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Recent Events Summary:

You have defeated Erebus, and regained your old self. Now it's time to put things right, once and for all.

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Ability Tree

GREEN abilities have been unlocked and learned.

BLUE abilties are unlocked, but are not yet purchased.

RED abilities are revealed, but locked due to prerequisites.

UNDERLINED abilities are active-use, as opposed to passive. Not all active abilities require mana.

All Revealed Ability Descriptions:

http://pastebin.com/LMq32gnV

Books the Main Character has read:

http://pastebin.com/dAXR00gP

Character Sheet including learned abilities and other important information:

http://pastebin.com/fparJYat

It's time.

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Current Statistics:

HP: 81/81
Mana: 90/90
EXP: 10

Shards of Order and Chaos:

(Retribution) - Resonant
(Maker) - Resonant
(Silence) - Resonant
(Peace) - Resonant
(Breeze) - Resonant
(Hammer) - Resonant
(Ardor) - Resonant
{Resolve} - Resonant
{Humanity} - Resonant

--Summoned--

-none-

--Automatons--

-none-

--Equipment--

-none-

--Inventory--

-none-

--Teleport Anchor--

Just south of Evinbrook Basin

--Current Location--

Great West Ocean, about 95 miles southwest of Kan-Abar

---------
---------

Known Mana Pools:

Jacob's Field - entrance to Hecate's tomb - Spirit
Jacob's Field - Hecate's Chamber - Spirit
Tarun Gakth - Under Refuge - Shadow
Palthair Mines - Magnock's Lair - Spirit
Archon - Spirit District - Spirit
Archon - Shadow District - Shadow
Archon - Earth District - Earth
Archon - Water Distric - Water
Haven - Shadow
Abbotsford - Shadow
Aurora - Water
Va'ad - South Generator - Earth
Va'ad - North Generator - Earth
Arland - Dryfeld - Water
Kan-Abar - Royal Gardens - Earth

I can't believe we're at 125 threads already, and so close to the end. Seems like just a while ago we were a blob wondering what to do about this little girl and her undead issues.

Thanks for the ride, SM, hope it ends on a high note.
Though if all goes well we can drag it on for another thread or too because I wanna milk this as much as I can. We need a long-ass epilogue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1rn9FXFK48

You stand on the edge of the hole that your magic warped straight into the Nemesis. The wind blows across the deck, whipping your clothes. You've already shifted back to being John Nyx.

Was Erebus wrong?

You don't know. You just don't have it in you to weigh and judge the experience of a thing that existed for that long. It's beyond your timescale to begin to compute, like comparing the life of a man to the life of a star.

You want to protect the people you care about. That means protecting this fragile world, the world Erebus believed he had to destroy. It was either you, or him.

But you do feel sorry for him. At the end, there, you could still feel his life force. He had strength enough to keep fighting. But he didn't. He just fell back onto the deck and let it happen.

Maybe he didn't care anymore. Maybe he couldn't care. Or maybe he just wanted someone to do what he didn't have the courage to do himself.

>Wireless disconnect from Vigil system detected.
>Reconnecting...

>Connected.
>Refreshing Universal State...
>Universal State created. State refresh active each five seconds.

>Welcome, User Erebus.
>Warning - Foreign UUEG particulates rendering Vigil System 99.5% inactive
>Recommendation - Remove UUEG energy directional source

A map appears in your mind. A blinking dot soars through a cross-section of the Nemesis and centers on the bridge. An image of Yi Fang appears next to the map. You're indicated as well, standing on top of the ship. Dozens of other presences populate the image in moments.

<...Vigil?>

>Awaiting commands.

<How do I seal Chaos without destroying Venia?>

>Analyzing...

>con't

>Situation Premise: The solid material growth present upon the Barrier, colloquial term 'Venia', is a unique phenomenon created by the interaction of Order and Chaos at the breach point of the Barrier. Observations suggest that both User Erebus and 'Chaos' shaped the nature of the growth, including its apparently sentient and independently-acting inhabitants.

>The solid material relies on the prescence of the Barrier as a foundation, but draws energy from Chaos. Even more succinctly, it is structured by the LUEG, but powered by the UUEG. It subsists at the unstable balance point between the interaction of the two types of energy.

>Solution: Maintain conditions 'on the ground' within tolerable boundaries to foster the stability of the Venia landmass and sentient lifeforms.

>Current implimentation of the Barrier relies upon sealing the point of entry of the UUEG to an immovable point in spacetime. A serious line fracture in the Barrier has allowed Chaos to [layman's term] leak out. Therefore, maintaining conditions will require the fundamental nature of the Barrier to be changed from one of complete containment to a high-pressure valve which can release controlled amounts of UUEG into the local region, thus preserving the ambient energies upon which Venia thrives, while allowing the Barrier to maintain integrity over geological timescales.

It's a little esoteric, but you think you're following. <Alright,> you say. <How do we change the Barrier from a seal to a valve?>

>The system has already completed structural redesign blueprints. They merely need be implemented.

>con't

<Explain them.>

>User Erebus will guide the Vigil system to the breech in the Barrier. The system will stabilize the external structure, thereafter entering into outer layer of the core. It is likely that UUEG energies will present formidable challenges in this region; the system shall deal with these using minimal response countermeasures. Once the outer layer is pacified, the system will approach the breach in the inner core wall separating the UUEG access point from fully actualizing spacetime.

>Thereafter, modification will commence. Half of the system will remain at the wall of the outer core and modify the structure there; the other half will modify the inner core. However, UUEG energies are in dangerous flux, which may compromise the remodeling process. The remodeling must be facilitated by temporarily subduing UUEG energy flows; i.e., User Erebus will enter the Inner Core and use his design parameters to accomplish such.

<Will I survive that?>

>Survival rate is dependent on the threat level of current Inner Core UUEG growth, which is unknown.

<That's great.> You stand there for a moment, thinking. <When I was...before, when I came to retrieve you, you mentioned that the elementals would be needed.>

>Correct. The Elementals will be needed to power the remodeling process. They represent a physical bridge between the two energy grids, and therefore are integral to creating a 'valve'-type structure. They will be anihillated during the procedure.>

<What?! How the hell am I supposed to get them to kill themselves?>

What Vigil tells you next is something that you see, rather than hear - like an image displayed before your eyes.

>con't

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

>Suggested Methods:
>(1) - Persuation (likely success rates: Hecate 77.5%, Geb 96.5%, Leviathan 22.3%)
>(2) - Lie (likely success rate 99.7%)

<...lie how, exactly?>

>It is not required for the Elementals to know about their own demise. Once they enter the remodling machinery, they will be trapped well beyond their ability to affect.

The thought makes you uncomfortable, but you can't argue with something that probably has the computing power of 1,000 Stewards. Still... <Let's say I try to persuade them...but Leviathan doesn't like it. What then?>

>It would be nessecary to subdue Leviathan and force him to comply.

<...is there no other possible power source? What about dynamos?>

>Artificially created UUEG-point generators colloquial 'dynamos' are insuffient. Vital is the connection between being and the UUEG. That connection is strongest in the Elementals. A substitute power source of equivalent capacity would equate to approximately 345,968 sentient lives. This would be required three times over.

<So either the elementals die, or a million people die?>

>Correct.

<This is ridiculous. There has to be another way!>

>There is no other available method that can be implemented in the timescale required. Core collapse is imminent. User action must be immediate. The Vigil system highly reccommends concealing the consequences of assisting with the remodeling from the Elementals in order to spare the largest number of lives. It is the most efficient method.

Efficient. Robotic. Are you just a machine, then?

But what are you supposed to do? This is it. This is the solution. The most dangerous road demands sacrifice. But can you in good conscience lie directly to the other Elementals?

You might not have the luxury of choice.

<What happens after?> you ask Vigil. <After the Elementals are set, and I subdue the core?>

>con't

>The Elementals will be applied to the outer layer. User Erebus will be applied to the inner layer.

<...are you saying you're going to use me like you'll use them?>

>The Vigil system is only a complex computational and assault apparatus layered upon a core of the User's own intelligence. The common comparison is that of a man and a computer. The System offers a solution; the User executes.

