>>37884992
Travis Foster

>>37884992
Eric Johnson

>>37885133
Yeah this is pretty decent

>>37885157
seconded

>>37884992
Michelle Davis

>>37885157
Lol do we play guitar

>>37885157
This if we don't make it a joke

>>37884992
Felix Willaims

>>37885157
That name is too generic for me.

>>37885133
Supportan

Peter Jones

>>37885201
If we d not established our dudeatude I would say this but sadly

>>37884992
Peter Parker

>>37885513
Batman?

>>37885617 no starlord

>>37885133

"Travis." It's your roommate, Eric. "Wake up."

"Would it kill you to knock?" You have a mild headache, and plant a hand on your forehead as you sit up, causing him to shrink back a little bit. You're in jeans and a t-shirt, and were lying on your bed until just now. Your hair's a bit ruffled.

"Sorry," He says. "You've been asleep for a while, though. Rough week?"

You check the clock. It's only been a couple hours since you started playing, you think, which causes you to do a bit of a double-take at the time. It's still the early afternoon; it seems a little earlier than it should be, and the small threads of sunlight coming through your black-out window shades are a tad disorienting.

> "Uh, sure." Get to the point; there are people waiting on you.
> "Not really." Explain that you weren't asleep.
> "Yeah, what's up?" Figure out what he wants.

>>37885463
I like this one

>>37885475

>>37885475
Dude-a-tude was never explicitly established, weirdly enough. I make a habit of asking for names rather than details, and just picking up whatever the favorite is. It's kind of hard to do that when you're playing a character making a character in a video game, though...

>>37885944
> "Not really." Explain that you weren't asleep.

>>37885944
> "Yeah, what's up?" Figure out what he wants.

>>37885944
>"Yeah, what's up?" Figure out what he wants.

>>37885944
>> "Not really." Explain that you weren't asleep.

>>37885944
>"Not really." Explain that you weren't asleep.
so this new fangled game runs faster than normal games, anyone has a guess on how much faster is runs?

>>37885944

> "Yeah, what's up?" Figure out what he wants.

>>37885944

"Uh, not really." You shake your head. "I wasn't asleep, I was playing a game."

"Yeah, sure." He gives you a weird look. "Definitely looked like you were knocked out, and having a pretty bad dream. Or a good one, considering I'm pretty sure I heard you mumble some girl's name like twice."

"It's called Broken Sky Online. It's a virtual reality MMO, and a pretty advanced one. Skips right past the surround sound and fancy colors, and just uses some part of the technology to make it feel like you're really there." You suggest, recalling yours and Ayla's conversation about how the game bypasses hardware limitations--you'll probably have to get back to her on that at some point, speaking of. "Wait, how long were you listening?"

"Don't worry about it." Eric says. "That sounds a little weird, though. No red flags going up for you?"

"Uhm, a little bit. There's some unusual stuff, but I'm guessing that's par for the course. I'm liking it so far, though." You say.

"Mm, that's good. I dunno, I was never super into games." Eric shrugs. "I doubt my setup could even handle anything like that."

"The requirements didn't seem that steep." Your response is almost automatic; you recall the listing on the back of the box surprised you. You pause. "Anyway, what's up?"

"Not much, just checking in." He responds. "Camille's having a party at her place tonight, and we're getting dinner with her friends at some Thai place in a few hours, if you want to join us."

"You're hanging out with her, now?" You ask. "Won't your ex-girlfriend probably be there?"

He sighs. "Yeah..."

> Write-in
> "I'll be alright, but thanks for, uh, reminding me to eat." This scenario seems time-sensitive.
> "I guess I'll come along. How long until then?"
> The LAN club is actually having a spring break meeting--you wonder if anyone else plays BSO.

>>37886670
> "I'll be alright, but thanks for, uh, reminding me to eat." This scenario seems time-sensitive.
> The LAN club is actually having a spring break meeting--you wonder if anyone else plays BSO.
Tell him to get the game, and avoid the nameless, also tell him our user name.

>>37886670
>"I'll be alright, but thanks for, uh, reminding me to eat." This scenario seems time-sensitive.
>The LAN club is actually having a spring break meeting--you wonder if anyone else plays BSO.

>>37886670
> "I'll be alright, but thanks for, uh, reminding me to eat." This scenario seems time-sensitive.

>>37886670
>> "I guess I'll come along. How long until then?"

>>37886670
> "I'll be alright, but thanks for, uh, reminding me to eat." This scenario seems time-sensitive.
> The LAN club is actually having a spring break meeting--you wonder if anyone else plays BSO.

>>37886670

"Anyway, I'll be alright," You say. Best interrupt him before he starts reminiscing, "Planning on staying in tonight, maybe headed to a LAN party later. But thanks for remind me to eat."

"No problem, I guess." He rolls his eyes. "I'm gonna roll out, then. Good luck in what's-it-called."

"Thanks, have fun at Camille's." You hear him getting ready to leave as you pull yourself out of bed. "I might stop by if things don't pan out."

Eric laughs, on his way out the door. "See you tomorrow, then."

You lope into the kitchen, headgear pulled onto your forehead, and help yourself to a toasted bagel and a glass of water; you can stand to eat actual food later, as you're not terribly hungry right now and haven't been doing a whole lot of anything anyway. A quick stretch, then it's back to your room. You decide it wouldn't be terribly becoming to lie in bed all day, so this time, you settle for leaning back in your desk chair as you relaunch BSO.

The patcher flickers, and you hear the familiar buzzing as your vision darkens and you lose touch with the real world.

> [[ Calibrating, please wait... ]]

> [[ BROKEN SKY ONLINE ]]

>>37887178

> [[ Welcome back, Ascheritte! ]]
> [[ You are Level 4, and have 1 Celestial Gem. ]]

> [[ Ancient Cathedral - Inner Sanctum // PVP Disabled ]]

Back beneath the Sanctum. You can see the spiraling staircase through the translucent glass floor above your head, and hear the distant sounds of metal rhythmically grinding against glass. It's a bit disconcerting.

You didn't get a terribly good look at this place when before you got knocked offline; it's claustrophobic, in cold, labyrinthine tunnels with murky water as high as your ankles. Now, the contrast is notable. It's significantly less comfortable here than in your room. The rest of your party is missing, so you decide to get a move on.

