Eat T.B. Sheets. Save the Bohemian Rhapsody for when you challenge THE METAL.

>>39970

I suppose I could, but T.B. Sheets and the 3 units of Bohemian Rhapsody are the only things in the bank. If I eat them, I have nothing to trade at the bazaar.

Hmm..... I wonder....

That warrior, the ex-heavyweight champion, The Big O....

That Valiance he did with his legs. It looked somewhat similar to Aerosmith, just much sharper, more abrupt.

DECENT INTELLIGENCE BONUS

That leg that Metallica took off of him. Could someone eat that to get that Valiance? I still don't understand exactly how that works, but it sounds possible.

Maybe I could ask Metallica if he would trade the leg to me.....

I don't have all that much to offer in trade though.

>>39971
Offer him a favor he can cash at a later date.

>>39974
The Metal is still somewhere in The Fight Song, but if I stay alert, I should be able to avoid running into him.

'Flash.'

'Yes, Scars of Yesterday?'

'Can you locate Metallica? I wish to speak with him.'

'One moment.'

Flash walks about in aimless circles, his particularly long antenna twitching to and fro.

'It is difficult to be sure with his fluids splashed in the room we were in-'

'You were there too?'

'Of course, I was keeping an eye on The Metal, as ordered.'

'I see. Continue.'

'Certainly. Anyway, I can't be sure, but I think I smell him moving towards the banking area above.'

'I see.'


What should I do?

>>39978
Head to the banking area, it's been a while. We can trade him Sheet's corpse for that leg, and ask him if it would work.

Hey, could also ask Metallica about helping to investigate the inside of that spire out in the Crucible when he's feeling better, too. He'd be more than enough backup!

>>39979

I lead my group to the Banking area. We are tired and hungry, but this is something worth investigating while we have the chance.

We arrive in the bank, and I wave away one of the small creatures as it approaches me. I am here to meet Metallica, not to interact with my rather small supply of food.

It isn't long until a rather great commotion is made in one of the larger tunnels leading into the bank area. I can detect pheremone messages being sent, and recognize one.

'-as saying, if honored guest is so injured, this one would suggest resting.'

'Pfaw! Just get me my prize, I want some Bohemian Rhapsody to eat!'

'But honore-'

'JUST GET THE FOOD SQUIRTS.'

Metallica emerges into the chamber, his missing leg, his cracked mandible and his broken shell worn as badges of glory. He is preceded by several of the small creatures that reside in The Fight Song frantically hopping over to one of the hexagons in the wall, leaping back carrying several chunks of Bohemian Rhapsody.

....!? I knew that smell from The Crucible of Valiance was familiar, it was the scent of Bohemian Rhapsody!

Metallica starts tearing into the food brought to him, and seems to relax contentedly after devouring the pieces brought to him.


What should I do?

>>39988
"Hey, Metallica! that was one hell of a match!"

As I suspected. Well, that settles it then, a return trip is definitely in order, especially if we can get the big guy to come along. Hell, we could offer to split the take with him, it'd only be fair.

>>39989
He seems to respect those who are straightforward. Very well.

'Hey Metallica, that was a most glorious battle you won! I was honored I could witness such powerful warriors at work.'

Metallica perks up, looking at me with one massive eye. He rumbles with his familiar laughter.

'ZEHAHAHA, it's the little warrior! Good job winnin' yer first two fights, I made a tidy profit bettin' on yer first two bouts. Good victories, and well fought! Hah, too bad The Metal has his sights set on ya.'

He seems to become agitated.

'BAH! Those who could crush him get told to play nice, not to teach The Metal a bit of respect for his fellow fighters. So what if he's a representative of the Empire, what he's doin' is slowly killin' The Fight Song. If new fighters that have fought against the Empire are excluded The Fight Song get more borin', and nothin' interestin' happens. BAH, I want to crush that self righteous hornet!'

It seems Metallica has a particular dislike of The Metal.


What should I do?

>>40006
Wait, who's telling you to play nice with The Metal?

>>40008

'Wait, who's telling you to play nice with The Metal?'

'Eh? Ah, The Founders of The Collective said that if we treated him the same way we normally treat fighters that do shit like that, that we would get barred from fighting. Sucks, but this is their place.'

'What do you normally do to fighters that act as The Metal does?'

'We eat them.'


What should I do?

>>40006
"I would imagine you'd get nearly as much satisfaction out of watching someone he considers inferior putting him in his place, right? And if so, I could use your help out in the Crucible later, when you're feeling up to it. I've noticed something out there that might help to even the odds a bit between The Metal and myself, if I could only get to it."

>>40010
"Why have we not banded together to strike at them decisively?! So many strong fighters, so much Valiance among us... one good blow to them is all it would take!"

>>40013
"Why have we not banded together to strike at them decisively?! So many strong fighters, so much Valiance among us... one good blow to them is all it would take!"

Metallica stops laughing.

'Little warrior, your courage is great, but you don't understand. The Founders.....

Let me tell you a little story. Once before, when I was younger, a group of fighters from the arena, all powerful warriors, demanded that we go to war with the Empire. When word reached them that the Founders refused, the warriors raged, and sought out the Founders to demand that they reconsider.

....Just one of the Founders bothered to show itself. When it continued to refuse, the warriors challenged it. Twenty three brave fighters, every one of them a champion at some point in their careers, fought against it in anger.

They all died, every last one of them, and the founder left their corpses in the food at the guest chamber as a reminder that they are the ones who decide what happens in The Collective.

So we obey their rules, such as they are.'

Metallica looks at me strangely now, like he is looking for something.


What should I do?

>>40023
Whee, conspiracy fodder.

That aside, ask Metallica if he'd be interested in hitting the Crucible later when he's healed up. Maybe ask him to meet you in your room, and tell him about the BR there, away from potential eavesdroppers.

>>40026
'...Lets put that aside for now. Once you're healed up, would you like to go to the Crucible of Valiance with me and my fellow soldiers of KILLER QUEEN?'

Metallica relaxes again, and regains his cavalier demeanor.

'I told you before, right? I don't like fighting alongside others. Just isn't as fun.'

'Would you at least come meet with me in the guest chambers when you are healed? There is something about The Crucible of Valiance I think you should know.'

'Okay, okay, little warrior. Hah, I'm still hungry. Was there anythin' else, or are we done here?'

>>40027
Congratulate him again and let the big guy get some rest. Then get T.B. Sheets' carcass out of the bank for your own food and head back to your quarters for some R&R.

>>40029
I thought we were going to see if we could trade for Big O's leg?

>>40032
'I was wondering if you would be willing to part with The Big O's leg.'

'ZEHAHA, I saw you using that Valiance you got from Xephyr. Let me guess, you are wonderin' if maybe eatin' the leg would give you his, right? Well, I can't say it won't work, but I can't say it will, either. Body parts can impart Valiance, but not always.

But if you want it, what would you offer me in return? I mean, that is one hell of a Valiance The Big O has, and this leg is the only chance anyone has of getting it without killin' him.'


What should I say?

I.. I feel fairly certain that if we were able to identify the scent of BR from the Crucible a the distance we reached, then it's presence is probably not a closely kept secret, and us treating it as some great revelation will make us look silly. For all we know, that is where the supply COMES from.

In the mean time, be honest with Metallica, say we have no idea what things are "worth" around here. This entire concept of a trade economy is new to us.

>>40049

'I... don't really understand the concept of trade much, since before coming here our hive only ran into hostile creatures. We've never had a chance to trade before.'

Metallica looks at me as his laughing subsides.

'...Thats right, isn't it, your colony is all alone out there. Well, I'll be honest, your askin' me to trade somethin' that might give you a high caliber Valiance, the type that even champions find potent. Even Bohemian Rhapsody is less valued than a body with Valiance in it.

....On the other hand, I don't really know if a Valiance that manifests in a specific body part might be attainable by eatin' the body part it manifests in. And I can't really test it, 'cuz I'd have to eat it to check if this works.

Look, if you're willing to gamble that this body part can give you a Valiance, I'll hold onto it for ya. If you bring me either (15 units of Bohemian Rhapsody) or a carcass with a Valiance in it, I'll trade ya. And ta make sure ya understand that I'm cuttin' ya a break, Valiances of this caliber normally are considered to be at least worth (75 units of Bohemian Rhapsody) or more, but since I don't know if it will actually give you the Valiance, I'm cuttin' the value down a good bit. Plus, ya did make me some money when I bet on ya.

I'll leave instructions with the squirts that run the bank that if you bring them either of those, they can exchange it for the limb. Fair? Now unless you have anything else ta say, I'm gonna go find something tasty to eat in the bazaar.'


What should I do?

>>40059
Rest, eat, then back to the crucible of valiance to FUCK SHIT UP!!!

>>40067

I say my farewells to Metallica, who only grunts in response. I lead my group to the guest chambers, and there we gorge ourselves on the food available, and claim a spot to rest, letting our bodies digest the food and recuperate.

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


Some time has passed, and we are no longer weary or hungry.


Should we do anything first, or should we head straight to The Crucible of Valiance?

>>40075
Hit the Crucible. That's gonna be the only way to get Metallica's fee since the Fight Song is out of the question for the moment.

>>40092
Hmm... I can't think of any way to prepare properly for the upcoming battle...

>>40097
If only we had a few more soldiers...

That's all right, guys, I've got an idea for when the A-team (Scars and company) is on-site that may keep things from becoming too overwhelming. When the big ones burst out of the ground again, head into the tunnels. That'll force the big ones to attack singly, and they should be much easier to dispatch one-on-one (versus a TMBG) or when confronted by a foe with superior maneuverability and smaller size in close quarters (Scars or D6L).

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)16:15 No. 40103 ID: 6164e0
File 125245171996.jpg - (20.76KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Round 2 01.jpg )

>>40092
>>40097
>>40098
(Onwards to the Crucible!)