<Then this is a suicide mission.>

>Correct.

<There's no way out for me, is there?>

>In your case, even alternative connections are useless. The entire methodology is based upon your unique simultaneous connection with both the UUEG and LUEG. It is unknown how this was accomplished, but it is beyond physical theory as it stood at the time of the Willful Human Ascendance, as does much of this situation. However, this stands to reason - one could take all of this as a grand experiment, a merger of the UUEG and the LUEG never before dared, let alone attempted. User Erebus stands as a microcosm of the situation as a whole, and contains the potential to be the foundational unit of the new 'valved' Barrier.

<...what happens when I die?>

>Analyzing...
>File Corruption
>Unable to answer inquiry.

<You've answered every single one of my questions. What the hell is a corrupted file?>

>User Erebus accessed the Vigil system and corrupted all files relating to User mortality, regeneration, and other related last-resort contingency plans. It is unknown what they were, or if they were still operable.

<I definitely didn't do - >

You stop.

No. You didn't mess up Vigil's files. Erebus did.

>con't

The damn bastard screwed you over right before he died. Maybe you did have a way out - but this was his last little dig at you before you erased him, his tiny little chuckle as he was shredded into oblivion. He could have probably just erased everything right from Vigil outright, but he left enough for you to find out it WAS there, dangling like a fruit that you can't quite reach.

He predicted exactly what you would try to do.

Whatever sympathy you felt for him a few minutes ago evaporates like a shallow puddle on a hot day.

<Is there a way to restore these files, or make new contingency plans?>

>Calculations that complex will require more processing time than is currently available until Core destablization, but this will be made an ongoing priority using downtime processing capacity.

<So let me get this all straight,> you tell Vigil. <We rush into the core. You destroy whatever's in our way. You stablize the outer core, then use the three lesser Elementals like sacks of mana to rebuild it to my specifications. Meanwhile, I head into the very inner core, fight Chaos until it's forced back a bit, and then willingly walk to to my death so you can suck me dry to reshape the inner core. And afterward, we've got no idea what will happen to me, or to anyone else. Does that sum it up?>

>Correct.

<What do you do when I'm no longer around?>

>Efforts can be made to modulate core integrity. Otherwise, the System will resume passive standby status.

<Vigil,> you say, <is the solution you've laid out me in which Venia can continue to exist the only way? Are there no other options?>

>While taking into account all known variables from User's Mind State, past and ongoing observations of the physical situation, technologies both magical and mundane available to Venia's sentient existences as well as the Vigil System, and using all available computational power, this is the only viable solution available that accomplishes the stated goal.

>con't

You don't know how you're supposed to react to his.

<Is that it? One more flight, one more fight, and then...>

>It was known upon accepting this mission that is might lead to the death of the User. This is within expected parameters.

But you didn't accept this mission, though Vigil can't seem to tell the difference. You aren't Erebus. And you're not sure if you're quite prepared to die.

That doesn't really matter, though, does it?

"Shadow?"

You look up. Abigail is next to you, her voice raised a bit against the winds whistling by the crusing Nemesis. Her armor is already gone. You realize that she was walking toward you - in fact, the entire exchange between yourself and Vigil occured in hardly a few seconds.

"Abby." Suddenly, you have to feel her for a moment. Make sure she's real. That she isn't going anywhere. You move to her, and take her in your arms, and hold her. You brush a hand through her hair. "Abigail."

"Hey." She giggles a bit when you lift her into the air. "No fair. You're stronger than me."

"I love you."

"Love you too." Her eyes are watering. "You're really back."

"Yeah. I am."

For the moment.

You don't say that part out loud.

"I guess...it's kinda soon to be saying this." You set her down so she can speak properly. "But...things aren't good. We have to keep moving."

You hear a groan from a short distance away. The two of you glance over. Donovan is healing his own wounds, but it's slow going. You both start toward him and help him to his feet.

"Eh, Shadow. Damn. You broke my ribs in half, you know."

"Hey, that wasn't me."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." He grunts, and stands straight. "Shit. Alright. So, what's the plan for the core? Do we even have a plan?"

>Tell Donovan and Abigail the full truth.
>It's better if they don't know the very end of it. This is the only way.
>some other strategy

>>32949324
>Tell Donovan and Abigail the full truth.

They deserve it.

>>32949324
HELL NO. If we say or think anything here Hecate will overhear it. If she knows that we might lie to her and get her to commit sudoku, I guarantee you she will be pissed.

>>32949324
>It's better if they don't know the very end of it. This is the only way.

>>32949324
>Tell Donovan and Abigail the full truth.

>>32949266
>User Erebus stands as a microcosm of the situation as a whole, and contains the potential to be the foundational unit of the new 'valved' Barrier.

Seems like we need to get chaos's assent to help with this, frankly.

Looks like its dreamwalk time.

And.... possibly use david for this also, since he's an order entity.

>>32949136
I know that feel and I wasn't participating until like #94

>>32949324
>It's better if they don't know the very end of it. This is the only way.
Of course it ends with self-sacrifice.

>>32949388
>And.... possibly use david for this also, since he's an order entity.
Oh yeah. Dave. He'd probably work for this, wouldn't he?

>>32949388
Captain, I'm detecting high concentrations of Wrong in this post.

>>32949324
>>Tell Donovan and Abigail the full truth.

"I just learned something so big, I need a second opinion. Not here. But there's no one i trust more than you two."

>>32949401
That's actually a good point. Can we have Vigil analyze David and see if his order-chaos fusion munchtimes in the core have made him a suitable substitute or addition to most of our power for the price to be paid?

>>32949324
So there isn't a way to just slow the Barrier's corruption down for a more comprehensive solution to be realized?

Fine, whatever.

>>32949324
>It's better if they don't know the very end of it. This is the only way.

>>32949425
Vigil analyzed absolutely everything Shadow or Erebus know about David already.

>>32949408

Why?
David is a mixed chaos-order entity - he's human, who was given a MASSIVE injection of order(arbiter) and then left to steep in the chaos-soup of the nether for centuries

This system doesn't care about the thing fueling it.

Vigil said it:: Beat up an elemental and throw it in.

Same thing, replace erebus with david.

>>32949324
>>Tell Donovan and Abigail the full truth.

>>32949324
>It's better if they don't know the very end of it. This is the only way.

Sometimes the right way isn't really good.

Can we get an estimate to how long we have until core collapse, how long until we must start the plan in order to finish before core collapse, and whether Vigil knows about David and how he could play into the situation?

If the Dave thing works, I move to officially change the name of the SQ book release to "Tragedy of David".

>>32949425
>>32949453
Supporting. It's worth a shot, at least.

>>32949446
>Vigil analyzed absolutely everything Shadow or Erebus know about David already.

Which is jack shit, because nobody's actualy seen him in full.
just little bits of tentacles

>>32949324
>Tell Donovan and Abigail the full truth.

>>32949453
In your case, even alternative connections are useless. The entire methodology is based upon your unique simultaneous connection with both the UUEG and LUEG. It is unknown how this was accomplished, but it is beyond physical theory as it stood at the time of the Willful Human Ascendance, as does much of this situation. However, this stands to reason - one could take all of this as a grand experiment, a merger of the UUEG and the LUEG never before dared, let alone attempted. User Erebus stands as a microcosm of the situation as a whole, and contains the potential to be the foundational unit of the new 'valved' Barrier.
How do you turn this into "there is totally another thing like you, it's name is Dave, and I'm just bullshitting about you being a unique being."?

>>32949324
>Tell Donovan and Abigail the full truth.

>>32949453
David's not a human, he's a chaos/order hybrid like the Venians, just with a higher order-to-chaos ratio.

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>>32949453
How is anyone this bad at reading comprehension?

>>32949324
>It's better if they don't know the very end of it. This is the only way.

>>32949503
>How do you turn this into "there is totally another thing like you, it's name is Dave, and I'm just bullshitting about you being a unique being."?

Vigil, scan david.

>>32949324
>Tell Donovan and Abigail the full truth.
They deserve to know.

Also, do demons possess mana? I haven't quite wrapped my head around how they relate to Chaos as an energy source.

>>32949324
>Tell Donovan and Abigail the full truth.
No more lies, let's just get this over with.

