hands on the hilt of his sword, it's wild runes blazing with hellish light as Senth impishly leers through a haze of smoke, Keddic having made his way to the lip of the crater-

It is to this crowd that I boom out my introduction, my battlefield entrance, and cry it loud enough it thunders out of the crater and to all within milies.

"ILLIA! "Yes Mage Mordre?" "IT'S TIME FOR MY SPECIAL TEA!!"











GOLEM QUEST ARC ELEVEN: COMPLETE

NEXT ARC: TO SLAY A GOD, TO CLAIM A NATION
>>
No. 273085 ID: 00b1bb

*Applause*
>>
No. 273116 ID: 7f731f

FUCK YEAR!
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