We are well fed and rested. There is no reason to delay.

I lead my group out of The Collective once more, and follow the path I took before to reach The Crucible of Valiance.

At the moment, we seem to still be far enough away we are not treated as a threat.


How should we proceed?
(Yellow=Scars, Red w/ black outline=TMBG, Dark Red=D6L, Green=Flash)

>>40103
Approach and stop as soon as they emerge.

>>40103
D6L, mount up. TMBGs, shoulder to shoulder and move forward. Scars on point, keeping your pace equal to the others. Flash, dash in ahead and look 'round, see if you can provoke a couple to come out and play before returning to the group.

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)16:25 No. 40117 ID: 6164e0
File 125245230670.jpg - (25.25KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Round 2 02.jpg )

>>40105
Right, we'll just advance until they com-

OH


Ah



What should we do?

>>40117
FFFFFFFU-

>>40117
*sigh* This is why I was recommending a probe first. Right, I can still work with this.

Flash and D6L, mount up. Direct your TMBGs side-by-side toward the upper-left tunnel and engage with the four big enemies there. Scars, run in ahead of them directly between the middle two big'uns, if you can get them to turn to follow you, that should leave them open for a free strike from the rest of your crew.

>>40117
when surrounded, break out as quickly as possible.
in this case, attack both rear flanks. have the TMBGs defend the front under the care of Flash, take one side by yourself, and the D6Ls on the other side.

>>40125
(not sure what 'big'uns' you are referencing. Purple are large termites, brown are regular termites, black is tunnels. Please call things by name so I don't have to guess what you are referencing)

>>40117
Use the Mako's main cannon to blast the Rachni to hell!

Oh wait...

At least your foes are confronting you head on. Rush the enemies from one of the southern holes and slaughter them, then turn to face the other foes. Leave no one standing.

>>40128
Sorry, Bob. Meant the two large termites in the middle of the upper-left formation, the ones closest to the group.

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)16:53 No. 40140 ID: 6164e0
File 125245398748.jpg - (25.28KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Round 2 03.jpg )

>>40125
We rush the nearest of the larger vile creatures, and kill one before they can respond. We have broken the formation of these beasts in the upper left, and should be able to kill a few more without much effort shortly.

....which is good, as all the other larger beasts are working their way towards us.

On a positive note, the smaller and weaker beasts are once again crowding together to defend the entrance to the spire.

It does in fact seem they remember us. But we killed scores of them before, and no colony has infinite numbers. And I can smell it faintly, now that I know what it is: There is Bohemian Rhapsody inside.


What should we do?
(Mounted Flash=Red with green outline, mounted D6L=Dark red, black outline)

>>40140
Scars, see if you can skewer the three large termites that form a vague line south of you with Path of Glory. Mounted ants, gang up on the single large one to the north and pulverize him. That should clear some space out.

>>40140
Scars, turn and attack the southern group of large termites. Have the two mounted units face off the other two groups of large termites, then have Scars flank them, possibly using his rush attack to cut a swath through them.

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)17:09 No. 40145 ID: 6164e0
File 125245494085.jpg - (25.44KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Round 2 04.jpg )

>>40143
>>40144
I see the vile beast lined up before me, like flimsy targets waiting to be knocked down.

It seems they have forgotten what I can do.

I shall remind them.

I open my spiracles wide as I clamp my mandibles shut. They will not stop me.

PATH OF GLORY

I rip great rents in their forms as I blaze past, the vile creatures already in their death throes behind me, stilling quickly.

I am getting more adept with Path of Glory and Aerosmith both, bit by bit.

Flash and Death On Six Legs work together with their mounts, and obliterate the lone vile creature still near them.

The other advancing creatures are nearing us.


What should we do?

>>40145
Path of Glory again, Scars, ignoring the large termite closest to you in favor of hardballing through the next four in line, or even five if you can manage to tweak your path along the way.

Ant calvary, follow up in Scars' wake and hit the one he leaves behind, turning to face the others before they manage a strike at your backs.

>>40145
The fools are lined up in a circle. They think that getting close to you will help them. Show them the error of their ways.

Have the other ants clear the area while you use Aerosmith to boost straight up. Then dive-bomb them with a Stoner Sunshine [1] right in the center of their formation.

(forgot what to roll)

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)17:26 No. 40160 ID: 6164e0
File 125245599188.jpg - (25.82KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Round 2 05.jpg )

>>40153
(D10, for future reference, is STONER SUNSHINE LV1 dice to roll. Beat 3+number of times Lv1 has been used recently)

>>40149
From my new position, I see my foes arranged neatly to be attacked, if I capitalize on it quickly. I have done Aerosmith twice in succession before, it is uncomfortable, but I can endure.

PATH OF GLORY

I slam through three of the beasts before slowing. No, there are still more to kill. Would Metallica stop simply because it was difficult to continue? No, he would push through, achieve his goes no matter what. If I am to have any hope of one day reaching the heights he stands on, I must push myself.

I keep my Spiracles open, and reactivate Aerosmith, heedless of the repercussions.

PATH OF GLORY

...It is a bit difficult to breathe right now, but I am still fully functional.

Death On Six Legs and Flash plow into the mass of vile creatures to my rear left, inspired by me. My Shining Light is glowing stronger as I fight.

...it seems reinforcements have come.


What should we do?

>>40160
Ant calvary, see if you can bull your way down into the nearby tunnel (upper-left). If you're able to do so, then dismount and put yourselves between the two TMBGs.

Scars, if you're able to manage one more Path or Glory, that lineup closing in on your honor guard is ripe for being speared.

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)17:44 No. 40174 ID: 6164e0
File 125245707778.jpg - (25.71KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Round 2 06.jpg )

>>40167
....I still have an opportunity to capitalize on the vile creatures being lined up.

I open my spiracles for a third time, clamping my mandibles together to form a wicked spear.

PATH OF GLORY

Pain.....Fatigue....Discomfort....I can... barely... breathe, and... my body aches... from the abuse I... am heaping on it.

I care not.

Metallica would push through this. I shall too, no matter the challenge.

Flash and Death On Six Legs are able to work their way to the edge of the Tunnel where I am shaking as I recover.

'You don't look too good. Maybe we should pull back.'

Ever watchful, ever dutiful, Death On Six Legs speaks his mind to remind me of my duty: Above all else, to serve KILLER QUEEN. And if I die here, I will have failed her.

But I can go on.

For the moment, no new defenders are coming.


What should we do?

>>40174
Inside. Marching order: TMBG, Scars, Flash, D6L, TMBG.

Scars, take a few moments to recuperate while the big ants and D6L hold off the termites.

Flash, use your tremorsense as advance warning in case any more come toward you from the inside.

>>40177
And by inside, I mean down the tunnel, of course.

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)17:58 No. 40187 ID: 6164e0
File 125245793538.jpg - (23.90KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 1.jpg )

I order Flash and Death On Six Legs to dismount, and with a They Might Be Giants in both the front and the rear, we descend into the tunnels.

'Flash.'

'Yes, Scars of Yesterday?'

'What can you tell me about our immediate surroundings? Where are these creatures located beneath ground?'

'I feel several walking around in a chamber below, perhaps fifteen total. I can't feel anything else moving around nearby.'

'I see.'

I am sure of it, I can smell Bohemian Rhapsody more strongly, the scent wafting up and past us.


What should we do?

>>40187
If the termites from up top aren't following you down the tunnel, swap the rear TMBG to the front and use both of the big ants as a barrier while Flash zips into the chamber to see about drawing some of the occupants back toward the group. Scars and D6L, keep an eye toward the rear in case you're followed.

Chunky salsa, chunky salsa, chunky salsa!

Guys can we please have him use Stoner Sunshine now? Everyone's been ignoring that ability since we got Aerosmith...

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)18:10 No. 40198 ID: 6164e0
File 125245861533.jpg - (24.25KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 2.jpg )

>>40192
Flash seems to have succeeded in drawing their attention.

And the one from the surface that we had not slain seem to be returning underground in pursuit of us.

But I can breathe freely again, and am only slightly fatigued and free of injury, as all of the gore and viscera on me comes from my foes at the moment.

....I still haven't cleaned myself since getting to the collective, and the grime is starting to build up from all the foes I have slain.


What should we do?

>>40197
If the termites are gracious enough to group up tightly first, I don't see why not!

>>40198
Swap one of the TMBGs back to the rear to intercept the ones coming from behind, with D6L supporting it.

Flash, zip back in and run interference, circling 'round the termites in the chamber and nipping at their legs and so on so they'll try all chase after you. Don't stay in one place long enough to take a return blow, however.

Scars, hold back for now, but move to support Flash if it looks like he's going to get tagged by a counterattack.

>>40202
(WARNING: Flash are flimsy, just getting hit once by these things would kill a Flash, in most cases. Proceed Y/N?)

>>40208
Okay, modify that command for Flash to just run circles around them while keeping well out of reach, basically zipping around and being annoying.

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)18:34 No. 40216 ID: 6164e0
File 12524600573.jpg - (24.19KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 3.jpg )

I order Flash to try to cluster the termites together before retreating back to our location.

While Flash darts about, luring the termites into new positions, I order Death On Six Legs and one of the They Might Be Giants to defend our rear from any of the vile creatures that may try to approach us.

Shortly Flash darts back, spiracles opened wide to get more air.

The mass of the larger vile creature followed her as a massed cluster, and are poised to smash into us with their press of numbers.


What should we do?

rolled 9 = 9

>>40216
STONER SUNSHINE, LEVEL .5

>>40226
Why only .5? Worried about the enclosed space? They are still spread out a little bit.

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)19:13 No. 40245 ID: 6164e0
File 125246238822.jpg - (24.11KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 4.jpg )

>>40226
(ROLL SUCCESS)
I remember how potent STONER SUNSHINE was in an enclosed space before. I am hesitant to use it without first getting a better measure of it. After all, I have used the Valiance Aerosmith and the Ability Path of Glory more than I have STONER SUNSHINE.