>>32949324
>>Tell Donovan and Abigail the full truth.

>>32949503
And just like Vigil said that souls could be used to substitute for the unique connection to the grids via Elemental forms, is it not reasonable to ask if David's massive power level and similar makeup to us could be used to substitute at least -part- of our power for the process? Coming out with just scraps of power and alive is better than dead and gone.

>>32949324
>>Tell Donovan and Abigail the full truth.
Them and everyone else in our inner circle, not Adavan for Hecate reasons though

>>32949605
We might live anyway, Erebus Anderson scrambled the files.

Also, the quest gonna end. If this is how SM wants to play it, let's just get it over with and get on with our lives.

>>32949324
>Tell Donovan and Abigail the full truth.
Fang would lie. Shadow's always been pretty judgmental of Fang's methods.

Plus, if we don't tell them it's a suicide mission, it'll be hard to stop Abigal from coming with us. We also don't know for sure that it's a suicide mission. I really, really doubt that Erebus would fuck with a file that just said "u dead, nigga" in order to try to fuck with us.

We know from Erebus creating us and separating his power into shards that it's entirely possible to peel the individual off of the bundle of Order (and presumably Chaos) that makes them up. We should be able to have Vigil do this with us and the other elementals at the last minute and send us back on an escape pod.

>>32949487
No shit. Irrelevant to the fact that
>. Can we have Vigil analyze David
Is a useless suggestion, since it's done all that's practical that it can do in that respect.

>>32949579
He's in the goddamn Nether, you can't just suddenly get data from him until you actually are already in the midst of implementing this plan to dive down past the outer Barrier where he is waiting for you.

>>32949627
>He's in the goddamn Nether, you can't just suddenly get data from him until you actually are already in the midst of implementing this plan to dive down past the outer Barrier where he is waiting for you.

Except, you know, the last thing we said to him was 'we'll find a way to rescue you'.

He got stuck there, should be a way to undo it.

And either vigil can scan him now or they can't, but the above infodump you're referencing doesn't account for our arbiter at all.

>>32949626
>do this with us
Okay

>and the other elementals
I'm sorry are they magical shapeshifting cyborgs from a dead sci-fi civilization?

>>32949388
>>32949453
>>32949579

It seems that you can interact with the system at a very high speed - it's almost like hardly an instant passes. You figure you can contact Vigil at any time for advice.

With Abigail and Donovan waiting for an explanation, you try one last thing that comes to mind.

<What about David? He's like me - order and chaos, mixed together. Could he substitute for me?>

>Unknown. Current data suggests that he might be used to supplement your own presence, which remains crucial. It is unlikely it would make any discernible difference in your chance of survival, though it may significantly accelerate the remodeling process.

<How is that helpful?>

>If the remodeling processes is accelerated, than User Erebus will be required to keep the Inner Core point subdued for a shorter period of time.

<Can you get me more data on David?>

>He is not currently in analyzable range. The radiation from the Inner Core is too powerful for effective observation at current distances. Exponentially more accurate readings can be obtained by minimizing system-to-target distance.

<Alright, I got it.>

It's something, at least. A small something...but at this point, anything that might help is welcome.

--------------
--------------

You need to make a decision.

You know that Hecate can listen in. For the moment, you'll wait until everyone's back in Arland, and in once piece. Then you can speak with them in private. But what will you tell them?

Vote 1:
>tell them the full truth

Vote 2:
>it's better to leave out the very end of the plan, at least for now.

>>32949655
Because our arbiter isn't relevant.

Vigil knows everything, we have no choice but to obey.

>>32949655
>While taking into account all known variables from User's Mind State, past and ongoing observations of the physical situation, technologies both magical and mundane available to Venia's sentient existences as well as the Vigil System, and using all available computational power, this is the only viable solution available that accomplishes the stated goal.

You really think o yes, that giant tentacles guy we cast into hell who keeps trying to crawl back out isn't a 'known variable'.

He has been weighed, and found wanting.

>>32949670
1

>>32949670
1

>>32949670
1

>>32949626
>Fang would lie. Shadow's always been pretty judgmental of Fang's methods.
Shadow also realizes that Fang can still sometimes be less than terrible, and that his methods, shitty as they may be, get things done.

Not saying we should lie, I'm not sure what to do here, but using a Fang comparison doesn't seem like the right way to call it. And the lie WOULD be for the greater good, no doubt.

>We know from Erebus creating us and separating his power into shards that it's entirely possible to peel the individual off of the bundle of Order (and presumably Chaos) that makes them up. We should be able to have Vigil do this with us and the other elementals at the last minute and send us back on an escape pod.
I'd like to try asking Vigil about this. I feel like SM's given us a dilemma that we're not supposed to be able to avoid, and I'm sure he has a plan for it, but he's also always been willing to change if a good plan comes up.
Barring that one time, but we've said enough about that already.

>>32949670
1

>>32949670
1

>>32949670
1

>>32949670
1

>>32949670
2

>>32949657
>implying you have any idea how peeling the individual off of a giant blob of magic works
Maybe it will work, maybe it won't. They're similar enough to our own existence to at least think it might work, and it'll be something to bring up if we decide to tell the other elementals the truth.

Writing.

OH! OH! Epiphany time!

Okay, so, we need the three elementals as big mana depositories. In order to fix the whole thing, they have to use up everything they have.

BUT. BUT. What if we had MORE elementals? Like, say, four more that we just happen to know the exact whereabouts of?

If we have Vigil factor in the additional energies of Hyperion, Raijin, Logi, and Aeolus, maybe there would be enough mana that none of them would have to be drained completely!

>>32949764
Or with Leviathan, if he finds out we could say "If it's any consolation, I'd die as well."

>>32949764
>They're similar enough to our own existence

Erebus effectively is Vigil, his whole being was recreated, he's the CPU of the ship. He made a backup of himself in Vigil's storage.

They don't have a hard link to Vigil over OrderFi, they aren't designed as part of a computer system, they are nothing alike in the ways that matter for this purpose.

>>32949817
Why can't we back up ourselves in Vigil?

>>32949795
Yeah, this.

>>32949795
I'm pretty sure the reason Hecate, Geb, and Leviathan are necessary is because they're a mixture of Lower and Upper Energy grids.

The other elements are pure Upper energy.

>>32949795
I was trying to keep that under my hat anon, why'd you have to blurt it out

Time to ask Hecate to summon the other four then.

>>32949817
Can we link them to the system?

>>32949832
>Why can't we back up ourselves in Vigil?

We could probably use vigil to back ourselves up into the erebus-resurrection-leyline system, actualy.

So that WE pop out next time, instead of Erebus

>>32949836
I thought that all mana was Lower energy and that only Erebus used Upper energy.

>>32949836
>I'm pretty sure the reason Hecate, Geb, and Leviathan are necessary is because they're a mixture of Lower and Upper Energy grids.
>because they're a mixture of Lower and Upper Energy grids.
Actually all seven of the elementals are a mixture of Lower and Upper Energy grids.

>>32949771

Hey SM.

What if we patch the core right now, and then install a valve later?

>>32949858
You think Vigil somehow forgot about them?

It's virtually omniscient.

Now shut up and prepare to die.

>>32949903
The breach is currently too big to be contained by just a patch.

>>32949876
Can you plug a hamster's brain into your USB port?

>>32949903
That's obviously not a solution because it wasn't mentioned.

It's all or nothing right now. Just strap in and get ready for the Deus ex Machina.

File: I failed you.gif (1 MB, 245x172)

1 MB GIF

The plan's proceeding as expected.

>>32949907
Someone's butthurt about Erebus getting his ass kicked.

>>32949927
But we are the Deus and we came directly from the Machina. Are we our own saving roll?

>>32949936
No, that would be me, at how ridiculously easy that battle was.

Without the four higher elementals on our side, even.

>>32949239
>>Survival rate is dependent on the threat level of current Inner Core UUEG growth, which is unknown.
>>32949670
>Exponentially more accurate readings can be obtained by minimizing system-to-target distance.
Does Vigil have a probe to detect this sort of thing? Because if so, we can pocket that and have it take a reading from directly inside the Nether. Distance doesn't get much more minimized than that.