You check your UI; no messages.

Outside, the familiar cathedral atrium, where you faced and defeated the Obsidian Pegasus. There's a patrolling Guardian Construct in an unfamiliar location, wandering back and forth near the exit; he's a little bigger than the last couple, and looks like there's some moss growing on him.

From outside, you hear shouting, accompanied by the sounds of caster fire and clashing blades.

What will you do?
> Message someone. (Write-in.)
> Take out the Guardian Construct before heading outside.
> Run past the Guardian Construct to the exit.
> Try to distract and outmaneuver the Construct.

>>37887206
>>37887206
>Message someone. (lore fag about how long we were out, and what happened)
try to agro the construct to follow us, i think our friends are in trouble.

>>37887206
>Run past the Guardian Construct to the exit.

>>37887206
Message Ayla and Nel and tell them we're back and ask where they are
> Take out the Guardian Construct before heading outside.

>>37887206
> Message someone. (Write-in.)
Nel and Ayla
"Sorry, got interrupted by roommate, where'd you guys go?"
> Take out the Guardian Construct before heading outside.

>>37887206
See if we can get a stealth hit on the golem, I assume it would give bonus damage

>>37887206
>Message someone. (Write-in.)
Ayla, or Nell, depending on what they say we either
> Take out the Guardian Construct before heading outside.
or
>Agro the Guardian Construct to the exit.

>>37887248
>>37887320
Agroing it to the exit seems like a bad idea, since we don't actually know who's waiting out there.
Could be a bunch of nameless.

>>37887365
Plus, it may be an elite mob. You don't mess with elites, not alone at least.

>>37887206
Changing >>37887291
to
> Message someone. (Write-in.)
Nel and Ayla
"Sorry, got interrupted by roommate, where'd you guys go?"
> Run past the Guardian Construct to the exit.

>>37887365
>>37887395
Exactly, this will provide a decent distraction.

>>37887365
Which is why it makes sense to agro a monster to help out.

File: 24177_1052020800.jpg (73 KB, 640x480)

73 KB JPG

>>37887248
>>37887291
>>37887320

> [[ UI Messenger - Ayla ]]
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Hey, I got interrupted by my roommate. Where'd everyone run off to?
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Are you there?

You wait a few seconds. There's no answer.

> [[ UI Messenger - Nel ]]
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Nel, are you there? My roommate cut me off.
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Where'd everyone go?
> [[ Nel ]]: OUTSIDE
> [[ Nel ]]: PKS

> Take out the Guardian Construct before heading outside.
> Run past the Guardian Construct to the exit.
> Try to distract and outmaneuver the Construct.
> Other

>>37887447
> Run past the Guardian Construct to the exit.

>>37887447
>> Run past the Guardian Construct to the exit.

>>37887447
>Run past the Guardian Construct to the exit.
Here is hopping this agros it.

>>37887447
>Run past the Guardian Construct to the exit.

>>37887472
>>37887482
>>37887485
>>37887542

> [[ 1d100 ]]

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>37887561

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>37887561

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>37887561

>>37887206
damnit, captcha stopped me from voting

>>37887447
I hope the few seconds we lost aren't lethal.

File: 1422721374608.jpg (868 KB, 2560x1600)

868 KB JPG

>>37887561

> [[ 88 ]]

Rather than challenge the Guardian Construct, you elect to simply leap past him. Hes wealding a stone claymore, his path in front of the door is tight, and doesn't leave you a whole lot of room to outmaneuver.

Regardless, he's slow to react, enough so that you're well past his wide horizontal swing even without the bonus granted you by Lightning Reflexes, bending forward at the end of your stride so the tip of the blade glides harmlessly over the small of your back. There's a red glint in his eyes as he stomps forward, following you for the cathedral archways.

You leap out of the door, sprinting down the stairs below...

> [[ Underground: Ruins // Neutral Territory // PVP Enabled ]]

...and wander into a warzone, ducking instinctively as caster bolts sail overhead, blasting bits out of the cathedral pillars behind you. Ayla and Vision are nearby, taking cover behind stone outcroppings on the stairs. The former looks wounded, and she shouts to you as you approach. "Ascheritte! Nameless"

In the field at the bottom of the stairs, you catch Nel and Tatsumaki wading through a battlefield. There's two other people with UI's, as well. You recognize them from the party before, noting the girl in white and her familiar taking cover nearby; wasn't there a Nameless in their party? You wonder where he went. Even with him gone, the numbers from that other party don't match up; then, you spy an unfamiliar corpse a ways away with a ruined UI lying under it.

> [[ 1/2 ]]

File: oj9l.jpg (130 KB, 1000x605)

130 KB JPG

>>37888196

At a glance, you count five dead Nameless lying about the cracked, damp ground, with more swinging about the thick of combat.

There's a long-haired man in full plate with an oversized sword, and a pair of light attackers, two girls with every aspect of their avatars matching except hair color, one blue and the other red. The former is holding Nel at bay, using his size to deny potential approaches, while the other two are switching in and out of combat with Tatsumaki, who's doing her best to hold her own against both of them.

There's four gunners running around in the back, firing wildly at your cover; Vision and Ayla pop up periodically and take a few shots, but can't seem to stick any of them. Furthest back, near the entrance to the cave you descended from, you catch the pike-wielding Nameless from before, accompanied by a sinister-looking man in a greatcoat; you can see a Freakshow emblem from here, on a band wrapped around his arm.

Heavy stone footsteps sound from behind you, and you see someone out of the corner of your eye as you turn; a green-haired girl, matching the other two, pulling herself over the cathedral stair-rail far to your right.

What will you do?
> Other

>>37888234
Attack the green haired girl to our right

>>37888196
>In the field at the bottom of the stairs, you catch Nel and Tatsumaki wading through a battlefield. There's two other people with UI's, as well.
wait does this mean the other party is helping us?
Also new running by would agro it.
>>37888234
see if we can use the titan as mobile cover, by luring him into the middle of the blood bath.
While doing that tell vision and ayla about the girl sneaking near us.
no clue on how to help nell and the asian chick.

>>37888305
Seconded

>>37888234
Take on the green haired girl, let's get some momentum going.

>>37888234
Switch out with Tastumaki and have her engage the green one.

I don't suppose we have that rucksack filled with rocks/bricks to throw?