I play it safe, only swinging a single mandible partly open.

It clicks shut.

There is a flash of light and a loud noise.

STONER SUNSHINE LV[0.5]

The effects..... are somewhat underwhelming. But even so, it kills some of the vile creatures and stuns many of those behind it.

Only an instant has passed.


What should we do?

rolled 3 = 3

>>40245
TMBGs CHARGE FORTH, after you shoot another level ONE SS.

>>40247
>3
FUCK

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)19:28 No. 40258 ID: 6164e0
File 125246330684.jpg - (24.26KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 5.jpg )

>>40247
(FAILURE, DID NOT BEAT 3)

No. No this is not enough. I need more power.

I swing a mandible wide open.

It swings shut.

There is a blinding flash of light and a tremendous noise.

STONER SUNSHINE LV[1]

...That had a more extreme effect. Most of the clustered vile creatures lay slain, their bodies burst with their innards leaking through the cracks as they curl in death.

I order the two They Might Be Giants to charge forth to break the remaining creatures in the chamber.

Flash seemed to have been hit with some of the reflected wave from STONER SUNSHINE, and is currently dazed.

Death On Six Legs is having trouble holding off our pursuers without help from a They Might Be Giants.

...I feel the Shining Light fade, and my limbs grow heavier. I have lost the ability to use STONER SUNSHINE for the nonce, it seems.



What should we do?

!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday is now Lethargic. He will need food and rest to recover.
!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday no longer possesses the Shining Light Trait. Losing the Lethargic Trait will restore Shining Light.
!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday can no longer use STONER SUNSHINE. It will become usable again once the Lethargic Trait is lost.

>>40258
Get in among the bodies, have help getting defended by the Giants and OMNOMNOM

>>40258
Path of Glory if you can, Scars, back up through the tunnel to take out three of the termites coming after Death on Six Legs, then both of you attack the remaining one from opposite sides.

TMBGs, form up again at the cavern entrance, keep anything from getting through.

>>40261
An excellent idea, we can take advantage of their slower mobility when they are near a corpse. While Scars eats, the others should be holding the enemy at bay, not trying to kill them.

>>40258
only one choice now. follow the scent of the Bohemian Rhapsody, without it you have almost no chance of escape.

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)19:51 No. 40284 ID: 6164e0
File 125246467838.jpg - (24.24KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 6.jpg )

>>40267
...I may be slowed, my body responding sluggishly, but I can still fight. I must. I promised my beloved queen I would return. What kind of ant would I be if I broke that promise?

I force my spiracles to open again, despite resistance from my weakened body.

I aim myself back up the tunnel, shouting orders as I do for Death On Six Legs to pull Flash back, and for the two They Might Be Giants to pull back and keep the surviving vile creatures from pursuing us from the chamber.

>>40270
I remember the horrid abominations move slowly when forced to pick a path over their dead, and hope that it means They Might Be Giants can outrun them.

It does.

I clamp my mandibles together and set myself, ready to attack the creatures in the tunnel above us.

PATH OF GLORY

The power is lackluster, I barely pierce the first two before losing most of my speed.

This is not enough. I must do more. I wrench my protesting spiracles open once more.

PATH OF GLORY

The... creatures... that followed... us into the tunnel... have died. Breathing... is very difficult.... right now. But there... are no more... near this tunnel.

>>40261
>>40270
(OM NOM NOM vile creatures)

...I start eating of the fallen.... monsters. Their flesh is spongy.... and not particularly appealing... but it is nourishment (I hope).


I am still having.. some trouble breathing. I seem.. to recover more slowly in this.. state.

>>40271
Yes....Bohemian Rhapsody rejuvenates. If.. we can get to it.. I can be restored.


What should we do?

Have the TMBGs remain where the are, with Death on Six legs supporting them as the termites close in. Flash, slip through the ranks and scout the next tunnel down, avoiding combat.

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)20:34 No. 40319 ID: 6164e0
File 125246726958.jpg - (193.54KB , 500x474 , GREAT VILE BEAST.jpg )

>>40300
Flash is not gone long before dashing back, his scent screaming danger.

...It is shortly clear why, as five.... things are hotly pursuing him. They dwarf the larger vile creatures several times over, and their blackened bodies look heavily armored, their jaws strong and sharp.

...But Flash also bring word that these are the last defenders before the tunnel system reaches the innards of the spire, where Flash says the scent of Bohemian Rhapsody was almost overpowering.

Thankfully, in the time Flash was scouting, my breathing difficulties have passed, though my body is still sluggish in its response.



What should we do?

>>40319
If it's big enough, you can punch INTO it using PoG, then ride it's innards until it dies, eating like a crazy motherfucker.

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)20:39 No. 40324 ID: 6164e0
File 125246748355.jpg - (24.91KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 7.jpg )

Current positioning of all combatants.

Have both They Might Be Giants build momentum and barrel headlong into the oncoming horde and generally cause some mayhem. In the mayhem work together with Flash and D6L to take each opponent one by one.

Remember, you may have Valiance but an ant's true strength comes from cooperation between all members of the colony.

Bloody hell. Let 'em come in a little more, then have Flash head back down the tunnel and see if he can snag a piece of BR to bring back. The TMBGs will just have to hold the line as best they can.

>>40324
Actually, if we stick here, maybe pushe more bodies out in front, we could defend this point until they are all dead.

>>40334
(Stay here, defend)
>>40330
(Go to meet them)

MAKE UP YOUR MINDS JEEZ.

>>40332
(I said that nothing beyond these defenders are between us and entering the spire, not that there are no obstacles between us and the Bohemian Rhapsody somewhere in the spire.)

>>40337
Changan vote to CHARGE

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)20:58 No. 40343 ID: 6164e0
File 125246869369.jpg - (24.92KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 8.jpg )

>>40330
>>40338
(CHARGE)

I order the two They Might Be Giants to charge forward, but the vile creatures have worked their way through the corpse well enough to keep them from advancing, too large to simply be bulled past in such tight concentration.

The two They Might Be Giants do manage to slay another of the vile beasts, though.

Myself, Flash and Death On Six Legs can't reach past the two They Might Be Giants. to fight effectively, only able to squeeze our heads through now and then to snap at the abominations. We could only get past the two They Might Be Giants if they stopped fighting and huddled against the walls of the tunnel.


What should we do?

The monstrous creatures from deeper below are slowly but surely getting closer to us.

>>40343
Continue the defense. Tell the Giants to focus on killing as much as possible! Once you can PoG again, reliably, we can really sock it to them.

Also, back up into the tunnel slightly.

>>40347
I say once you can breathe again it is time for another rocket bulldozer into the oncoming big guys.

>>40350
Problem: Going into the open has five of them at you at once.

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)21:23 No. 40355 ID: 6164e0
File 125247019199.jpg - (25.06KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 9.jpg )

>>40347
>>40350
(ONCE YOU CAN BREATH AGAIN)

>>40319
(COULD ALREADY BREATHE AGAIN)

(DOHOHOHOHO)

I order the two They Might Be Giants to open a hole for me as I once more open my spiracles, clamping my mandibles together.

PATH OF GLORY

I tear a gore and slaughter filled path through the vile creatures boxing us into the tunnel, slowing to a crawl as I kill the third.

No. This will not do. There is still one more before me. Just a bit more, just a bit farther.... I push Aerosmith more, irking out a small bit more speed.

PATH OF GLORY

It was...enough. I am only having... some difficulty breathing. It is.. not as bad as before.


What should we do now?

>>40355
Get back in there behind the Giants before you're torn apart!

>>40363
If the black creatures are faster than the others, possibly use Aerosmith one more time so they can't catch you as you recouperate and reposition for the next attack.

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)21:36 No. 40365 ID: 6164e0
File 125247096348.jpg - (24.93KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 10.jpg )

>>40363
It seems the surviving vile creatures have other plans.

Guys, Scars is lethargic. We really oughta be retreating now.

>>40365
GODDRAMMIT

RAMMAN SPEED

USE THE BOOST TO GET THROUGH

FUCK FUCK

>>40365
now see, if you had pushed a TMBG you would have carved a wider path and not be alone over here. :p

>>40365
There IS the other tunnel to the surface available, too...

(....have you forgotten you can issue orders to Scars of Yesterday's companions as well? Because they have been sitting there doing nothing for a while now.)

>>40375
Well then have the TMBGs CRUSH those two termites in the way!

Scars, Path of Glory at the center of the three mega-bugs coming towards you. If you can't penetrate, try to angle the rest of your speed burst toward the other exit tunnel.

>>40382
>lethargic
>charge right into a crowd of five enemies at least twice our size

NO

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)22:12 No. 40391 ID: 6164e0
File 125247313944.jpg - (24.64KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 11.jpg )

>>40382
The two They Might Be Giants tear into the backs of the two creatures blocking my path at Death On Six Legs' orders, and I reunite with the rest of my group.

I admit that since becoming Lethargic, I am not as capable as I was before, but I can keep functioning.

These five monsters are the only things between us and entering the spire, where the Bohemian Rhapsody is.

To leave now, to let all this effort be undone....


I am not sure if I am willing to do so a second time.

By the same token, Death On Six Legs and Flash both look concerned at my current condition. They are obviously worrying about keeping me alive to return to KILLER QUEEN as she requested.


What should I do?

>>40391
"These are nothing. Remember the Abomination! These are nothing!"
Flash, Do6L, Scars: into the tunnel
TMBG: HOLD YOUR GROUND! GIVE THEM NOTHING!

Bob 2009/09/08(Tue)22:42 No. 40410 ID: 6164e0
File 125247496820.jpg - (24.40KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 12.jpg )

>>40395
'These vile abominations are nothing! Remember the Mandarinian Empire Warrior that struck Crescent, and we bested that! These will fall to us! PURGE THE UNCLEAN! They Might Be Giants, STAND YOUR GROUND, GIVE THEM NAUGHT BUT PAIN!'