>>32949916
I think he means Seal, and then before everyone outside dies work on a valve plan that's less bad.

>>32949953
Oh, I get it. You can't handle LORD EREBUS getting one-upped by puny Venians.

>>32949817
Entropy doesn't exist in this universe. We have absolutely no idea how any of this really works.
>Erebus effectively is Vigil
That's probably why Vigil can't tell the difference between us, why Humanity was able to hack it, and we only had to kill a little tiny portion of it while the vast majority was held in the Sky-Sever.
>He made a backup of himself in Vigil's storage.
Maybe. Erebus has always acted like he was the real deal, not just a clone created for the purpose. I doubt Erebus would've actually sacrificed himself to dick around.

>>32949936
We lost whatever backup plan Erebus had which could have saved us from dying when he died.

>>32949907
>>32949927
>discussion is bad
>just shut up and stop trying to make plans
Usually it's harder to spot the trolls.

Wait what about Not-Magic World ruled by David the Asshole? If we create a valce wouldn't the release affect the other world with UUEG?

Also, isn't there a way to delay the degrading process so we have more time to plan?

It's 7 in the morning so it might be time to go to sleep already. I'll be brief.


Erebus managed to survive as a conscious entity by uploading his mind to Vigil. We may be capable of doing the same.
We can instruct Vigil to search for methods of creating us a new body with assistance of every powerful being we've met on Venia.

By what I seem to remember, we have about a week before the Core becomes exceedingly difficult to repair. Backup plans can be made.

>>32949936
No, that's fine.

Just like our death is fine, if it's the very end of the quest it's not like we'd be missing anything.

And if we do live, then it will be because of information we don't currently have available, because Erebus deleted it. It's pretty much just a leap of faith.

>>32949990
You mean all the build up and doompaul adding up to fairly little danger and ultimately no real costs? SM has consistently gone easy on everyone. Otherwise Abigail would be dead, and the core would have been breached ages ago because of the brilliant decision of picking a fight with Temerity.

>>32950140
This.

>>32950140
Yeah, why not try making a copy of our consciousness? We're basically an AI.

>>32949884

Basically, just the other way around. The Upper Universal Energy Grid (UUEG) is Chaos/mana/magic.

The Lower-UEG is Order, and is what Erebus uses.

>>32949903

That's a very good thought, honestly, but Venia is too unstable to survive a patch.

In a sense, you would be cutting Venia off from its mana in order to buy time to fix things, but there's just no more time. Venia's already crumbling apart at the seems.

>>32949957

Vigil is a massive whole, but it can instantaneously compartmentalize itself into thousands of fully-functional individual units. Basically, Vigil as a whole is a massive battlestation/manufacturing facility. It can also split into what is basically a swarm of 5,000 Nemeses. ANy of those could serve as a probe, once you get where you're going.

-------------
-------------

You tell Abigail and Donovan that you'll need time to sort things out. They take that quickly enough.

You've already felt them, and seen them, through Erebus, but it's quite an experience to meet the other elementals. Geb is sort of like a rocky golem with a tree stuck on his head. He speaks simply, but is actually rather talkative. You take a quick liking to him.

Leviathan is much more quiet. The ever-flowing elemental greets you curtly, but you can tell he doesn't trust you. Then, if you were him, you might feel the same.

Fang removes the Skysever from around Vigil, and the pretty banged-up Nemesis moves to dock with the larger craft. Almost immediately, Vigil's iron hull expands, fractures into pieces, and surrounds the comparatively ant-sized airship. Everyone panics - it seemed so obvious, so immediate, that you didn't think to explain it to them.

Vigil wraps the Nemesis in an embrace and repairs it at high speed. In just a few minutes, Auriel's readouts show the craft to be at maximal health - no, even better than it was before. And improving rapidly.

>con't

>>32950186
Because [File Corrupted]

You're not sure how your own technology is integrating with something completely foreign so quickly...but you can feel it, in a way. At a certain point, technology just becomes magic.

You order Vigil forward to Arland. The entire ship Jumps, and reappears at high altitude, far above the city. You decide it's best not to frighten people out of their minds.

The Nemesis detaches to bring you all back down to earth. You tell your allies, and the elementals, that you have Vigil working on a strategy. In the meantime, you meet with Abigail and Donovan alone in the flooded gardens, a few miles from the city - safely away from any prying ears.

Nestled between the low-hanging trees about to bloom in the early spring, you tell them the truth of the current plan.

Abigail stares.

Donovan folds his arms. He leans against a tree. He looks at his feet, and says nothing.

"No." Abigail rushes forward and embraces you. "We'll find another way. You're not going to die."

"Abby - "

"You are not dying, do you hear me?!" Abigail's voice turns from a whisper into a shout. "I've lost you enough, Shadow. I've lost you too many fucking times to loose you again, I just - I can't do it. I can't let you go. Don't go." She's crying. Her fist hits your chest. "No. We can find another way."

"...there is no other way."

"There is. We just can't see it yet. It's there."

"All of the backup plans Erebus had are gone," you say, "if he even had any. I had plenty of time to think about it while we walked down here. Vigil has taken everything into account. Everything we know, everything we could use. I'm sorry, Abby. This is all I have."

>con't

>>32950188
>That's a very good thought, honestly, but Venia is too unstable to survive a patch.
>In a sense, you would be cutting Venia off from its mana in order to buy time to fix things, but there's just no more time. Venia's already crumbling apart at the seems.

Seems like we could use Vigil in place of ourselves to hold things together, too

>>32950245
It's our Order-Chaos fusion that's necessary to set a valve on the core.

File: computerilliterate.jpg (30 KB, 640x480)

30 KB JPG

>>32950245
Have you read the infodump at all?

Vigil will be completely busy remodeling.

>>32950211
Why didn't we bring up that technically speaking, we might be perfectly capable of surviving, but Erebus just deleted that file to be an asshole?

"I refuse." She glares at you. "I will not accept it."

"Wait," Donovan says. "What if - well...say, Erebus was the kind that liked...to be challenged, I guess. Sort of. What if this is part of the game?"

"What do you mean?" you ask.

"Well...maybe the backup plan is already working, or something," Donovan says. "It's just that Erebus decided to...test you, sort of, by making sure you couldn't know about it. To see if you really would go through with things anyway."

"That sounds pretty far-fetched."

"Well, he was a messed-up guy, wasn't he?"

Donovan's idea gives you a sort of fleeting hope, but you can't help but feel he's grasping at straws.

You meet his eyes.

Oh. Now you get it.

He knows he's full of crap. He's just making that up as an excuse to give Abigail something to hold onto - so she'll go along with it. He understands that there is no other way.

His eyes flick back to Abigail, and then to you. He gives you a nod. He'll take care of her, when things come to a head.

What do you do?

>fully refute Donovan's idea and tell Abigail that, for you, this is a one-way trip
>play into Donovan's theory so that Abigail will go along with the plan

------------
------------

>>32950140
>>32950186

Erebus made a copy of himself, didn't he? Or, he transferred himself to Vigil, somehow, before dying...

Can you do the same thing?

You ask Vigil about the possibility.

>Analyzing
>File Corruption

>Unable to assess methodology
>Reanalyzing
>File Corruption
>Branch pathway regarding specified subject is inaccessible

You feel your anger at Erebus grate across the surface of your brain.

>>32950277
>>fully refute Donovan's idea and tell Abigail that, for you, this is a one-way trip

>>32950277
>play into Donovan's theory so that Abigail will go along with the plan

>You feel your anger at Erebus grate across the surface of your brain.

Oh SM, you don't like it when we try to come up with simple solutions to your dilemmas.

>>32950201
That just means Vigil had no direct answers in its database. We have just figured out step 1 of however many steps there are in complete resurrection. This step means that the epilogue may have us descent upon Venia in a mortal shell to live happily with Abigail until death shall us part

>>32950277
>play into Donovan's theory so that Abigail will go along with the plan

>Analyzing
>File Corruption

>Unable to assess methodology
>Reanalyzing
>File Corruption
>Branch pathway regarding specified subject is inaccessible

Oh, come on. Now you're being as much of a dick as Erebus was.