>>37888234
Take down the gunners, tell Ayla and vision to support Nel and Tatsumaki, have the party start retreating towards the PVP-disabled zone.

>>37888234
>>37888350
This

File: 1411759322374.webm (926 KB, 1280x720)

926 KB WEBM

>>37888234
Backhand that girl back over the rail she jumped over. Get on top of her fast and put her down quick. She's obviously the most immediate threat to us.

>>37888234
>>37888350
Also, tell the girl with the familiar to take on the green haired girl.

>>37888324
>>37888305
We could always get support from Vision and Ayla since they are across from us and aren't shooting any one, while they have a clear shot at this girl.

>>37888350
I like this idea, let them handle the monster we agro, and take pot shots at them while they deal with it.

>>37888379
Vision and Ayla are currently stuck in a firefight with the gunners on the other side of the room.

>>37888321
Using the titan as cover seems like a bad idea, it's going to take him sometime to get there, if he's even actually agrod.

>>37888234
Supporting >>37888350
and >>37888378

>>37888412
And even then, he'll swing directly for us. The only way for someone else to draw aggro is for someone else to hit him, since we never actually struck him yet.

>>37888412
He is agro since we hear him comming, but yeah he might take too long.

>>37888350
>Take down the gunners
I don't think that's going to be as easy as you make it sound.

>>37888496
Probably not, but it should at least allow Ayla and Vision to support Nel and Tatsumaki, which might give them the boost they need to beat their opponents.

>>37888405
>Ayla and Vision are nearby, taking cover behind stone outcroppings on the stairs. T
Looks nearby to me.

>>37888580
Yeah, but they're pinned down.

>>37888580
The gunners are on the other side of the room.

>>37888591
If we can see them, they can get a shot off past us probably, without moving out of cover. Green haired nameless is close by our side of the room, I believe.

>>37888678
The green girl is not directly by our side of the room, even though she's on our right. She just snuck over the rails and is going for an ambush. Point her out immediately.

>>37888599
>>37888591
Like i siad they aren't shooting any one, and they don't need to leave their positions to shoot her.(jesus my PC just shit itself, it took way too long to write this response.)

>>37888823
The biggest problem is: Can they do it while not exposing themselves? We've got a ton of things to deal with here.

File: Ayla.jpg (95 KB, 565x800)

95 KB JPG

>>37888234

"Ayla, on your left!" You shout, pointing out the green-haired girl as Ayla ducks back into cover.

"Even with two guns, I can't aim two places at once!" She yells.

"No good, Ayla!" Vision growls. "We need to keep them supressed, or they'll make a move on us!"

If you could get down there, you might be able to make some room: or, you could just get hosed down before you could even reach them. Those three girls seem to have a rhythm going, though. You take another glance at the two in the field. They're trading blows with Tatsumaki, moving in and out of combat, switching whenever either of them takes or lands a hit. Sometimes, they'll move to surround, while other times, one seems to move further back, fading completely out of combat.

It's a good routine. Shame you're going to have to break up the party.

The girl notices she's been seen, now, and launches herself at Vision, the closer target. You move up to intercept, bringing your scimitar up to deflect her weapons, a pair of iron knives like Nel's. Instead of moving back, you take another swing, attempting to push her backwards toward the wall she came from. It's working; she's losing ground, not finding quite enough time to avoid and strike back.

Then, you surprise her with an upward swing; she moves back, and you barely miss, grazing her face. She hisses, dropping low to plant a swift kick into your abdomen. It's not solid enough to do damage; still, you cough, stumbling backwards, and she hops up onto the railing behind her, spinning her knives in her hands.

A beat, then, a pair of red flashes fill your vision as the two of you trigger Haste.

> Not dealing with this. Rush forward and knock her off.
> Fight at high speed, and go on the offensive.
> Go on the defensive; she'll probably over-commit with her ability.

>>37888938
>> Fight at high speed, and go on the offensive.

>>37888938
> Fight at high speed, and go on the offensive.

>>37888938
>Fight at high speed, and go on the offensive

"I need to take out a lot of frustration on you!"

>>37888938
>Fight at high speed, and go on the offensive.
Do we still hear if the titan is still lumbering by?
>>37888993
Why?

>>37888938
> Fight at high speed, and go on the offensive.

>>37888938
> Fight at high speed, and go on the offensive.
>Call out to the familiar girl see if she can actually do anything instead of just sitting on her ass.

>>37888938
>> Fight at high speed, and go on the offensive.

>>37888938
>Backstep out of her reach incase she over-commits.
>Fight at high speed while exploiting reach advantage
>Then rush forward and knock her off.

>>37889001
Being interuppted by our roommate to come back and find our party getting ambushed and more than just mildly threatened. And crazy gem drugs making us go slowly insane.

>>37889057
Nah, the guy's only been playing for a few hours, I doubt he gives too many shits.

>>37889057
we don't sound like it, hell the emotion we are feeling right now is worry.

>>37888978
>>37888988
>>37888993
>>37889001
>>37889027
>>37889033
>>37889035

> [[ 1d100 ]]

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>37889120

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>37889120

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>37889120

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>37889120

>>37889135
Nice roll, holy shit.

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>37889135
Nice

>>37889135
Nice

>>37889161
its a crit to.

File: 1297743446696.gif (1.77 MB, 200x200)

1.77 MB GIF

>>37889135

File: Nel.jpg (440 KB, 1756x1756)

440 KB JPG

>>37889135

> [[ 99 ]]

The two of you dive forward at one another, closing the gap between you at blinding speed, weapons leaving ruby contrails in the air. What happens next is a blur. You're barely used to moving with the enhanced speed Haste affords you, let alone having that speed used against you.

The next second feels like it's stretched over a minute, as her she swings five, six, then seven times. One blade comes within millimeters of your flesh once, then again, as you parry the other weapon with your scimitar and strike back with repeatedly with your own blinding speed, moving forward to push her against the archway rail.

She's got nowhere left to go. You weave left and bring your scimitar upward. The clean cut you render through her shoulder sends a red mist into the air, and you silence her scream with an elbow to the neck that sends her tumbling over the railing to the ground below.