While Death On Six Legs is the only ant besides myself who was alive when the soldier of the Mandarinian Empire struck our home, my resolve, my confidence in our victory moves them.

The vile behemoths smash into the two They Might Be Giants, and force them back with monstrous strength. But their progress abates as we are pushed into the tunnel, and the monsters are unable to enter in any manner other than single file.

For the moment, they are pressed together, stil trying to reach us, but the two They Might Be Giants are durable, and manage to keep the vile behemoths from doing any more than scratching their carapaces in futility.


What should we do?

>>40410
How you feeling, Scars? Eat some more and take a breather while the enemy struggles hard. We need your massive offensive strikes to win this.

Plan once up to speed: Everyone but the Giants circle around through the other tunnel, then flank the bastards!

Have the Giants grapple them on each side and attempt to lift one up a bit so the rest of you can attack them from below.

>>40413
(Scars of Yesterday has already eaten enough that with rest he will recover. The only thing that can accelerate his recovery is Bohemian Rhapsody)

(I think I am stopping here for tonight. I'll start up again sometime tomorrow around noon, give or take. Keep posting any plans for fighting these giant termites, as strategy is required to beat them. See ya tomorrow.)

I'm all for trying to get underneath them and generally mess up those relatively unarmored leg joints.

These things look like they could do some serious damage if they fell on Scars, though, so be careful1!

>>40410
Back up the tunnel more, force them to come at you single file. Flash is tasked with exploiting the ample space under the legs of both sets of front-line combatant to harass the enemy while the TMBGs keep them occupied. Scars and Do6L slip stealthily out the back and attempt to surprise the rear termite from behind using the other tunnel. (check on what is happening above ground while you are at it)

Bob 2009/09/09(Wed)12:55 No. 40521 ID: 6164e0
File 125252614327.jpg - (24.42KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 13.jpg )

>>40414
>>40421
(They Might Be Giants, GRAPPLAN TIME)

I order Flash to keep the two They Might Be Giants to keep the creatures held here, and if possible attempt to lift them to expose their undersides. The vile behemoths are heavy, but if they get the right grip, it could be done. Flash is then tasked with harassing the monsters, darting about the two They Might Be Giants to exploit any moment of weakness perceived to cause any harm possible to the monsters.

>>40413
>>40478
(Use other tunnels)

Death On Six Legs and I slip back out the tunnel, and move across the surface to come at the chamber from another path. While above ground, we see that the smallest of the disgusting creatures are still huddled about the ground level entrances to the spire. Mindless abominations, unworthy of being compared to the superior They Might Be Giants.

We sneak down one of the tunnels, and stop just outside of the chamber. For the moment, we seem to be undetected by the abhorrent monsters still in the chamber.

...Hm. They seem to suffer from the same weakness as their fellows, with their carapaces designed to defend against frontal assault.


What should we do?
(orders can be issued to Scars of Yesterday, Flash and Death On Six Legs)

>>40521
PATH OF GLORY directly into the backside of one while Death takes on another.

>>40521
Repeating suggestion to back TMBG into the tunnel, encouraging the enemy to string themselves out in a nice straight line facing the same direction in an enclosed space. Alternately, they might split up, which can hardly be seen as a bad thing, though it is less immediately useful.

Bob 2009/09/09(Wed)13:24 No. 40537 ID: 6164e0
File 12525278526.jpg - (24.45KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 14.jpg )

>>40528
Flash leads the two They Might Be Giants in a slow withdrawal to force the unclean monsters to attack them single file. It works, but the creatures simply start widening the tunnel. They will shortly have room enough to once more engage Flash and the two They Might Be Giants as a group.

>>40522
I order Death On Six Legs to charge the rearmost vile behemoths while I brace myself, snapping my mandibles shut as my spiracles open wide.

PATH OF GLORY

Death On Six Legs is halfway to the creatures as I blast past him, plunging deep into one of the monster's fleshy side. I explode out of the creature as Death On Six Legs catches up to me.

It seems the other monster in the back has re-oriented to us, and is starting to turn.


What should we do?

>>40537
Quickly, try to run around him to punch through him again!

I guess the plan is to PoG through each one, one at a time.

>>40541
(Punch through who again? Scars of Yesterday killed the one he hit. The other one is about partway turned, will be facing Scars of Yesterday and Death On Six Legs in a few seconds.)

>>40544
That's the one I meant. >.< The turning guy.

Bob 2009/09/09(Wed)14:19 No. 40559 ID: 6164e0
File 125253114898.jpg - (24.45KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 15.jpg )

>>40553
No. I will not let this opportunity be used solely to claim one of their number.

DECENT INTELLIGENCE BONUS.

I have an idea. It is equal parts risky and deadly. I follow it.

I open my spiracles wide, and use Aerosmith to dash out far to the unclean monster's side. Before I finish slowing, I reorient myself, clamping my mandibles shut. Before me I see the second of the rear two creature's sides exposed before me. I immediately set out to attack it.

PATH OF GLORY.

I plunge deep into the creature's relatively unarmored flank, ripping massive chunks of gore out of it's side. The beast is slain.

Geh....using....Aerosmith.... and then.... Path of....Glory....in such..... quick....succession.... is difficult......I.....can....barely.....breathe....or move.

....The....monsters.....will soon....have....widened.....the tunnels....enough....to gang......up on...... the others.....


What should we do?
!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday now can use Aerosmith to position himself before immediately using Path of Glory as a followup. However, this rapid fire move is particularly taxing!

>>40559
Back up further, Giants!
Death, Scars, move forward and flank them from behind! We outnumber them now!

>>40561
(Scars of Yesterday is currently immobilized as he recovers from using this taxing combination of moves while Lethargic. He will not be able to act for a time!)

>>40566
Crap!
Very well, Flash, Death, move up behind while Giants back up.

Durandal!swQABHZA/E 2009/09/09(Wed)14:31 No. 40574 ID: f6209b
File 125253187023.jpg - (34.46KB , 300x375 , dig-dug.jpg )

There is only one thing that can be done.

Use the collapsing rock to crush the termites.

>>40572
(...and Flash is currently with the two They Might Be Giants in the tunnel, so he can't attack the giant termites from the rear. I'm sorry if my pictures are a bit crappy, but I think I at least typed up everyone's locations.)

>>40584
I thought Flash could dart under and through, but I suppose not...

Do6L go for their rear legs while they are occupied.

Bob 2009/09/09(Wed)15:07 No. 40604 ID: 6164e0
File 125253404131.jpg - (24.43KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 16.jpg )

>>40572
(TMBG back up)

Flash has the two They Might Be Giants withdraw further as the aborrent beasts continue to expand the tunnel. For the moment, they are still restricted to only fitting in one at a time, but Flash and his two charges will eventually run out of tunnel....

>>40600
(D6L attack back legs)

Death On Six Legs may be here as Scars of Yesterday's honor guard, but that makes him no less a Proud Warrior. He charges forward and attacks one of the giant vile creatures from behind, tearing gouges into its unprotected back and legs. The beast hisses in protest as it begins to turn, slowed by the tight quarters and the dirt surrounding it from its excavation.

I...am starting....to breathe... a bit more...easily.. I can move..again.


What should we do?

Press the attack from behind! Kill them while they're occupied with digging!

>>40616
(specifics of how to go about that would be nice. )

Assist the Death on Six Legs in taking down his target. Avoid using your Valiance for now, you need to let your body recuperate. In any case, relying on Valiance too much is a weakness you cannot afford.

>>40633
This. Good old simple combat for you, Scars, help out Death.

Bob 2009/09/09(Wed)16:22 No. 40651 ID: 6164e0
File 125253852468.jpg - (24.41KB , 1143x862 , Crucible of Valiance Spire Outer Tunnels 17.jpg )

>>40616
>>40633
>>40640
I charge forth, my body slowed but still responsive, to assist Death On Six Legs.

He bravely challenged this beast so much larger than he, how could I not help him?

As the vile behemoth raises a leg to stamp on Death On Six Legs, I leap onto the creature, snipping off one of its antenna before crawling over its head and onto it's back.

The monster hisses in outrage as I clamp my mandibles around the leg nearest to my comrade, and pull, worrying at it with my jaws. The joint starts to wear down, and with a pop, the leg is removed.

The creature is partially blinded and missing a leg. It will die by our efforts soon if we keep this up.


Things are not looking so good for Flash and the two They Might Be Giants. The other unclean wretches are continuing to hound them, the one engaging them too well armored to be wounded from the front effectively, and the other is steadily making progress on expanding the tunnel.


What should we do?

>>40651
Scars: Murder, maim, kill, etc, purge the unclean.

Death: Distract one of the unclean engaging the Giants.

Giants: Focus on murdering the one Death does not attack.

Bob 2009/09/09(Wed)16:55 No. 40678 ID: 6164e0
File 125254049848.jpg - (69.32KB , 1000x722 , Wings of Destiny.jpg )

>>40673
(I'll pretend you told Flash to order the two They Might Be Giants, since they have the Mindless Drone Trait, and thus cannot be given orders by posters, but instead must be given orders by other ants.)

I continue to assault the creature I stand on, tearing at it's limbs, it's back, it's neck. I refuse to let this creature live any longer than it must. It is vile, it is abhorrent, it is an abomination.

It must die.

As I continue to rip holes in its back and pull off legs, Death On Six Legs races off to harass the giant creature working to widen the tunnel, and mimics me, leaping on it's back to tear into it's joints. The creature tries to buck him off, but he clings too tightly, and continues to attack. The creature is no longer digging. Excellent.


Flash urges the two They Might Be Giants onward, to continue attacking the beast before them. Their combined efforts finally pay off, as the creature's durable head is finally broken open.