>>32950277
Just tell them the truth. That Erebus deleted all the files pertaining to how we could survive this, and Vigil mentioned that David might be able to increase our chances of survival.

Say that while we are willing to face our death, we aren't completely resigned to it just yet.

>>32950277
>fully refute Donovan's idea and tell Abigail that, for you, this is a one-way trip

>>32950165
>SM has consistently gone easy on everyone
Or, y'know, it just wasn't that kind of story.
>Otherwise Abigail would be dead
Nope.
>brilliant decision of picking a fight with Temerity
What alternative was there? Temerity wanted to murder everyone Shadow knew and card about. He wasn't going to budge from that position. Do you think meeting Erebus with half the shards in open rebellion would've gone well for us? Do you think Temerity would've just sat on his hands as we collected and converted the rest of the shards?

File: simpsmug.jpg (26 KB, 140x160)

26 KB JPG

>>32950277
>fully refute Donovan's idea and tell Abigail that, for you, this is a one-way trip

>>32950305
>>32950320
You're only catching on that this is CHOO CHOO quest now?

>>32950343
Yeah, we told them that, too.

>>32950305
>>32950320

Look, this is a spoiler.

No, really.

I'm warning you.

Fine. Fuck you.

Come on, just stop here. You can still turn back. No one needs to know you moused this far.

You're like one of those terrible people that goes and reads the IMDB plot summary before seeing a movie.

Alright, here's your hint:

Everyone needs to go back and read.

If you see it, don't say anything. Just keep it to yourself.

>>32950343
This.

There's no reason to just tell Abigail that we're going to die and that she needs to deal with it. There's a realistic chance that there's some way of surviving. We should straight tell them that Erebus deleted shit to mess with us.

>>32950343
>Say that while we are willing to face our death, we aren't completely resigned to it just yet.

That's it, right there. Good work, anon.

>>32950366
>Everyone needs to go back and read.
Read what?

>>32950277
Either pull a Fang and lie to her ot pull a Fang and be bluntly thruthful with her hmm?

>>32950277
Tell her that in all likelihood we are going to die, but if there's even the smallest chance of survival, we'll find it.

Rolled 1

>>32950366
OOOOO SHHIIIIIIT

>>32950366
But if its something critical to our survival/happy end shouldn't we mention it?

>>32950366
>Everyone needs to go back and read.

>If you see it, don't say anything. Just keep it to yourself.

I'm at the point where I'll just trust lolwutt or autismanon or someone else to do it. I cba to pour over 150 threads.

>>32950402
So can we go with this, for what to say to her?

>>32950366
>lolol, here's a hint
>reread the hundred and twenty four other installments so that I can feel justified in bad ending you when you fail to notice the needle

>>32950438
No it's somewhere in the last few threads.

SM if you're setting us up for an Aristocrats joke to end the quest, I swear I will punch you on the arm. Hard.

>>32950459
Don't forget all the Part 2s and sometimes even Part 3s.

>>32950413
Tell me

>>32950466
Well if you know it, will you at least bring it up at the right time, or are you just gonna stand up there on your ivory tower and whisper no?

>>32950413
Did you actually find something?

>>32950438
If it's the thing I think it is, it's not a "scrape the entire backlog for hints" sort of thing. It's in this thread.

I'm a little skeptical of just assuming it'll work how I think it will and letting it slide without clarification, though.

That, or I could just be reading too far into the wrong thing entirely and could be shooting myself in the foot mentally, so who knows.

>>32950405
>>32950413
>>32950524
>>32950503
>>32950438
>>32950466
>>32950516
>>32950459
>>32950499
Hey guys.

If you see it, don't say anything. Just keep it to yourself.
That means that it's not something we actually have to worry about, he wants us to keep quiet for a reason. And if you haven't caught it yet, you deserve to suffer.

>>32950416
I'm reading it as we're already basically locked into it so long as we don't die to Dave/Chaos and Donovan's lie wasn't too far from the truth. Telling us not to mention it and then killing us for failing to vote for it would be a douche-move.

>>32950549
At this point, I don't think there is such a thing as reading too far.

I still say try and factor in the upper elementals. We're gonna meet them anyway, seeing as they're supposedly locked away inside the core.

>>32950402
Then we tell her that.

Let's just get on with things then.

We should talk to Geb first. and I feel like Hecate deserves the truth as well.

>>32950565
>And if you haven't caught it yet, you deserve to suffer.
Nigga, I'm going over Vigil's technobabble with a fine comb. Which do you want, the Watsonian or the Doylist perspective?

>>32950576 is what I'd agree with for storytelling purposes.

>>32950351
Quoth SM:
>The near death experiences are slowly bringing back your common sense.
>It's a good thing, too, because as far as I'm concerned, the plot armor is starting to wear reeeeaaaally thin, in all senses of the term.
Plot armor is all that let Abigail escape with only a lost hand.

And you can't even get to meet Erebus when you're dead.

Seeing as how instigating an open battle began the complete destruction of Venia as Chaos breaks free at last, and only a meta offer of plot armor allowed things to proceed otherwise regardless....

Literally anything else was a better decision than Shardfight 20XX.

>>32950413

Surely this can only indicate good things yet to come.

----------
----------

You look at Donovan for a moment longer, and give him a smile.

You grasp Abigail by the shoulders and face her. "Abby. You're taking this the wrong way."

"You'd better have a damn good explanation about how I'm taking it the wrong way!"

"I'm saying that I'm willing to face death, not that I'm resigned to it," you tell her. "Vigil mentioned that David might be able to help my chance of survival - and Erebus only deleted the things related to how I can get out of this situation. That hardly means there isn't a way out. I've got plenty of chance enough. But right now - this is what we have to do."

Abigail swallows. He puts her hands on your arms. "You swear...that this isn't just you jumping into a pit to save everyone else? You promise?"

"Really. I promise."

"...alright. Don't think I'm letting you out of my sight!" As if punctuating her declaration, she takes your wrist and holds it in a vice-like grip. After a moment, you get her to choke up to hold your hand, instead. Her fingers feel like they could crack walnuts.

Donovan sighs, and stands up off his tree. "So I guess, then...do we tell the other Elementals what's at stake, or not?"

Vote 1:
>don't tell the other Elementals the true nature of the plan. It's cruel, but you can't risk the entire world on your ability to convince them to kill themselves.

Vote 2:
>tell the other elementals the truth, and convince them to go along with the plan

>>32950636
1

>>32950636
2

>>32950614
But think of all the tickets we sold! The revenue! Spectators will be talking about it for eons!

SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAAAAYYYYY!

>>32950636
1

>>32950636
1

>>32950636
2

>>32950636
Can we at least tell Geb?

Maybe Hecate?

Leviathan can suck it.

>>32950636
2

Oh. Oh, I think that's it.

Seriously though, I'm just throwing out whatever pops into my head. I want a happy end, damnit!

>Welcome, User Erebus.
>Warning - Foreign UUEG particulates rendering Vigil System 99.5% inactive
>Recommendation - Remove UUEG energy directional source


The Skysever is the combined energies of thousands of souls. Maybe not enough to fully replace the elementals, but still a big chunk.

>>32950636
1

>>32950636
1

>>32950636
Can't we selectively lie and selectively tell the truth to the elements?

>>32950636
I vote for convincing Geb, then Hecate, then going from there.

>>32950668
We ain't telling nobody. Imagine the casualties if we have to force the elementals to their doom.

>>32950636
2

>>32950678
This is...a surprisingly good point. Vigil asking time?

>>32950636
2

>>32950678

Huh.

>>32950689

Sure.

Does everyone want to tell Hecate and Geb the truth and then maybe possibly lie to Leviathan?

>>32950636
2

>>32950678
I didn't think of this. Let's ask Vigil.

>>32950636
2

>>32950636
1

Does anybody else think that we'll at least encounter the upper elementals when we go in the core?

>>32950710

I don't. I think it goes against shadows character. Using Levi like that seems inhumane, forcing him to do it seems evil.

Shadow doesn't consider using someone if it is for the greater good, he seeks an alternative path.

>>32950710
Go for it.