Then, there's a crash from behind you, as the Construct Guardian's head collides with the top of the archway above on its way out of the cathedral. An obscuring curtain of dust pours down from above, blooming outward on contact with the ground. Then, it emerges, swinging its claymore wildly over Ayla and Vision's heads as it stumbles down toward the next staircase, looking for a target.

> [[ 1/2 ]]

File: 24705396.jpg (276 KB, 590x900)

276 KB JPG

>>37889859

"Gods!" Ayla yells, scrambling on hands and knees to find cover further away. "Just kill me now!"

"Keep moving like that, and I'm sure they'll oblige, sweetheart!" Vision shouts. "Nel, Tatsumaki! We've got trouble!"

"What do you want me to do about it?" Nel dives backwards onto the stairs to avoid a swing of the armored Nameless's enormous sword, then jumps into cover next to the familiar user. She says something quietly to him, holding him in place; her bird is giving off a faint green glow, and it seems to be affecting him somehow.

Tatsumaki, meanwhile, is making her way up the stairs backwards. The two girls look like they're getting the best of her, when she lands a palm strike on red-hair that causes the air adjacent to ripple, launching her back ten or so feet into a deep, loamy puddle.

Far away, the man in the Freakshow armband turns with an exaggerated flourish of his coat, and makes his way into the darkness of the cave.

> Write-in.
> Ignore the Construct and engage the Nameless on the stairs.
> Ignore everything and go for the Nameless in the back.
> Order your party not to attack the Construct. You can use it as cover, and see if it'll aggro onto the gunners who misfire.
> The green girl's a Nameless--down, but not dead. Jump over the railing and finish the job.

>>37889888
>> Order your party not to attack the Construct. You can use it as cover, and see if it'll aggro onto the gunners who misfire.

>>37889888
>> Order your party not to attack the Construct. You can use it as cover, and see if it'll aggro onto the gunners who misfire.
>> The green girl's a Nameless--down, but not dead. Jump over the railing and finish the job.

>>37889888
> Ignore everything and go for the Nameless in the back.
> Order your party not to attack the Construct. You can use it as cover, and see if it'll aggro onto the gunners who misfire.

>>37889888
> Order your party not to attack the Construct. You can use it as cover, and see if it'll aggro onto the gunners who misfire.
> Ignore the Construct and engage the Nameless on the stairs.

>>37889888
>Ignore the Construct and engage the Nameless on the stairs.
>Order your party not to attack the Construct. You can use it as cover, and see if it'll aggro onto the gunners who misfire.

>>37889888
> Order your party not to attack the Construct. You can use it as cover, and see if it'll aggro onto the gunners who misfire.
>Order someone to finish off the green haired girl.
>Go assist Tatsumaki.

>>37889888
>> Order your party not to attack the Construct. You can use it as cover, and see if it'll aggro onto the gunners who misfire.
>> The green girl's a Nameless--down, but not dead. Jump over the railing and finish the job.
Don't waste that crit

>>37889888
>> Order your party not to attack the Construct. You can use it as cover, and see if it'll aggro onto the gunners who misfire

>>37889888
wait, change >>37889982 to support >>37889970

>>37889888
Suppporting >>37889970

>>37889970
I'll support this

>>37889888
Also in support of >>37889970
Keep our party alive and gain more momentum.

>>37889970
I support this too.

>>37889970
This

>>37889888

"Don't hit that construct! Move!" You shout. The massive claymore comes down again, destroying one of the stone outcroppings, sending the party scattering. "Vision! Over the railing on your right! Finish her off!"

"I got it!" He's already moving in that direction, long-gun ready. You hear gunfire from that direction, but aren't looking by the time it starts.

You jump forward, ducking between the Guardian's legs as the sword comes down again. He swivels on a heel, faster than you expect, and you move quickly to avoid getting kicked or trampled. There's the sound of bolts hitting stone overhead, as caster fire meant for you hits the Guardian.

The Guardian is not a fan of this, and starts down the stairs, as planned. But the red and blue haired girls aren't on its radar, and they fork around it towards you, one left, the other right. Tatsumaki and Nel are quick to reach your side, though, and they engage the two as you move aside.

"Ashe!" Nel shouts. "The armored one, back there! Take him out!"

You wonder if they'll be alright, then the woman in white moves in from lower down, surprising red-hair with a barreling swing of a metal staff. As you leap past the ensuing battle, moving parallel to the Guardian, her familiar lands on your shoulder, bathing you in green light.

> [[ Ascheritte: 14 / 24 HP ]]

The Guardian charges past the armored Nameless, who's sizing you up, greatsword ready.

"He's got an Artifact!" He calls out to the brigade of gunners behind him. "Focus fire on him!"

"No can do!" Response comes in the form of a hurried cry, as a stone claymore swing ruins their ranks. "It's coming after us!"

He starts toward you, fast as his armor will allow: not the smartest, when you've a height advantage already.

> Attack from above.
> Outmaneuver him, and help with the girls.
> Other

>>37890496
>Attack from above.
they said they can handle the girls.

>>37890496
>Attack from above

>>37890496
> Attack from above.
>Use your speed to your advantage.

>>37890496
> Attack from above.

>>37890496
> Attack from above.

>>37890496
>throw a torch at his face to blind him
>Attack from above

>>37890496
>> Attack from above.

>>37890496
>> Outmaneuver him, and help with the girls.
Tatsumaki was able to hold off both of them by herself pretty well. With that support she should be fine.

>>37890496
> Outmaneuver him, and help with the girls.

>>37890634
If she'll be fine why help her?

>>37890634
your vote indicates the opposite of your explanation

>>37890634
whoops did the wrong thing i meant to do
> Attack from above.

>>37890554
>>37890586
>>37890590
>>37890594

> [[ 1d100 ]]

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>37890725
here goes

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>37890725

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>37890725

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>37890725

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>37890725

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>37890725

>>37890496
>"He's got an Artifact!"
Wait, we do? When did that happen?

>>37890987
They think that the familiar is ours because it's healing us right now

>>37890745

> [[ 71 ]]

> [[ Ascheritte: 15 / 24 HP ]]

Your weapon, or something in your head that you weren't aware of, seems to be guiding you. It shows you where to aim your strikes, and presents a path for your body to follow should you wish to remain in one piece.

The weapons you've wielded have been varied, even in this short time span, yet they've all felt like they -belong- in your hands.