The two They Might Be Giants tear into the beast's corpse, rending open a path back into the chamber.

...!? Something is happening to one of the They Might Be Giants! It sprouts wings, it's legs lengthen, and it starts emitting pheremones of its own!

'I.....will not.....die...here. It is not...my destiny.'

!!NOTICE!! One of the They Might Be Giants has undergone metamorphosis, and become the hero unit Wings Of Destiny! Wings Of Destiny can now be issued commands!


What should we do?

>>40678
New hero unit and only two enemies left, then?

FINISH THEM!

And then take a breather while Flash scouts further in, mindful to avoid being noticed.

>>40678
Scars: Laugh triumphantly at this awesome turn of events, ANTPILE ON THE FINAL ABOMINATION

Bob 2009/09/09(Wed)17:12 No. 40688 ID: 6164e0
File 125254150882.jpg - (190.72KB , 1200x960 , THE QUEEN.jpg )

>>40684

I continue to wound and maim the unclean monster I am engaged with. It slows, and stops as more of it's life fluids leak onto the ground. I have slain the beast, without the need for any Valiance, while slowed by lethargy.

Death On Six Legs demands the complete attention of the monster he rides, and it does not notice Flash, Wings of Destiny and They Might Be Giants surrounding it.

It is pulled apart, ripped to shreds by my honor guard.

For the moment, the chamber is quiet. We enjoy a moment of calm as I send Flash to check what awaits us further below.

Flash is gone for some time before returning.

'There is nothing between us and the spire itself, but right inside the spire is a queen, likely the ruler of this spire, and hundreds of all three types of monsters we have fought here.

In the chamber with the queen and her guards is a sizable portion of Bohemian Rhapsody. It appears to be a food they cultivate and grow for their queen.'

Hmm.


What should we do?

>>40688
We're going to need a veritable ARMY to handle this...

>>40688
Ask Flash if she'd be able to steal a portion of the BR and bring it back.

>>40691
I was about to suggest this, actually.

Agree'd.

>>40691
>>40693
'Flash'

'Yes, Scars of Yesterday?'

'Go back in there and grab as much Bohemian Rhapsody as you can carry. Then run back to us as fast as you can. I think we may be leaving in a hurry.'

'...Of course.'

Flash departs down into the tunnels.

.......

Flash returns, carrying a sizable chunk of Bohemian Rhapsody, large enough that Flash is now moving only slightly faster than these vile creatures can.


.....Which is good, since a short distance behind her a wall of the beasts is in hot pursuit.


What should we do?

>>40702
Is it 12 units or more and either way have the second fastest ant take a bit and then run!

>>40702
GO! RUN! GET TO DA CHOPPA! Er...the Collective, I mean.

Give it to the TMBGs to carry. They are sizable enough that the added weight is unlikely to slow them. (actually, if it is enough that only one of them could carry the full load, then that one should be the non-hero) Tell them to start moving as fast as they are able back to the Collective, and all others work to cover the rear during the escape.

>>40707
(Silly poster, there is only one They Might Be Giants now, the other became Wings of Destiny, and entirely new type of ant)

>>40703
>>40704
(RUN BITCH RUN)

We flee, racing up the tunnel to the outside. As we get some distance from the tunnels all of them start gushing great piles of the unclean monsters, all still dashing after us.

Now that we are in the open, Wings Of Destiny grabs the piece of Bohemian Rhapsody from Flash and takes to the sky. Flash, now unburdened, quickly catches up to the rest of us, and we reach the forest ahead of the living tide of enraged monsters. But they turn back eventually, and we safely escape.

Hmm... this looks to be (12 units of Bohemian Rhapsody)

We are about halfway back to The Collective.


What should we do?

>>40711
Keep going.

Bob 2009/09/09(Wed)18:04 No. 40718 ID: 6164e0
File 125254464996.jpg - (63.34KB , 800x414 , Agrilis Viridis AKA Mr_ Big.jpg )

>>40716

I lead us back towards The Collective.

On the way, there is a beetle waiting. If his golden hue was not indication enough, I can feel Valiance in the beetle. As he sees us, the Beetle moves to bar our path.

'Okay, I'll take that Bohemian Rhapsody you have there.'

I suppose this is to be expected. The Collective's rules only exist inside the main and guest chambers. We are on open ground now, and there is no enforced rules.

'And if we refuse?'

'Look, pipsqueak, maybe you haven't heard of me. I'm Mr. Big, and I take what I want, and eat those who don't listen to me. Understand?'

It was a great deal of effort to attain what we could from The Crucible Of Valiance. But by the same token, we are all tired, and I am far weaker than normal.

What should we do?

We still have numbers on him tired as we are. Plus we have a new flying unit to test out. I say we stand up to the bully.

>>40718
SWAAAAAAAAAAARM

>>40718
FUCK YOU SWAAAARM FLASH TAKE THE BR TO THE BANK

Bob 2009/09/09(Wed)18:27 No. 40729 ID: 6164e0
File 125254605653.jpg - (58.45KB , 800x414 , FUCK YOU MR BIG.jpg )

>>40721
>>40724
>>40725
(SWARM)

As Wings of Destiny lands beside us, dropping the chunk of Bohemian Rhapsody, I come to a rather firm decision.

'TRY AND TAKE IT!'

We rush forward (sans Flash, who is holding onto the Bohemian Rhapsody once more, to ensure no one tries to capitalize on our fight and take it while we are occupied), taking the beetle by surprise.

I wrench one of it's antenna of before Mr. Big can prepare himself, and Wings Of Destiny alights on his back, worrying at one of his legs. In short order it is gone.

We have surprised the creature, and now Wings Of Destiny, Death On Six Legs, They Might Be Giants and I are all crawling on Mr. Big's body, intent on causing grievous bodily harm. There are no rules protecting him here, and his corpse could pay for The Big O's leg just as easily as Bohemian Rhapsody.


What should we do?

>>40729
Take out all of its legs until it's entirely immobilized!

Scars, go for the eyes.

>>40729
SLICE HIS THROAT
EAT HIS EYES
STEAL HIS SHO-er...

BERSERK THE FUCK OUT OF HIM.
See if you can have Wings drop Scars from a height to use PoG without Aerosmith.

Bob 2009/09/09(Wed)18:42 No. 40735 ID: 6164e0
File 125254695993.jpg - (58.12KB , 800x414 , HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW MR BIG.jpg )

>>40732
(Terminalvelocitysayswhat?)

>>40731
We continue or assault on Mr. Big, unrelenting, unhesitating, merciless.

Then the beetle snaps its shell open and we are thrown off of his back. I suppose I should have seen that coming, Metallica used his shell to great effect both in his fight with me and his championship bout.

>>40732
(EAT HIS EYES)

But I was close to his head, and the quickly opened shell did not send me tumbling as it did my comrades. It slid me onto his head. And I see his eyes, there, undefended, within reach of my mandibles.

I know what must be done.

I tear into the nearest eye, clinging tightly to the beetle's body as Mr. Big frantically tries to buck me off, but I continue feasting on his eye.

It is delicious.

It was delicious.

Mr. Big seems to be regretting confronting us, and seems to be preparing to fly away.


What should we do?

Cripple him so he cant get away!

>>40735
DESTROY THE OTHER ANTENNA

>>40735
His shell is open. Mobility comes at a cost.

Wings of Destiny, get in there and fuck up his vulnerable wings.

Bob 2009/09/09(Wed)18:54 No. 40742 ID: 6164e0
File 125254769848.jpg - (57.59KB , 800x414 , YOU ARE GOING NOWHERE MR BIG.jpg )

>>40736
>>40737
(Cripple him, take his other antenna!)

I lunge forward as he begins to take to the sky, and snare his remaining antenna in my jaws. With a vicious jerk, I deprive him of it.

But now he is taking to the air, and none of our party is on him. He is flying sloppily, and can barely stay in the air, but he is slowly but surely gaining altitude.

>>40740
Mobility comes at a price for beetles. And we are not without fliers of our own now.

Wings of Destiny takes off in furious pursuit, and Mr. Big only manages to gain a scant handful of inches in altitude before she slams into his exposed back, crumpling his beating wings with her durable form.

Mr. Big crashes to the ground.

We surround him as he struggles to his feet, only to subside as he finds he cannot balance himself any more. Fear is leaking off of him, and he cringes from our presence.

'Please..... spare me....please.'

I am a hair's breadth away from his wounded head.


What should I do?

>>40742
"Why?"

>>40742
Going to be too softhearted here and say 'If you pull shit like this again, acting without honor, I will find out, and you will wish you had never heard of living.'

Or just kill him, or pump him for information and favors then kill him.

>>40742
Scars, does he have a valiance? If so, finish him. If not, then
>>40744

Find out why he deserves to live, what he has to buy his life.

>>40747
(as mentioned here:
>>40718
Scars of Yesterday can feel Valiance in Mr. Big)

>>40751
Oops, missed that.

In that case, kill him and let Wings of Destiny eat him. Our new hero needs a Valiance! After all, we don't know if the leg will work, this is a sure thing. And we still have the BR to trade for the leg anyway.

Mercy is worth it if the opponent is honorable. Cowards who attempt to steal from others when they are weak don't deserve it. If he cant ransom himself I say finish him off.

>>40744
>>40745
>>40747

'Why?'

'Please, I won't do it again, please, don't kill me, I don't want to die, please...'

He continues his meaningless babbling. He was all bluster. His refusal to accept his fate for having challenged foes stronger than he is sickening.


What should be done?

>>40754
(We have no clue what Valiance Mr. Big has, and some are more useful than others.)

>>40756
Ask him what his Valiance is.

Then kill him.

>>40759
This.

"Know that in your death, you shall serve KILLER QUEEN. Perhaps that will make it a bit easier."

>>40759

'Tell me what your Valiance is.'

'My-my Valiance? I can breathe underwater, please don't kill me, please.'