>>32950636
2

>>32950710
There is a statistically relevant chance telling any of them the truth will lead to a failure and cause massive collateral damage.

>>32950710
Sure

>>32950710
Geb first. Have him help us sell it.

>>32950636
2

>>32950710
At this point why do things halfway. No, just go full disclosure.

>>32950636
2

>>32950710
Yes.

Geb and Hecate know Leviathan better than us so they'd be able to form a more accurate opinion.

>>32950678
>>32950725

Vigil informs you that, like the variable of the Skysever, it made speed up the remodeling process, which may take some of the burden off of you. However, while the Skysever may be effective in the outer core, Vigil concludes that the magic that maintains it cannot be used close to the inner core.

------------
------------

I would have gone with keeping it secret if a good majority voted for it, but it seems mashed up.

I like the idea of convincing the elementals one at a time; it seems in-character. Keeping the risk low without compromising your values, so-to-speak.

Let's speak with Geb first. He's a shoe-in. Then you can move on to Hecate.

I'll write your conversation with Geb. In the meantime, what will you say to Hecate to convince her of what needs to be done?

>>32950735
If nothing else, getting Geb and Hecate on board will be likely to make breaking it to Leviathan go more smoothly.

And if he's really still so mad at Erebus, I suspect that learning that their sacrifice is likely to turn us into a glorified energy spigot for the rest of eternity is going to get him on board. I'd imagine he'd appreciate the thousandfold karmic retribution for Erebus' role in Leviathan being stuck as a water purifier for 700 years.

>>32950791
Going full disclosure is still an option, like picking that option doesn't guarantee lying to Leviathan.

>>32950802
Tell her that if she truly cares about her people, then she should be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for them.

>>32950678
Yeah, lets ask Vigil about the Sky Sever

>>32950813

I'm fine with convincing him to help us or sacrifice himself. Lying to him on the other hand, might as well be us forcing him to work and die for us. Like slavery.

>>32950802
We could promise that she'd always live on in their dreams, and she would become a part of a new world free from the Elementomarchy, and one that no longer is on the brink of destruction?

>>32950859
I suppose we could make a lot of promises that we can't keep.

>>32950802
Wait, can we ask Vigil just what the fuck the realm of dreams is?

Like how does it work?

Is it a physical location within the core, some parallel dimension of some kind or what?

>>32950802
People are voting 4-5 times at best, abusing multiple WLANs and force refreshing mobile IPs. Votes measure individual persistence, not public opinion.

>>32950886
Yeah good point. To be honest though, I don't really remember much about Hecate beyond her being generally reasonable but having some Authoritarian tendencies.

Vigil said there was a 77.7% chance of her joining us, so we should be able to come up with SOMETHING.

>>32950902
>force refreshing mobile IPs
That's a thing?

Either I'm way off course with this or everyone just keeps ignoring it, but I'm gonna keep asking it until I get an answer.

Can the other elementals, namely Hyperion, Raijin, Logi, and Aeolus, help us in repairing the core?

>>32950916

I think she will be on board with the simple idea that, "The world is ending. If you don't agree to sacrifice yourself with me to stabilize and stop it, there is a 100% chance of everything ending in a chaotic tornado of death." The 23% is if she thinks she has a better chance if she did her own thing, whatever that is. Since that is basically the scenario that Vigil is working off of. If we say there might be a way to save ourselves that will be reviled when we get close to the end, I think we can bump that up to an 80% chance.

>>32950945
Just toggle mobile connection on/off, works every time unless the service provider has set up IP reservation so they bind to the phone's MAC for X hours.

>>32950976
They hate us. Hyperion and Logi might help us if we get good rolls, but probably not Raijin and Aeolus.

>>32950831
SM beat you to it slowpoke.

Also it's practically worthless, ;thousands of souls' is like, 0.9% of the quota needed at best.

>>32950890
Using Vigil as your personal fluff provider while you can? Devious.

<I'm going to try to convince them,> you say firmly. <It just wouldn't feel right to lie to them. I can't.>

"Well," Donovan says, "I figured you would. Good luck."

--------
--------

You meet with Geb, first. Getting him to come with you into the flooded gardens is a simple task. You tell him you'd like to take a walk, and he just nodded and followed you.

He's a condensed form of the Earth. You can see it where he walks. Grass jumps and springs around his feet. Seeds sprout and grow where his feet leave the ground. The trees seem to shiver as he passes. More than a few flowers open early. It's like watching a little patch of Spring spread around the gardens.

You stop when you're comfortable with the distance.

Geb looks over his shoulder. "Alone," he grumbles quietly. "No Spirit to listen. What does the Good Shadow want?"

"...there's something I need to talk to you about."

You tell him pretty much everything. It's a very one-sided conversation. He never asks any questions. He never interrupts. He tilts his head on occasion, or nods.

You ramble on. You find yourself talking faster than you usually do. You're nervous. You try to keep your voice steady.

You reach the end of your story, and the plan, and you stop.

Geb just looks at you.

"...well...that's how it is," you say.

Geb nods. "That is how it is."

"What will you do?"

Geb shrugs. "There is no choice. We...have no choice. Humans...Rocklings...Treelings...they have choice. They have life, and death. Beginning, and ending. We only ARE. And what good is that?" He sighs. It sounds like rattling gravel. "I have many rocks and trees to say goodbye to."

"Then you'll help me?"

Geb nods. "Call the Spirit. She cannot listen so far away, but if you call her, she will hear. I will help you speak to her."

There's no time like the present. You call out to her.

-----------
-----------

>continued when I see what people are saying we should say

>>32950890
Yeah, this.

>this verybfr
I couldn't agree more, Captcha. Very bfr indeed.

>>32950813
>>32950828
>>32950979
These are what we have so far.

>>32951035

Rockbro shall be missed most I think

Make sure Adavan is with us when we bring it up with her. He'll probably vouch for our character.

>>32951035
Tell Hecate that we need her help for this. No bullshit, no manipulation, nothing that Erebus used against her.

Straight up admit that we don't have the power to do this alone.

>>32951100
Actually I think he loves Hecate too much to do that.

>>32951012
I realize that it's improbable, I just want to know if it's possible.

>>32951100

I think this is a bit beyond his scope.

>>32951035

>>32950828
More or less.

><I shall gather once more the mages whose souls are locked in Spirit, that I may further a cause of perfection and harmony in society. Adavan tells me that the new country Archon is such a place. I cannot dither here while my people lack their guide; for I have returned, and with me, my guidance. Shalt I restore to them their former glory? I must, for I do possess the growthing strength to act in such a manner."

>She tilts her head. "And beyond; my purpose shall be to relieve Geb of his suffering, that he might walk proudly once more, and attend to those of his that have survived, his own treelings.>

We've reached a point where we need to choose between the guide and the guided. A people without a vision to guide them is diminished, but a leader without a people to lead is less than nothing. So on and so forth.

And even then, it's not like Hecate is the only one capable of leading her people to prosperity. She knows Adavan (who is not going to be happy with this state of affairs) will definitely live up to her vision for the future, and Hecate's met Abby as well.

And hell, even Auriel has been making an effort. The future isn't all that bleak even without further intervention.

Especially given the last bit of her speech, having Geb on board should be huge in convincing her. Geb has just as much reason to want to stay around as she does, and he knows what needs to be done. He's choosing to prioritize a future for his people over one for himself too.

>>32951035
>Humans...Rocklings...Treelings...they have choice. They have life, and death. Beginning, and ending. We only ARE. And what good is that?" He sighs. It sounds like rattling gravel.

>"A good zombie is still a zombie. It's not right to live forever like this, moldy and smelly, so I have to go, though I love you, my town."

I can't help but think Geb might appreciate hearing this story before we go.

Rolled 4

>>32951035
Can we please get Hecate to Un-Lich Adavan, like she said she would?

Gah, I feel like tearing my hair out here.

Look, I know it's the longest of shots, for all intents and purposes impossible, and they have more reasons NOT to help us then to help us, but I just want to know if, IF, the other four Elementals were included into the equation, would they all stand a chance of living through it?

Looking back at Erebus's lines from when we met him, the dude was a nutter. The idea that there are actually people that liked him is disgusting.
There doesn't seem to be anything to helpful pre-fight.