> Vision defeated player. [[ Party: Ascheritte, Tatsumaki, Nel, Ayla ]]

You jump down from the stone platform, bringing your blade down on his shoulder as you fall. He winces; you see blood, but plate armor serves as a solid impediment to your attacks. You land lightly on the ground, darting to his side and striking again.

> Ayla defeated player. [[ Party: Ascheritte, Tatsumaki, Nel, Vision ]] [[ Assist: Aelriss, Donnel ]]

Your scimitar glances off the back of an armored gauntlet, then an armored breastplate. He's getting angry. From somewhere behind you, there's a massive crash, and the earth shakes as the Construct's stone claymore strikes ground.

> Guardian Construct defeated player.

The greatsword comes down next to you, all too slow, cracking the earth beneath it. You feel like you could outmaneuver him walking.

> player defeated Guardian Construct.

Another crash from nearby, as the Construct falls.

Water and soil fly into your face as the Nameless pulls it from the earth with surprising speed, transitioning into a horizontal spin leveled at your chest.

> Go low and strike.
> Jump back and call for help.
> Other.

>>37891071
>> Go low and strike.

>>37891071
>Go low and strike.
Keep our tango buddy between us and the gunner.

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>37891071
>Go low and strike
go reflexes go!

>>37891071
>Go low and strike
I don't think we could get away fast enough to dodge a horizontal spin without rolling more. Might as well do some damage.

>>37891071
Jump back a bot and when he's turned away from us during his spin strike his back as quickly as possible

>>37891127
>>37891117
>>37891096

> [[ 1d100 ]]

Rolled 28 (1d100)

>>37891140

>>37891137
*jump back a bit

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>37891140
That was only 3 minutes of voting, but whatever.

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>37891140

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>37891140

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>37891140

>>37891071
>Jump back and call for help.
>>37891140
damnit
>>37891165
double damnit

Rolled 66 (1d100)

>>37891431
Just means we need to raise up our reflexes to make dodging better.

File: cb35903ac450e1ef1097e948f(...).jpg (320 KB, 508x918)

320 KB JPG

>>37891165

> [[ 44 ]]

> [[ Ascheritte: 16 / 24 HP ]]

Your wounds are closing, and your speed's increasing. You duck low, striking at his legs as the blade goes overhead, then rising for another quick attack, moving toward his back when it's closest to you and swinging for the shoulder again--landing another hit. He howls, spinning back around, ready to attack again.

Then, the bird floats gracefully off of your shoulder, leaving glittering, iridescent dust in the air behind it as it glides toward him and perches on one of his pauldrons. It gives a short, musical chirp, and his next swing falls short as you step out of reach.

"What the fuck!?" He shouts, stumbling backwards. His sword falls into one hand, and the other snaps up, over his eyes. "I can't see!"

You jump forward, slashing his neck and shoving him to the ground.

> Ascheritte defeated player. [[ Party: Ayla, Tatsumaki, Nel, Vision ]] [[ Assist: Aelriss, Donnel ]]

The red-haired girl sails down the stairs past you, landing face-first in a thick mound of clay. She twitches, attempting to pull herself up, but Tatsumaki leaps after her, stomping on her back with both feet.

Caster fire is still being traded in both directions; there's two Nameless gunners left who look like they've about had it, as well as the Nameless from the campfire party amidst it all. You look over to the extinguished fire pit, finally noticing a blonde-haired man in the bushes who, as far as you know, has been hiding there the entire time. He looks hurt, though has managed to avoid the more dangerous goings-on.

> Tatsumaki defeated player. [[ Party: Ayla, Ascheritte, Nel, Vision ]] [[ Assist: Aelriss, Donnel ]]

> [[ 1/2 ]]

File: 1421876451259.jpg (64 KB, 578x1000)

64 KB JPG

>>37891728

From behind, you see the third girl of the trio breathe her last. Held at range by the cloaked woman's staff, Nel fakes a lunge several times before finally moving in. It's childish, but surprises her nonetheless, and she breathes her last, twin iron knives piercing her chest.

> Nel defeated player. [[ Party: Ayla, Ascheritte, Nel, Vision ]] [[ Assist: Aelriss, Donnel ]]

"Finish 'em off!" Ayla shouts.

"No! The pikeman in the back is ours!" Aelriss--you catch her name. The bird is back on her shoulder, though you only lost track of it for a moment. "Leave him!"

Vision and Ayla focus on the pair of gunners, who are losing ground, and likely losing health. They're ignoring you, but the pikeman isn't; he levels one of the guardian stone pikes over his shoulder.

His gaze, though reluctant, is focused on you like he's ready to throw it. There's still plenty of space between the two of you--too far to cross without running the risk of getting stuck with one of those things.

This presents a problem, if someone wants him alive.

What will you do?
> Other

>>37891431
Ascheritte has already accrued quite a few bonuses to various rolls. It's still something to be worried about, but this opponent was not terribly strong at all, and didn't set a terribly high DC himself.

>>37891795
Attack the gunners

>>37891795
>Close the distance with jerky movements, bait him into throwing it but make it very difficult for him to land the hit

>>37891795
>Fall back behind cover, dodge the spears. Let your party handle the rest of the nameless.

>>37891795
Be prepared to dodge the spear if he throws it but target the gunners while they're not paying attention to us

>>37891860
Seconding

>>37891795
Point out the hiding blonde guy to the party

>>37891795
but these guys are still other players, right? Are they THAT much worse without the UI bonuses?

>>37891795
Move towards the gunners. Aggro the pike guy to see if he'll risk hitting the gunners, then tackle him into a bear hug.

>>37891795
Is there any point in us trying to go after the freakshow guy who started to leave?

>>37891795
Ignore the pikeman, then, and finish off the gunners. We can dogpile the pikeman later if we want him alive.

>>37891795

No good, and no point in approaching when you've already got covering fire. As you duck into cover, you're joined by Nel, Tatsumaki, and Aelriss, who doesn't seem too happy.

"Careful," You suggest. "There's someone hiding over there in the bushes by that fire pit."

"It's alright. He's a player." Aelriss nods, and she and her bird look at you in unison. Her voice is airy and a bit echoic. "A friend of mine. His name's Donnel."

"Are all of your friends like that Nameless that wanted to skewer me?" You ask.