'Know that in your death, you shall serve KILLER QUEEN. Perhaps that will make it a bit easier.'

As Mr. Big continues to protest, his pheromones heavy with terror, I dig into his head through the missing eye, consuming his brain. He dies without pomp or ceremony, wailing for mercy until his last. Even Xephyr was not such a coward as this.


What should we do?

Finish him off and save the corpse for now. We can ask someone inside more about his valiance before we decide what to do with it.

Drag the corpse and your new food to the bank and then eat and rest.

>>40782
No, we do not eat the BR. we trade it.

>>40786
He never said what to eat.

But we need to trade the BR NOW before The Metal challenges us and we have to give up half of it to decline.

Go to the bank and tell them you're doing the trade *immediately*. Put the corpse in there too.

>>40782
We work together to bring both Mr. Big's corpse and the piece of Bohemian Rhapsody to the bank. Only a few stop to stare as we do so. It seems this might be a common practice.

In the bank, one of the small bugs hops over to our party.

'Greetings, honored guest! Would you like to make a deposit?'

'Yes. Please hold on to these for me.'

'Of course, honored guest.'

A small swarm of the identical little creatures hop over, and carry off our spoils.

We are tired, and food would be nice right now. I lead our group over to the guest chambers, and once again we gorge ourselves. I get a few strange looks, coated in gore as I am.

We eat our fill, and once more find a spot to rest and recuperate.

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

Some time has passed.

We are all well fed and well rested now.


What should we do?
!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday is no longer Lethargic.
!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday has regained the Shining Light Trait.
!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday can once again use STONER SUNSHINE.

>>40786
>>40787
(sorry, was already making the most recent update when you made these posts, and I missed them.)

Give the valiance to the flash accompanying you. Scout that can go underwater.

Can the Metal challenge us only in fight song or any time we are in other parts of the collective?

>>40796
(Look in discussion thread)

Well we could trade the corpse to Metallica for the leg. Sell it at the market for Rhapsody or something else or use it ourselves. Is a fairly situational ability though.

>>40791
Watch a few of The Metal's fights.
We need to know more about him.
Maybe send Flash to watch them.
Don't fight anybody until you figure him out.
Track down Metallica and trade him the BR for the leg.
I suspect that Mr. Big's Valiance might come in very handy...
After all, to survive underwater, you'd need something to conserve or create air, and that would mesh very well with Aerosmith and possibly the valiance off the Big O, but giving it to Metallica might let him No Time for longer or indefinitely.

Disregard if it's a shitty breathing tube or water-air conversion.

(As to what to trade in at the bank for the leg, this will be a voting thing. So everyone go ahead and say what you would rather trade in. Alternatively, if you want to go to the bazaar and see what people will offer for a Valiance that lets you breathe underwater, say so. Just be aware that Scars of Yesterday has never haggled before, and doesn't even know what that is. VOTING TIME COMMENCE)

>>40817
Let's see what people will trade before we go voting. We need to know all of our options.

>>40815
(Scars of Yesterday knows nothing about the Valiance other than what Mr. Big told him, so how the Valiance lets it's user breathe underwater is a mystery.)

I support giving Mr. Big to Flash. A scout that can go underwater is invaluable, regardless of the method it is achieved.

>>40794
>>40827
(Psst, no bodies of water have been seen during the entire quest, including the trip to The Collective. I only feel it fair to inform you of this.)

>>40828
Yeah I say trade the body and a little BR for that leg.

>>40820
(Ok, then to the bazaar first. Voting on what to do can come after that, I guess.)

I take some time to clean myself with the help of my honor guard (Wings of Destiny seems very enthusiastic about cleaning me. Odd.)

I am once again a resplendent golden hue, and I feel noticeably lighter without all the caked on gore and grime.

I head to the bazaar with my honor guard, and upon nearing it am made fully aware of just how hectic it is. There are pheremones EVERYWHERE, thousands of them all intermingling.

I am unsure as to how to proceed.


What should I do?

>>40833
Lurk moar.

No, really. Just wander around and look at things, listen in on others' dealings, that sort of thing. Learn through observation instead of jumping right in.

>>40833
Have Flash be our merchant scout. He's probably better able to tune into all the different conversations.

>>40835

I do not know much of how things work for barter. I wander about with my group, doing our best to try to pick out individual messages in the seething mass of pheromones, and try to learn.

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

DECENT INTELLIGENCE leads to...

I have learned some of what barter entails. Most merchants seem to display samples of their wares, but I have yet to see corpses with Valiance or Bohemian Rhapsody on display, despite smelling messages that indicate transactions involving them are occurring in the bazaar. I suspect that valuable commodities are kept safe in the bank. That makes sense.

When an individual identifies someone trading something they want, they then inquire as to what the owner desires in exchange. Frequently, there is a period where both parties attempt to sway the perceived value and cost of the commodities in their favor.

Additionally, it seems that those who trade in Bohemian Rhapsody and/or Valiances regularly are in the center of the bazaar, but are also considered to be the hardest bargainers, thanks to there being more demand for these commodities than there is supply.

!!NOTICE!!Scars of Yesterday now understands the following concepts: Haggling, Supply and Demand!
!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday has now learned where most of the merchants dealing in Bohemian Rhapsody and Valiances reside!


What should I do?

>>40839
Still think you should send a watcher after the Metal.
We must know what he can do, and I'd prefer we not find out what he can do by being on the receiving end of it.

>>40845
Flash has once more been dispatched to The Fight Song to observe The Metal.

I still am unsure what to do in the bazaar, despite having figured out the basics of trade.


What should we do?

>>40846
Listen in at the center for the going rates on Valiance and other high-end commodities.

>>40848
...Hm.

It seems that because Valiances are so varied, they can have almost any value. While I have been here, I have detected several transactions of only a couple units of Bohemian Rhapsody for some, and on the other end of the spectrum, there is still haggling occurring over one that is currently being offered for (100 units of Bohemian Rhapsody). The most common value range for Valiances seems to be (10-30 units of Bohemian Rhapsody). There don't seem to be many even attempting to trade anything other than Bohemian Rhapsody and/or other Valiances for Valiance.

Bohemian Rhapsody seems to go for many times its weight in food that is considered to be delicious by both parties (5/10 Quality, give or take), thanks to it rejuvenating and strengthening properties (as well as being phenomenally tasty).

...Hm. It seems intoxicating foods are valued fairly highly, and are sometimes exchanged at a rate of 1:1 for Bohemian Rhapsody if considered of high enough quality.


What should we do?

>>40861
Didn't we find some CRAZY root? Xom stuff, back home? Man, thaqt would be incredibly awesome here.

>>40846
Find Metallica

>>40871
I lead my group in an attempt to find the mighty warrior. Strange, it smells like he is here in the bazaar.

Following the scent, we find the titanic warrior, already evidencing new growth on his stub of a leg and missing shell half, fiercely arguing with a trader.


What should we do?

>>40878
See what's being traded if you can, but don't intrude on either of them for the moment. We don't want Metallica to be angry at us if we end up making him lose his train of Haggling thought.

>>40880
I start actively tracking their conversation.

'WHAT?! How can you be out of Honey? THAT'S ALL YOUR HIVE MAKES, YOU'RE HONEYBEES, ITS WHAT YOU DO!'

'But you ate it all-'

'LIES! There is no way I could have eaten all the honey an entire hive can make! There's what, ten thousand of you? And you are tellin' me that ONE BEETLE ate it ALL!?'

'I don't appreciate being called a liar!'

'WELL I DON'T APPRECIATE NOT GETTING TO EAT HONEY!'

....I don't think the bartering is going well....


What should I do?

Keep an eye out for a Valiance appraiser so we can find out what Mr. Big is worth.

>>40886
We are currently in the less expensive parts of the bazaar, and there aren't any merchants who trade in Valiance here.

>>40885
o lawdy.

Maybe we should move in and try to keep things from escalating to violence?

>>40914
'I KNOW YOU HAVE HONEY JUST TRADE IT ALREADY!'

'I said we don't have any more, and I meant it!'

'I CAN SMELL THE HONEY ON YOU!'

'..Maybe you should leave!'

'WHAT!? I'm yer best customer, AND YA WANT TA REFUSE ME!!'

Metallica looks to be becoming increasingly agitated.

...I would regret it later if Metallica resorted to violence and faced repercussions for it. After all, I someday want to be the one to surpass, kill and consume him.

I step forward, and enter the heated exchange.


....What should I say?

>>40934
Divert.
Tell him about how you found an XOBOXHUEG stash of BR, and you're willing to trade the info for the leg. :3

>>40939
'Greetings, Metallica.'

The gargantuan beetle turns to face you, still severely agitated.

'WHAT, WHAT, WHAT!? ..Oh, its you. Not now, I'm busy negotiatin' with this LYING BEE WHO WON'T GIVE ME ANY HONEY!'

'I asked you to leave!'

'WHAT WAS THAT!?'

I am losing his attention. I start talking about the first thing that comes to mind.

'Metallica, I found a large cache of Bohemian Rhapsody growing, perhaps-'

'Let me guess, you found it inside one o' the spires in The Crucible o' Valiance.'

He seems to calm a bit.

'Still, I'm impressed ya were able to get deep enough to find it so soon. Hell, I was expectin' it to take a good chunk o' time for ya to get there. Color me surprised.'

...It seems that at least Metallica knew that Bohemian Rhapsody was there. The honeybee merchant seems to have retreated in Metallica's distraction. I am unsure if he even perceived any of the messages involving The Crucible Of Champions.


What should I do?

>>40943
Praise your honor guard, they were as important to you in getting that far.

>>40943
Tell him the tale of your amazing seige of the Spire, your theft, and the death of Mr. Big.

>>40949
>>40950

'It was not just my efforts alone that brought us to the queen's lair within one of the spires. My honor guard was instrumental, and I doubt I could have achieved as much alone. Why, one of them even underwent metamorphosis, and become a new type of ant!'