>>32951133
Technically it's a choice between the guide and everyone, both guide and guided.

>>32951191
It would certainly speed up the remodeling process, Vigil informs you.

>>32951191
And how, exactly, did you plan to get them out of the Chaos and into our reversed electric chair?

>>32951206
Vigil didn't say anything about the Higher Elementals, just Hecate, Geb, Levi, David, and the Skysever.

Can we ask Vigil if there is an easy, mess free way to free Hyperion?

>>32951196
>liking fictional characters you don't like
Yes, imagine.

>>32951239
>>32951191
Vigil can't see into the Core, if we do run into them, then we'll see what happens.

Don't worry about it.

>>32951191

I wonder if after the plan is enacted, and we are all used to create the valve. Could we be recovered with a spell like they were going to use to summon Hyperion or w/e the demons were going to summon?

#askvigil.

>>32951232
It was a joke, anon. I was saying the answer that we're all thinking we'd get. Note that I used the word "informs" instead of "informed". Present tense, as if it was being answered now.

And she appears - just like that. No ceremony, no great magic or sigil. She's simply there a moment later. The gardens are bathed in her orange light.

<Shadow. Geb.>

"Hecate."

Geb just nods in greeting.

<For what was I called?>

You tell her.

It was a good idea to approach Geb first. You worked out some of the kinks. Your explanation to Hecate is a lot smoother.

You finish.

<So,> she says, <I am to be complicit in an act of ritual suicide.>

"I don't have the power to do this alone," you say. "I know what I'm asking. But I need you. We all need you."

Geb grumbles some sort of sound, and then he says: "Spirit...has many children. Like Earth. We must protect them. They are our existence. Alone...we are dirt, and dead bark. But with them...we live in roots, and flow through the trunk, and feel the sunlight on leaves. We are hot iron in a forge. Our BEING is only to exist for them."

Hecate closes her eyes. <I have spoken to Lien at length, of late. It seems...that things have changed. The world has moved on, without us.>

"Time," Geb says, "is a strange thing."

<Yes. It is.> Hecate looks at you. <You may tell yours what you will, Shadow. You shall not tell Lien that my fate is sealed.>

"Then you'll help us?"

>con't

>>32951256
That would probably end up undoing the valve.

<This is a choice between Lien and myself,> she says, <between all those of Spirit and myself. I am sure that I could make them great. But also, I know - I am introspective enough to see it, Shadow - the interjection of myself into their lives and livelihoods would bring a great disturbance. Of course, I believe they should all be better for it in the end...but here I must choose either their lives, or mine. And if I am not a hypocrite, I must chose theirs. For it is as Geb has said. Their lives give us definition. Without them...we are ideas, thoughts, elements, floating in a void, attached to nothing. We would be like Erebus, then. It is little wonder he went mad.>

"I consider Adavan a friend. I don't like the idea of lying to him."

<I consider him as something else,> she says, <and I have made my decision.>

What do you say to Hecate?

>I think you should tell Adavan the truth. He deserves it.
>I won't pry further.
>some other strategy

>>32951287
>I won't pry further.
Don't push. We lied to Abby, after all.

>>32951287
>I won't pry further.
Let the girl handle her husbando.

>>32951287
>>I won't pry further.

>>32951287
>I won't pry further

>>32951287
>May I at least know why?

>>32951287
>>32951304
Exactly. I would let it be as she wants it anyway, and we really can't turn around and tell Adavan against her will when we just kept it from Abigail.

>>32951287
>>I think you should tell Adavan the truth. He deserves it.

>>32951267
>>32951287
Poor bonebro.

>some other strategy
If you can't bring yourself to tell him now, at least leave him something personal so he knows why you did what you did. Being stuck with only his own thoughts on why for the rest of his (very, very prolonged) life would make him miserable.

>>32951336
>Did you tell Abigail you would die? ... I thought so.

>>32951287
>>some other strategy
>>32951336
>>May I at least know why?

I like this

>>32951376
D'aww lolwut that's so sweet of you.

>>32951304
>We lied
Did you?

>>32951304
>We lied to Abby, after all
When? That there might be a way of surviving isn't a lie.
>>32951287
>I won't pry further.

>>32951376
>If you can't bring yourself to tell him now, at least leave him something personal so he knows why you did what you did. Being stuck with only his own thoughts on why for the rest of his (very, very prolonged) life would make him miserable.

This plus "i've been thinkin of what to leave my dearest and closest friends."

>>32951376
Yeah that works.

Like leave him a letter, or a gift or something, for him to find afterwards maybe?

>>32951385
But he did.

>>32951376
On that thought, maybe we should leave something for Abby in the same sense.
Even if if you didn't read SM's earlier spoiler (who am I kidding, of course you did) don't bother with this one.
We know out of character we're probably going to be fine to some extent.

>>32951417
Do we have any XP on us at the moment, I feel like we should Arbiter SOMEONE before the end of the quest.

>>32951441
We only have 10 EXP. That's not enough.

>>32951417

I think shadow should have Vigil write a book. Shadows biography.

>>32951441
We said no, Joey. You aren't getting the shadowy appendage.

>>32951441

I think we should use our last Artifact to manufacture a mind-branch of us to leave in a lesser form with our compatriots while the main fork goes off to save the world.

The Shadow Shard.

>>32951451
Hey that means we can erasure the core!

That solves everything doesn't it?

>>32951461
Except he's Judgment.

>>32951461
Or we could artifact something that helps us stay alive.

>>32951461
What if we fucking artifact Vigil

"...I understand."

<Yes. You do.>

"...I don't know Leviathan as well as you two," you say. "I'm not sure how to convince him. He seems to have taken the news of Erebus's betrayal a lot worse than either of you."

"I will speak to him," Geb says. He does not elaborate.

<I will attempt to reason with him, as I can,> Hecate says. <It may very well be that he will not listen to reason. We should move to a location further away from human settlement. He will be most comfortable near the ocean, or another body of water...but that will also make him more dangerous.>

Where do you meet with Leviathan?

>meet with him there, in the gardens; you don't want him to feel like he's being 'approached'
>in the middle of the Southeastern Wastelands
>on the coast of the Southeastern Wastelands
>some other strategy

>>32951479
I'm not even sure that's possible.

>>32951479
All artifact does is connect the object to the LUEG. I'm pretty sure Vigil's already connected.

>>32951462
This kills the Venia.
>>32951441
I'm guessing that all of our Servantings and what not will wear off when we sac ourselves.
Would be a bitter-sweet twist if Shadow became mortal but Abby stayed an immortal avatar of order. And we know SM has a boner for bitter-sweet.

>>32951489
>on the coast of the Southeastern Wastelands

>>32951479

Consider it something already artifact-ed.

>>32951489
>in the middle of the Southeastern Wastelands
>on the coast of the Southeastern Wastelands

What's the difference?

>>32951479
>What if we fucking artifact Vigil

I'm pretty sure vigil does the artifact creation process so

>>32951515
One is in the middle of the desert, one is near the ocean, aka Levi's territory.

>>32951489
>on the coast of the Southeastern Wastelands

>>32951479

"Lets turn the Twinkie factory, into a Twinkie."

>>32951489
On the coast. He'll be extremely cagey if we call him out to the middle of nowhere and gang up on him.

>>32951510
Worth a shot haha. Fuck guys I feel there must be some way to artifact our way to victory

>>32951489
>on the coast of the Southeastern Wastelands

>>32951527

Ahh, i think i assumed the wastelands were in the middle of a swamp in the water nations territory for some reason.

>>32951515
One is by the water, one is landlocked.

The former makes it more likely he doesn't put on his tinfoil hat and bolt when we ask him to come meet with us, the latter means if we do manage to get him to meet with us in spite of that, he'll be less effective if it turns violent.

>>32951489
>on the coast of the Southeastern Wastelands

>>32951547
>Worth a shot haha. Fuck guys I feel there must be some way to artifact our way to victory

This will likely be used last-second during the valve-creation process

>>32951547
Artifact Venia.