> Ayla defeated player. [[ Party: Ascheritte, Tatsumaki, Nel, Vision ]] [[ Assist: Aelriss, Donnel ]]

"Yeah, what's the deal with that Nameless guy, huh?" Nel asks, sticking his thumb out of cover at the pikeman, stuttering to speak over the sounds of caster fire.

"He was with our party." Aelriss says. "I want to know what's going on."

> Vision defeated player. [[ Party: Ascheritte, Tatsumaki, Nel, Vision ]] [[ Assist: Aelriss, Donnel ]]

"Well, now's your chance." Ayla says, vaulting over a stone platform from the next level of stairs up, casters pointed forward. "Nameless! This battle is over!"

"And you better not try anything!" Vision shouts. "You assholes outnumbered us, and look what happened to you!"

"Kalim!" Aelriss shouts to the Nameless, emerging from cover, cloak fluttering behind her. "We just want to talk!"

He doesn't respond, remaining stationary with his weapon ready as Ayla moves closer.

"He's got nothing to say. I told you we'd regret inviting a Nameless, Aelriss." Donnel calls, emerging from the bushes. "He's with Freakshow. All of these guys were, and he let them know where they might find a few easy kills before we left town. Isn't that right?"

No response. Donnel saunters over to the mud-soaked, red-haired Nameless body, searching it and producing a band with the Freakshow insignia.

> [[ Continued ]]

>>37892972

"I thought Freakshow being PKs was just a rumor." Nel says.

"There are allegations against them amidst the Alliance, but we haven't had concrete proof. Something tells me this counts, though." Ayla says. She pauses, when her UI pings, and stops to read a message. "What? There's... a revolt underway in Averron City."

"Looks like they're going loud." Vision says, then glances to the Nameless. "What about this scrub? We killin' him?"

"He's with that damn guild." Donnel says, hissing. "He led them to us, and we lost a player because of it."

"We don't have a choice!" The Nameless yells. "The game is like this for a reason! Fighting you is how we even the scales! We can't have our UIs, we can't have our damn--Celestial Gems! So why-"

"You can choose!" Aelriss shouts. "You can leave that guild! All of the Alliance members are looking for a way to save the Nameless! I invited you because I trusted you."

"No, he's right," Vision says. "He knows what the game is like. Nameless kill players."

The Nameless's grip tightens on his spear. He grits his teeth, looking at the party around him.

"Don't say that, damnit!" Aelriss yells, scowling and lunging toward Vision. He points his caster at her, and for a second, you're almost tempted to separate them. "Don't listen to him, alright?"

A pause. "Kalim, I don't want to hurt you. Or anyone!"

There's silence for a moment, and you hear the sounds of falling water echoing through the cave around you. Then Donnel begins to reach for his sword, and the Nameless brings his pike to bear, diving toward Aelriss. She doesn't have her staff, and merely steps back as the stone weapon cuts into her side, sending her falling backwards into the mud.

> [[ Continued ]]

>>37893038

The party's preparing to attack, and Aelriss's familiar lifts off of her shoulder as she stumbles; a ball of golden light forms around it, and focuses into a brilliant ray of energy that blasts the Nameless in the chest, searing through his armor and continuing up his body to burn into his neck and face as he falls, screaming.

By the time you've drawn your scimitar, he's down, killed by some mixture of that and the point-blank caster fire hitting him. The ball of light condenses, but doesn't leave Aelriss's familiar behind, instead generating an iridescent ribbon that flutters towards her and wraps around her finger.

"I warned you." Donnel says, shaking his head. Aelriss pulls herself to her feet, clutching her side and balancing on her staff."I'm sorry, Aelriss."

"It's alright." She nods, turning to your party. "Thank you all for your help. We'd have died unless you intervened."

"You're welcome." Ayla says, and you hear her slipping back into character. "In a world like this, it's important that we stick together."

"Well, fuck, now what?" Vision says. "I'm gonna have to log soon, and it sounds like things are getting bad."

"Yeah. Ayla, if the Nameless are going wild in Averron, what do we do?" Nel folds his arms.

"I don't know." Ayla responds. "You'll have to keep your heads low. The Alliance leaders need me."

"What?" You groan. "What happened to that whole sticking-together thing?"

"Don't start." Ayla places a hand on your shoulder.

"Damn." Nel shakes his head, and Tatsumaki frowns. "Ashe, looks like it's back to just us. What do you want to do?"

What will you do?
> Other

>>37893070
Well I am out of supplies, anywhere besides the city we can restock?

>>37893070
>Contact Smith and see how the situation looks in the city.

>>37893070
"Well, fuck. Looks like we won't be going back to the city any time soon. Aelriss, Donnel. We've got a few open slots, care to come with? We could use... an Artificer. That's fine with you Nel, right? Let's just lay low here in the caverns for a while."

>>37893070
Let's head back to town and regroup. Don't make yourselves known if you can avoid it. Stop by an inn and try to rest.

>>37893070
>Find a place we can buy healing potions
>Once back up to speed try and join Ayla in quashing the rebellion

Did we get enough exp after killing all those players to level by the way?

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>37893070
ask how long we were away, to figure out how fast game time is compared to real time.
Also loot the bodies and the titans bodie.
Also ask for a place to get supplies.
Ask to add the new group as friends.
Ask the girl how she got that artifact.
Ask what they found before us.
After all that i guess its time to farm.

>>37893070
Loot all the nameless that were killed for good melee weapons and health potions. And broken UIs

>>37893125
Yeah, nah, let's not do that. It's pretty easy to figure out a nameless from a PC, so I think that unless we want to die, we'd best stay away.

>>37893070
Might as well go with Ayla since we won't be able to beat that other boss without a full party. Also on a side note all this subtle mind control stuff with the celestial gems and nameless is starting to freak me out a little. In a good way.

>>37893070
Can we setup the ansible to make a town-wide announcement? Say that EVERYONE can use this and that steps are being made to make life better for everyone equally.

There IS stuff other than Celestial Gems, and there was JUST a breakthrough on offering UIs, in any case.


Now obviously, this will make us HUGE targets, but it will drastically reduce the chaos and focus it on us.

>>37893182
ansible isn't working right now

>>37893174
We'll have a full party, though, if we bring Aelriss and Donnel with us. Shit, we'll even have a person more than we did.