At your words, Death On Six Legs takes the chance to rear up on his hind legs in a show of pride in his own strength, and Wings Of Destiny radiates gratitude for the words of praise. The They Might Be Giants with you stands there, unmoving and uncaring, a Mindless Drone.

'...Right, right, you ants are group creatures, ain't ya? Still, a small group makin' their way in that deep, I imagine ya had to fight a fair few termites.'

'Is that what they are called? Then yes, we slew over a hundred of the beasts as we fought our way through their tunnel systems and into the spire. We managed to steal some of the Bohemian Rhapsody there, but were assaulted by a bandit on our way back.'

'Well, yer here, so I figure ya didn't take kindly to such.'

'His eye and brain were most delicious, but Mr. Big, the beetle that attempted to rob us, died a coward's death, pleading for mercy until the end.'

'Huh. Where have I heard that name before. Mr. Big, Mr. Big... RIGHT, he's harassed mostly ants and other smaller creatures before. If I recall correctly, he had a Valiance o' some sort.'

'He did. We brought his body back to the bank in The Fight Song, along with the Bohemian Rhapsody we plundered.'

'That right? Well, it sounds like ya really went ta work out there. Ya still want ta get that leg? Just bring either Mr. Big's corpse or (15 units of Bohemian Rhapsody) if ya managed to snatch that much to one o' those critters that run The Fight Song, and tell 'em that ya want The Big O's leg. They know I okayed it.'

Metallica turns back to where the honey bee had been, and his antenna droop.

'Haaaaah... guess I gotta find some other bees ta get honey from. Too bad, that one's hive made some tasty stuff.'

Metallica starts to lumber off, his spiracles twitching as he seeks out the scent of someone selling honey.


What should we do?

>>40962
Let's do as he said, and go trade for the leg. My personal vote is to trade Mr Big, since water-breathing doesn't seem like an exceptionally useful valiance.

>>40965
Agreed!

>>40965
Assuming it doesn't alter breath in some manner.
I vote BR instead.

Is there a Valiance limit, Bob?

>>40965
>>40966
(Trade Mr. Big)

I leave the bazaar, and return to the bank in The Fight Song with my honor guard.

One of the small creatures hops up to me.

'Greetings, honored guest! This one would like to know if honored guest is making a deposit or withdrawal?'

'Actually, I want to trade the beetle corpse I brought in for The Big O's leg Metallica has. He said he okayed it with you.'

'Certainly Honored Guest! This one shall make the transaction and bring the leg to honored guest!'

I shortly have the massive leg of The Big O before me, with its complex and strangely shaped spiracles marking it as what I seek.


What should I do?

>>40970
(Scars of Yesterday is unaware of any limit, and Metallica did have six Valiances when you controlled him.)

>>40973
devour it. if you gain the Valiance before you finish, offer the rest up to Wings of Destiny: the possibility of more Valiance among the ants of KILLER QUEEN is too good a chance to pass up.

OMNOMNOM

>>40978
>>40981

(Okay, here's how this works. Someone rolls a d6. If you get 3 or above (would have been 4 or above, but a poster helped find the perfect name for the Valiance, so you get a bonus), congratulations, you get the valiance! Roll a 6 and there is enough left over another ant can try eating it! But roll a 1 or 2, and YOU GET NOTHING. So, whoever feels lucky, roll.)

rolled 5 = 5

>>40984
fuckfuckfuck here i gooo

>>40988
WOOOOOOOOOOOO

>>40988
I consume the leg.

As I feast, I feel my legs thickening, and developing some specialized spiracles and new internal organs in my limbs. So it seems the gambit worked. I have copied The Big O's devastating Valiance.

!!NOTICE!! Scars of Yesterday has gained the Valiance Unstoppable Impact! As long as he can place a leg's tarsus (the end part) in direct contact with an object, he can create a powerful blast of air to create a devastating attack!

(Okay, I'm stopping here for tonight, I'll post a little dealie with Scar's response to getting the new Valiance tomorrow, probably in the morning.)

>>40988
SCOOOORREEEEEE!

Suggestion 2009/09/10(Thu)00:08 No. 40998 ID: 06fc25
File 125256648885.gif - (86.19KB , 250x188 , 1227507497665.gif )

>>40988

So. It worked. I have replicated the Valiance that even Metallica was defenseless before. I experimentally wave my altered legs about. Hm, it seem that the carapace on them has been reinforced, and the joints seem more durable and flexible, capable of absorbing significant shock.

In addition to this new Valiance, I have learned much of how to use Aerosmith, even having formed a new ability that employs it offensively, Path of Glory.

I still have (15 units of Bohemian Rhapsody) and T.B. Sheets corpse in the bank, and I am well rested and fed, in as good of condition as I can naturally reach.

....I wonder, with this new Valiance, have I moved one step closer to reaching The Metal, to reaching beyond to Metallica? I have seen that there are many stronger than me, but have I made that group smaller?


What should we do?

>>41163
It is time to return to KILLER QUEEN. You've been more than successful, having acquired more bohemian rhapsody (as well as located a source), won the corpse of a spirited fighter in glorious battle, and helped bring about Wings of Destiny.

>>41165
Have I learned enough about The Collective? Do I possess enough knowledge for my beloved queen to decide on whether to join or not?

I still know nothing of these Founders Metallica mentioned, other than their apparent strength and unwillingness to go to war with The Mandarinian Empire.

I know nothing about what benefits KILLER QUEEN could gain from joining The Collective, or what is expected of members.

I have learned that the Mandarinian Empire is not barred from entering The Collective, despite the bounty offered for their warriors.

I.... still do not understand much of The Collective.


What should we do?

It's still too soon to leave.

Regarding joining the Collective, is it possible to arrange a meeting with one of the Founders? Barring that, we should find Motorhead and get our answers from him or at least get pointed in the right direction.

>>41168
I haven't seen any sort of ruling group/class in The Collective, but then I have only ventured to areas that Motörhead showed to me during the tour.

...well, that's not entirely true. I suppose those small identical creatures in The Fight Song do seem to govern a great deal of what happens inside the towering mass of The Fight Song.

I can only pick up old scents of Motörhead. Perhaps he is not in The Collective right now? He did say he functions as an envoy for this place.


What should we do?

Lets go ask one of the little guys where we can find more information about the collective. There should be a embassy area around here somewhere.

>>41206
Not sure how to learn more about The Collective, I go to the only established group I know, the strangely identical little creatures running The Fight Song.

I approach the pedastal in the main entrance, and shortly one of the creatures hops over to me.

'Greetings, honored guest! This one would like to know if honored guest is here to bet or fight?'

'Actually, I want to find out more about the collective, and what membership entails. Where do I go for that?'

'This one is to inform all honored guests inquiring on this line to go to the tunnel systems in the main chamber of The Collective, and follow the one with the warmest air down!'

Without further ceremony the small creature hops away to address another creature trying to attract their attention.

Hm. So I have a location now. I could go there now, and learn what I may about The Collective.

On the other hand, I am in The Fight Song, and have forged myself anew. Perhaps now is the time to challenge The Metal.

It is possible Flash has seen him fight, and has some insights on his Valiance.


What should we do?

>>41212
our first priority is to the queen. gather information about the collective, possibly about the founders.

another thing to consider; see if any of the Metal's defeated and maimed victims are willing to part with their lives and Valiance in exchange for the chance at vengeance.

Bob 2009/09/10(Thu)11:57 No. 41223 ID: 6164e0
File 125260907750.jpg - (85.53KB , 480x320 , Guard of The Founders.jpg )

>>41215

Hmm. The Metal is a foe I long to kill and consume in glorious and carnage filled battle, but my first duty is to my queen, and she tasked me with learning of The Collective. It is high time I learned more of it.

I make a mental note to attempt to persuade the maimed and broken fighters that The Metal crippled, to see if they would be willing to part with their lives and Valiances to see The Metal fall. I am unsure of the likelihood of success, but adept enough persuasion might net some positive results.


I lead our group out into the central chamber, and seek out a tunnel with particularly warm air currents. I find it easily, a tunnel that dwarfs all tho others I have seen, wide enough for dozens of beetles Metallica's size to walk side by side through it.

I start down the tunnel, and follow it as it slowly winds downward, the air growing noticeably warmer the farther we travel.

Eventually we make our way to the end of the tunnel, which opens onto a chamber with a great line of water cutting a path through it. There is only a small stone bridge crossing the mighty body of water, and on the far side is a mountain with huge tunnels opening in it.

On the bridge is a creature even larger than The Big O curled up, patiently guarding the bridge.


What should we do?

>>41223
Greet him:
"Greetings! My name is Scars of Yesterday, and I am here on behalf of the Killer Queen! I seek audience with one of the Founders."

Bob 2009/09/10(Thu)12:05 No. 41226 ID: 6164e0
File 125260951338.jpg - (157.82KB , 480x393 , Guard of The Founders in Motion.jpg )

>>41225
I approach the living mountain. I am determined to learn whatever I can for KILLER QUEEN, my sovereign.

'Greetings! My name is Scars of Yesterday, and I am here on behalf of the Killer Queen! I seek audience with one of the Founders.'

The creature spring upright with a speed that defies his incredible stature, and forms but a single message.

'NO.'

...well, that's not what I was hoping for.


What should we do now?

Inform him that the little guys sent you this way. Then ask who you should be talking to if not the founders.

>>41227

'The creatures in The Fight Song told me that this was the place to go to to learn more of The Collective. Was this not correct?'

'IT IS CORRECT. BUT YOU MAY NOT MEET THE FOUNDERS.'

'Then who should I speak to if not the Founders?'

'YOU SHALL SPEAK TO ME.'

It appears that this mammoth is both guard and receptionist. Very well.


What should I ask it?

Why did the Founders create the Collective?

>>41230
Might as well be polite and ask the GIANT INTERMEDIARY CRAB its name first.