>>32951587
>Artifact Breast Implants
>Put them in Joey

>>32951574
>This will likely be used last-second during the valve-creation process
>Steward doesn't move. "We have copious volumes of data on observational studies conducted by 002 concerning the barrier. While analyzing the release of your power, I detected a pathway opened to a energy source of significant potential."

>"Yeah," you say. "Some sort of gateway."

>"Similar openings are scattered through the barrier at regular intervals. They are constantly pouring in this energy as a counter to the waves and pulses of chaos that wrap the barrier-space. Based on the pattern of intervals, we detect that none have been damaged. I would conclude that your artifact power could add nothing that isn't already there and in operating at full effectiveness. However, perhaps, if you could augment your ability, it might be used to replace the section of the barrier that has been damaged."

>Augment your artifact ability? You can only wonder at that. It's so strong already. How much power does the barrier need?
If this is still accurate, Vigil is basically going to be turbo-Artifacting it from the outside, and we're going to be doing the same from the inside.

So what was the point of those two floating islands that Dave came from?

Feel like we should do SOMETHING with them, but I can't think of a purpose.

Also I'm worried that they might invade Venia later.

>>32951653
We could have Vigil print out a couple copies of How Things Work for the Venians. It'll be centuries before the other masses decide to break the dictate set by their god.

"Let's meet him on the coast of the Southeastern Wastelands. It'll be an elemental-only gathering. And hopefully it'll make him a bit more comfortable."

Hecate nods. "I'll speak with him about it. Let us gather in an hour."

----------
----------

Geb sinks into the ground and vanishes. Hecate teleports away.

Between Blinking, and traveling at top speed, you manage to make it to the coast of the wastelands in a half-hour. You can already feel Geb waiting.

You land next to him, scattering a storm of sand as you slide to a stop. It blows past him; he doesn't budge an inch.

"How did you get here so fast?"

Geb shrugs. "Time is a strange thing."

Well. Alright then.

You both stand there for a time, listening to the waves. You suppose Hecate and Leviathan are still a few minutes out. Now would be a good time to speak to Geb.

>ask Geb something
>wait for Hecate and Leviathan to show up

>>32951653
They are under strictures from God to only guard against their escape.

They were useful pawns in Erebus's absence, but don't offer anything of use that Vigil can't provide.

>>32951691
>ask Geb something
"What was Venia like before the Elementomachy?"

>>32951691

What's it like creating life, being a father?

>>32951691
So... ARE dynamos people?

>>32951691
>>ask Geb something

"The dwarves and the elves, i think, still have arguements over which you favored more."
"Before we go.... you should set the record straight.
"Just so there aren't any arguements after we're gone. can't have that rivalry stuff starting up again."

>>32951729
Absolutely this.

>>32951691
<So. Is that a tree trunk between your legs or do you want to fuck?>

This is dumb, so I'll say it.
Why don't we take the leaks from the core and divert it into another type of islands that can serve as elemental planes to contain them?

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>>32951753

>>32951753
Someone write this.

>>32951769
...fuck, that's brilliant. But do we have enough time?

>>32951729
Yeah this works.

>>32951774

Man, if only that vote had passed. We should totally ask SM what would have happened if we decided Shadow identified as a lady when this is over.

Imagine Adavan's face if we find some way of surviving the "suicide" mission and Hecate's still dead.

>>32951787
Unfortunately I don't think we do. Like I'm pretty sure there ARE dozens of theoretically better solutions that would mean everyone lives, it's just with all the flashy battles happening, we no longer have any time left but to do this.

>>32951799
>>32951799

hahaha fuck, sure

>>32951813
He won't have a face anon, he'll just be tears.

>>32951799
Given that the two major figures in Shadow's formative days were Ellendra Kalladar and Abby, that was a plausible outcome.

>>32951815
>Unfortunately I don't think we do. Like I'm pretty sure there ARE dozens of theoretically better solutions that would mean everyone lives, it's just with all the flashy battles happening, we no longer have any time left but to do this.

About the only way this happens is we beat down chaos in the core and MAKE them stop spreading while we come up with a better solution.

What we need is an armed recon party in to the heart of chaos, with steward serving as a vigil to relay everything to vigil.

>>32951838
I remember that Erebus himself was intrigued by the "humanization" thing that happened to Abby's mom, but there's no time for that either.

It'll probably be fine. Geb and Hecate seem to have accepted their deaths in that they no longer fit in the world and shit.

>>32951830
>Shadow picks a female form
>Erebus remains the same
>That day his 'shadow' came home, Erebus found something about himself he never realized in all these years.

>>32951830
>ignoring Flint
Ellendra was important really only because it set the tone of the quest. For a long while, Shadow was actually rather suspicious of her.

>>32951889
<...damn, girl me is hot.>

"So...Geb."

"Hmmm."

"What was Venia like before the Elementomachy?"

Geb frowns for a moment. "The same. Only, different. I made a volcano. It was not there before. Tarun Gakth was mountains and valleys, all lush and greened. Now it is canyons and desert. And other things."

"The dwarves and the elves still fight over you," you say. "It might be a good idea to set the matter straight."

"Hmmmmmmmmmmm..." The rumble that comes from his mouth is especially long, this time. "Do you think I have not tried?"

"Well. I don't know, frankly."

"I have tried. Tried and tried. But when rocks clash, they spark. I pushed hard enough - yes. I could make the rocks soft. But then, they wouldn't be rocks anymore. And so I believe, that rather than change rocks so that do not spark, it is the Self that must change, to accept that scraped rocks shall spark."

You're not sure if you'd be able to go with the flow so easily. But then, he implied that he didn't for a time. Perhaps it would be a greater terror to force the elves and dwarves to cooperate.

For a moment, you have a horrifying mental image of a tyrant Geb, and you're suddenly glad he's the down-to-earth sort.

It isn't long until Hecate appears. She nods to the two of you. <Leviathan will be here soon.>

"Soon...is now." He rises from the ocean, an flowing wave that never crests. "So then, Shadow. What begs this meeting of the minds?"

Hecate and Geb wait for you to speak.

You:

>try to couch your words as gently as possible
>be blunt and forthright with the situation
>take a middle ground
>specify dialog

>>32951893

Up until Tarun Gakth Shadow was essentially neutral.

But we still had a second chance when Shadow was deciding when form to take for the formation of the Alliance.

>>32951917
>take a middle ground
Don't act like Erebus, but don't act all wishy-washy, either.

>>32951917
>call him a faget
>420Nightblazeit
>Activate Titanic

>>32951917
>take a middle ground

I want to follow the advice of a certain Captain this time.

>>32951917
>be blunt and forthright with the situation
SHADOW DIPLOMACY GO

>>32951917
>other

POCKET!

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1.72 MB JPG

>>32951926
FAAAAAAAAAAAABULOUS

>>32951917
Use Darkness Within.

>>32951917
>>be blunt and forthright with the situation

<I know what tact is. Tact is the refusal to communicate to other people things that bother you or that they find bothersome. What fool came up with such a useless idea is beyond me.>

>>32951926
Oh, in terms of gender? Yeah, he was neutral. Abby is what cemented us as male. Initially for big brother type relationship we had.

In terms of character development, I think Flint is far, far bigger than the Elf that briefly showed up in the first thread.

>>32951917
Shit, I don't know. What kind of approach would the physical embodiment of the oceans appreciate?

>>32951917
XP Burn! We're out of mana!

Rolled 12

>>32951940
heartily chuckled

>>32951830
>>32951893
>>32951926
>>32951974
Yeah, gotta keep that in mind, we were "Mr. Shadow" long before we took the name from that faggot farmer.

Maybe Shadow identified as a male because Erebus did the same thing. Sub-consciously, or whatever passes for the sub-conscious in an amorphous blob.

>>32951989

Oh, well, you stopped in Arland. Full stats for dunking yourself in a mana pool.

>>32952012
I'm still not sure what Shadow actually is. Erebus flipped around between referring to him as a part of himself and calling him a program.

>>32952012
>>32952009
Did we ever shapeshift into a female form?

>>32951974

SM mentioned in the previous thread that there was a chance to meet Ila way way earlier than we did. If Flint hadn't fished us out of the water in Evinbrook. I think that could have put shadow down a maidenly path.

>>32951917
Let's go for the middle ground.