File: kiev-ukraine-before-after.jpg (337 KB, 2310x980)

337 KB JPG

>>37893070
Scrounge the field for loot.
Find another outpost to recharge in, since Averron City is off-limits due to riots.

>>37893171
Averron isn't in massive chaos, yet. The Guilds are all there protecting it.

>>37893211
That's why it will be all the more shocking when everyone hears a global announcement. We just have to cover Ayla and her team until they can get it done.

>>37893226
we can always come back anyway since we have that stone. Kinda don't want to miss the events of a revolt. Might make us stick out enough to join the elite guild whose name I have forgotten.

>>37893279
Crimson Guardian. That is true, and we'd be buddy buddy with Writ Keepers for helping the peace treaties.

>>37893264
Ayla's leaving to lead her guild, though. I don't think they necessarily have the time or resources to actually get it working.
>>37893239
Truth be told, we have no idea WHAT is going on in the city. All we've heard is that there's a revolt, and if Ayla needs to leave that desparately, then it's clear they don't have a handle on the situation.

>>37893239
>She pauses, when her UI pings, and stops to read a message. "What? There's... a revolt underway in Averron City."
We don't know how big it is or how contained it is. It's safest just to steer clear for the time being, barring Ayla.

>>37893314
>>37893327
Fair enough, reading comprehension at sleep times is shit. Steering clear is a good idea for now.

>>37893314
>I don't think they necessarily have the time or resources to actually get it working.
we'll need to hear that out of Ayla's mouth, first.

We don't need to set up the entire system anyway, just a loudspeaker setting.

>>37893070
Ask about he familiar.
How she obtained one and what limitations there is to one if any.

>>37893279
>wanting to join CG instead of writkeepers
ISHYGDDT

>>37893463
The ansible isn't even in our inventory, I'm pretty sure Ayla took it since that's exactly what her guild was looking for

>>37893832
I agree I want to keep the writs, but it doesn't seem to be the most popular choice.

>>37893902
Seems pretty even. There's a couple guys who want to join writkeepers and a couple guys who want to join CG

>>37893832
I too perfer the Writ Keepers

>>37893832
>>37893902
I don't see what the WK offer that the CG don't personally. More RP? Not like joining the CG stops us from RPing as much as we want

>>37893879
And? what does that have to do with suggesting that Ayla sets up the ansible as soon as possible to take control of the situation?

>>37893902
writ is pretty damn popular

>>37893927
Writ keepers seem more likely to raid a dungeon with a specific goal other than getting stronger. They do it for a hidden artifact or lost knowledge and CG probably just does it to level up and get celestial gems

>>37893927
because it just seems like the better of the three choices personally. DH isn't really our thing and CG just seems like a bunch of assholes from what we've heard

>>37893927
if nothing else, Writ Keepers would have more Techs and Artificers to help us out instead people who just want to hit stuff so they can make bigger stuff to hit things with

>>37893939
DH is just that; And they can be do-gooders in our place. CG will help us be better equiped to fight things, and we can try to team up with WK later to help recover artifacts among other things.

I might also be biased in trying to see if Liza is an Ice Queen and if we can defrost her. But if CG becomes too much of a stick-up-their-ass about it, WK is next choice.

>>37893927
Personally I don't trust CG. What with them amassing Celestial Gems Crystal Meth for their leader and all

>>37893962
We haven't really heard anything about them, though, other than that they have an application process for their guild, which is honestly a good thing if you're trying to be a cut above the rest. Sure, everyone can join just some guild. But that super high-level guy, with all that badass gear? Crimson Guardians. Filing out the rabble doesn't automatically make them assholes.

>>37893927
The Writ Keepers pay more attention to the world around them. If the mysteries of the game are going to be solved, they'll be the ones to do it.

>>37893927
In CG everyone is giving the celestial gems to the leader to power up her artifact if I remember correctly. Fuck that.

>>37894010
m aybe not the whole guild, but the guild leader just isn't the kind of person I'd normally play with. To focused on getting HUGE to treat the game like well a game and enjoy themselves. plus would you really want to join a guild where everyone dumps their gems so the leader can lvl up

>>37894031
There is something weird going on with this game and the writ keepers are going to be the ones to figure it out. Also CG is apparently giving all their celestial gems to the leader and I want those delicious gems for ourselves. I am totally not addicted.

>>37893954
As I've said before I can't imagine the CG wouldn't take interest in the lore where it has impact mechanically, which seems to be a lot of it.

Likewise, if a dungeon has something that that's useful beyond simply power ups I can't imagine they'd ignore it either.

Moreover, I don't see why we wouldn't be able to work with Ayla on matters of interest like that anyway.

>>37893962
>CG just seems like a bunch of assholes
Nah, not really, they just have a higher entry bar so that they can deal with better and more dedicated players. Having quality control doesn't make you an asshole.

>>37893987
Not like they'd turn away business and 'sides, we're buddies with Ayla.

>>37894002
Then wouldn't it be best to join them to keep an eye on proceedings? Or to be in a place where you can more easily procure meth
But seriously, if members of the guild are prepared to share their CG's with the leader then that should say something about their character. Maybe.

>>37894031
Again, not like we can't continue to do that anyway

>>37894038
Not like we know if it's compulsory or just them banding together to get their leader amped up so they can collaboratively take on bigger threats

>>37894092
>share
until I hear one of them say otherwise, I'm assuming she's taking them. you don't just give stuff like that away for nothing, the smart move would be to evenly distribute gems for the benefit of the guild as a whole, not just to power lvl the face/leader

>>37894163
The more I think about it the more CG seems like a cult.

>>37894092
There's something fishy about so many people giving away their gems though. I mean we're pretty much obsessed with ours to the point that it would be painful to give it up

>>37894092
>Not like they'd turn away business
if we join a different guild they just might, lots of players would think twice about helping the competition
>we're buddies with Ayla
which might also cause trouble for her if her guild members don't like her playing favorites with a player from a rival guild

>>37894092
As an extremely skilled fighter we would rise through the ranks of the writ keepers pretty quickly, I bet there's a bit of a shortage of brawlers in their guild so we'll stand out. Plus the leader is already our friend so we have connections

>>37894183
It's possible that the CG leader redpills everyone who joins during the interview, and to prevent addiction, they immediately spend all gems on the armor.