Very well then, Guardian. My people have been invited to join the Collective. We should ask what such a business entails. What benefits shall we receive from joining this organization and what obligations will be be expected to fulfill?

We would further like to ask of other organizations in the area. The Founders, the Collective, the Mandarin Empire, as of yet we know of these three groups and our own, and of these three we know little. Knowing more of our surrounding area could do little but help aid us.

>>41239
'Why did the Founders create The Collective?'

'TO ENCOURAGE THE LESSER RACES TO BECOME STRONGER AND FORGE ALLIANCES.'

>>41240
'What title do you go by?'

'I AM SANTANA.'

....I had not noticed it earlier, but I feel Valiance in Santana.


What else should I ask?

>>41244
'Very well then, Santana. My people have been invited to join The Collective. We would know what membership entails. What benefits shall we receive from joining this organization and what obligations will be be expected to fulfill?'

'MEMBERS OF THE COLLECTIVE ARE TO NOT ATTACK OTHER KNOWN MEMBERS OF THE COLLECTIVE SO LONG AS THEY ARE MADE AWARE OF MEMBERSHIP UNDER PAIN OF EXPULSION AND DECLARATION OF WAR. OBLIGATIONS ARE TO PROVIDE TITHES OF RESOURCES TO THE COLLECTIVE ON A REGULAR BASIS.'

'We would further like to ask of other organizations in the area. The Founders, the Collective, the Mandarin Empire, as of yet we know of these three groups and our own, and of these three we know little. Knowing more of our surrounding area could do little but help aid us.'

'I WILL NOT TELL YOU OF THE FOUNDERS, IT IS THEIR WISH TO REMAIN DISCRETE. THE COLLECTIVE IS A COALITION OF ALLIED RACES AND NATIONS THAT MUST ANSWER TO THE FOUNDERS. THE MANDARINIAN EMPIRE IS A MILITARISTIC EXPANSIONIST EMPIRE THAT SEEKS TO CONTINUE GROWING THROUGH WAR AND CARNAGE.'


What else should I ask?

How large are the tithes?

Then we would ask who else is in the Collective. We have observed the Fight Song, so it would appear that many Valiant Warriors are members, but are there other organized forces like the people of Crescent members?

More information on the policies of the Collective would be useful as well. Would we be expected to go to war against those that attack our allies?

>>41255
'How large are these tithes?'

'ONE THIRD OF ALL FOODS GATHERED. AUDITORS WILL PERIODICALLY ASSESS WHETHER THE AMOUNTS BEING PROVIDED ARE OF THE CORRECT AMOUNT.'

...Hmm. A third of all resources is a hefty sum, but perhaps KILLER QUEEN would find this agreeable for gaining protection from any other members of The Collective.


What else should I ask?

'Would we be expected to go to war against those that attack our allies, should we join?'

'YES, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE MANDARINIAN EMPIRE, ANY WHO ATTACKS A MEMBER OF THE COLLECTIVE IS THEN CONSIDERED A THREAT TO BE CRUSHED BY THE COLLECTIVE. THE FOUNDERS WISH NO WAR TO BE MADE AGAINST THE MANDARINIAN EMPIRE, AND WANT NO MORE CONFLICT THAN INDIVIDUAL WARRIORS BEING REWARDED FOR EACH MANDARINIAN WARRIOR SLAIN.'

'Who are members of The Collective?'

'SEVERAL DOZEN BEE, WASP AND HORNET NATIONS, SEVERAL BEETLES HAVE SIGNED ON AS SMALL GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALS, AND MANY FLY AND DRAGONFLY SPECIES CLAIM MEMBERSHIP. I AM NOT AWARE OF THE SPECIFICS.'


What else should I ask?

"Would one be able to use the facilities here without being a member of the Collective?"

Fellows, I grow increasingly weary of joining this organization.

>>41263
(I don't know why I have been using single quotes this whole time, switching to normal notations for speech.)

"Would one be able to use the facilities here without being a member of the Collective?"

"YES, BUT ONLY ESTABLISHED WARRIOR GUESTS, THOSE WHO HAVE SLAIN AT LEAST ONE MANDARINIAN WARRIOR, ARE ALLOWED ACCESS TO THE FOOD PROVIDED IN THE GUEST CHAMBERS WITHOUT NEEDING TO PROVIDE SERVICES IN EXCHANGE."

Should I ask any more questions, or should we do something else?

I've had my questions answered, though of I imagine there are others who have concerns. Barring that, I'd recommend retiring to the guest chambers to discuss the matter of joining these people.

See you fellows in Quest-Dis!

(If anyone has further questions for Santana, now is the time, otherwise post what Scars of Yesterday and co. should go do)

The only contingency I was not clear on is what happens if a member of the collective escalates conflict with the Mandarinian Empire

>>41273
"One last question: Can one leave the Collective after joining?"

>>41275

"Can a member leave the collective at a later date?"

"NOT OF THEIR OWN VOLITION. THERE ARE REPERCUSSIONS."

Santana seems unwilling to elaborate on what these repercussions are.

>>41274
"What happens if a member of The Collective starts a war with the Mandarinian Empire?"

"THEY ARE REMOVED FROM THE COLLECTIVE, AND A BOUNTY IS PLACED ON THEM."


What should we do now?

>>41278
Any currently outstanding bounties that we might hunt up?

>>41279

"Any currently outstanding bounties?"

"THERE IS A REWARD OF (50 units of Bohemian Rhapsody) OFFERED FOR ERADICATING THE KILLER BEE HIVE TO THE WEST, DEEPER IN THE FOREST. SEVERAL OF THEM HAVE VALIANCE. THERE ARE NO OTHER CURRENTLY OUTSTANDING BOUNTIES OFFERED AT THE MOMENT."


What should we do?

Well fellows, I think it's about that time. We've gotten the information we need, but this is a big matter. Do we join the Collective, yes or no. I imagine it'll come down to a vote, like most major things here.

I'm probably jumping the gun a bit, but I have to depart shortly and would like to have my vote in all the same.

Hell no! Forget this Collective! We've done just fine on our own so far and we'll continue to do so! We retain the benefits of the Fight Song all the same. No reason to lash ourselves down with unnecessary rules and regulations, no reason to become subservient to some anonymous entity like the Founders. I'd see us have no part of such a thing! Glory to KILLER QUEEN! Glory to Crescent!

And that said, I bid you adieu. I expect good things in the future, gentlemen.

>>41284
AGREED VEHEMENTLY.

Seriously, the only major threat to us is the BEEEEES. And those BEEEEEES are in the Collective. Fuck that shit.

>>41284
Let's clean out the bank and return to our queen, she needs to hear this.

>>41284
Agreed. The only advantage to joining the collective was to help with taking out the Mandalorians (or whatever), but now we find out that isn't going to happen, so yes: fuck that shit indeed.

>>41287
> bees - collective

wait, what? which bees? only bees we have seen are the mandarinian empire and the ones selling honey in the bazaar.

>>41290
(Psst. How do you plan to return? It was a decent length flight to get here, and Wings of Destiny cannot carry everyone and the stuff at the bank. Hm, maybe you could find transportation at the Bazaar.

Also reminder: Currently, The Metal is aware you have killed a warrior of the Mandarinian Empire. Leaving him alone with that information could come back to bite you in the ass. JUST SAYING.)

>>41296
as scars, we don't get to decide to join or not; that's KILLER QUEEN's call.

i suggest followup on the eat metal's victims thing. if enough agree, watch one of metal's fights, then decide from there, but make a note to fight him sooner rather than later, regardless.

>>41307
(So, to The Fight Song, hunt down crippled fighters who tried to fight The Metal?)

I wanna know why we keep putting off challenging The Metal anyway. It always seems to be the second or third thing on the todo list, but it never moves up. END HIM.

>>41320

...The Metal has threatened you, kept you from fighting in The Fight Song, and is a part of the same Empire that attacked Crescent.

He must die.

I journey to The Fight Song. I see the crippled individuals that tried to oppose The Metal. Grunge, Punk Rock, New Wave, Techno, The Metal destroyed them all.


Should I challenge The Metal now, or should I talk to the broken warriors first?

>>41324
Not that I think doing so is a grand idea, but if you must approach these broken souls, tact is your friend. Tell them it is your desire to Destroy The Metal, and ask if there is anything they can offer to help you, to exact some measure of vengeance for their pain.

Under no circumstances should you walk up and go "Hey, can I eat you so I can fight the Metal?" or anything like it.

>>41324
Watch one of his fights.

Speak with the broken warriors first. If they have families or dependents perhaps we can offer them sanctuary at Crescent in return.

>>41329
Flash finds me in short order after I arrive, and she informs me that The Metal has not been challenged in my absence. It seems most fighters shy away from The Metal.

>>41327

I do not pity these maimed warriors. They fought, and they lost. The strong get to do as they will with the weak. Nevertheless, they might know something about The Metal that may prove useful. I walk up to them, their attention focused on me. They remember me.

'I intend to challenge The Metal and slay the warrior. I wish to know if you have learned anything of value about The Metal in your fights with him.'

'...The Metal has but one Valiance, but the one is enough. The Metal is durable, almost unbelievably so. Just his wings are as hard as many fighter's carapaces, and his body itself is so fortified that so far none who have fought against the monster could wound The Metal.'
'Once more we recommend that you not challenge The Metal. You will die, just as others have.'

The cowards are broken in spirit as well as body. Still, the warrior we fought in Crescent was already exceptionally well armored, for The Metal to be even more durable....

>>41331
>>41328
(If you want to broach this subject to the crippled warriors, write the proposed dialogue up. It will be hard to convince them, so choose your words wisely.)


What should I say/do?

Hmm. Sorry, a brief aside. I can't seem to find the information about what qualifies one to enter the Fight Song. Might it be possible for our friend Wings of Destiny to get a battle in?