Being a hardass is just necessary to keep everyone from falling to temptation.

>>37894092
>Again, not like we can't continue to do that anyway
But it's better to work in concert with others to that end. At least you have people to bounce ideas off of and they'll actually listen.

Hell, if anything, us joining the Writ Keepers may make them stronger overall and provide more headway. What >>37894231 said.

Guys. Hold the fuck up.

They're also using the gems to make more artifacts for everyone else. The only reason they're upgrading the leader's is because it makes searching for gems easier.

This seems to be a discussion better served once we know more later, as well. Shall we loot these bodies and set up camp?

>>37894274
>They're also using the gems to make more artifacts for everyone else
source?

>>37894163
>the smart move would be to evenly distribute gems for the benefit of the guild as a whole, not just to power lvl the face/leader
No, the opposite is true. Have a few super powered guild members so that you can wreck the shit out of everything just above everyone else's range. Clear out all dungeons much faster and more effectively and hit all that rare loot first, including the CGem drops.

Then start distributing the excess CGems to the rest of the guild so that they continue to work for it since it is a more efficient way to accrue them.

>>37894183
Yeah, so either the guild leader threatens them to it on pain of becoming nameless or they all have a cool enough head that they can see the advantage of it. It's only when picking up (so presumably transferring too) the gems that they mess with your head so calm decisions can be made whilst they're in the inventory and then everyone can transfer them once their mind is made up.

We still don't know if it's a compulsory thing or not though, it might just be players banding together to see what the limits of the CGem crafting system is.

>>37894231
Or we could join CG and rise through the ranks there. Being around the most experienced members would be a good way to learn how to fight and invest xp better, not to mention their forays into the crafting system. Add to that the fact we seem naturally adept at combat and I reckon we'd be able to stand out in the CG too.

>>37894247
Well it's not like we'll just stop talking to Ayla. I don't see why we wouldn't be able to party up with her on occasion either when we have a more lore orientated goal in mind.

"Ayla, wait a sec." You say. "The aetheric ansible is used to make communications devices, right?"

"Yeah," She says. "What's up?"

"If you could get that machine set up, do you think you could get a message to everyone in the Averron region?" You ask.

"...Ascheritte, you're a genius." She nods. "We can't confirm the distance to other cities, and our current equipment can't hit them due to signal range limitations. But I could rig something to allow city-wide communication. I've got a lot of supplies back at the guild hall, but I might have to cannibalize the Averron message board server..."

"Are you sure that's worth it?" Nel asks.

"It'd be temporary." Ayla responds. "And we haven't used it for a lot other than group finders and monster information. The job would take a while, though. I'd be relying on the rest of the Alliance, as well as recruits and the Averron Guard to hold the line, and that's assuming I'm not overstating my capabilities."

Vision is already looting, picking up various casters and weapons. Nel glares at him.

"What?" Vision asks. "Already split the credits seven ways. You guys can sift through the rest of this junk if you want. Some swords, and about a dozen Freakshow tabards, if anyone fancies collecting the ears of their foes."

"I'll pass." Ayla folds her arms. "Gods, what would we even say?"

"We'd make it clear that we're trying to make things better for everyone, right?" You ask. "At the very worst, we could break down the rioting. Focus it on just a few people. Just on the Disposable Heroes, maybe--no, maybe just on us."

"Count me out." Vision says. "You guys are all hella great, but I'm not about to take that flak. I'm sorry about earlier, though. Call me up any time if you need something shot down."

> [[ Continued ]]

>>37894297
Agreed anon, we still don't know very much.

>>37894274
Also, in addition to this, the only artifact that's been created in Averron that we know of is her armor part.

The chick is from another city.

>>37894304
Second thread, I think? When we got involved with the Writ Keepers. If you discredit this in-game rumor in favour of ooc speculation, you're fucking dumb, just saying.

>>37894321

"Understandable." Nel nods. "Well, Ashe, I'm with you every step of the way. Tatsumaki seems like she's in it for the long haul too, if you don't mind quiet company."

Tatsumaki gives you another ear-to-ear idiot grin. This time, she's missing a tooth.

"Seems like it's settled, then. Where'd that stone claymore go?" You ask.

"It's going in my guild hall." Ayla says. "Assuming we don't crack the town in half today, it'll look good on the wall. You should take that guy's two-hander, though. You might like it."

"Already on it." You respond, hefting the weapon and storing it in your UI. You look at the two members of the other party.

"Aelriss, where's Delrin's UI?" Donnel asks.

"I've got it." Aelriss responds.

"Aelriss, Donnel." You say. "This is kind of out-of-nowhere, but it looks like we've all had a few spaces open up in our parties recently. If you guys want to head for the city, or even keep delving dungeons, you're free to join up with us. We could use an Artificer, and another blade as well."

"I'll take whatever I can get." Donnel says. "It'll be nice to have someone I can trust for once. Ael?"

She stays her frown, giving you a resolved look. "Yes, I'll come along as well. We can get acquainted while we walk."

> [[ Contact Request: Vision ]]
> [[ Contact Request: Tatsumaki ]]
> [[ Contact Request: Aelriss ]]
> [[ Contact Request: Donnel ]]
> [[ Level 5: You have one unspent EXP. ]]

"Vision, back me up?" Ayla says, bandaging the last of her wounds as she heads for the cave. "I'll find you somewhere safe to log."

"I got you." He says, hefting his long-gun. "Make it up for earlier."

"Good luck, everyone. Ascheritte." She smiles. "Stay alive. We'll be within reach if you're ever in danger, and if not, there'll always be someone who can help you."

The two of them party up and bid farewell as they head back up the spiraling path toward Averron City.

>>37894310
>Have a few super powered guild members so that you can wreck the shit out of everything just above everyone else's range
but that's not what they're doing, all the gems are going to the leader and that's it. everyone we've talked to said they trying to buff her already OP artifact and no one else's. if they really were using them to make a few super members I'd be fine with it, but putting all your eggs in one baskets only leads to trouble

>>37894351

"Alright, so what's up?" Nel asks. "Do we have any contacts in the city? We should probably be aware of the status quo before we try and head back as a group of injured players."

"I've got someone." Donnel says. "Give me a second.

"So do I," You respond, pulling up Smith in your contacts list. "Let me make a call."

Your UI brings up a video of him at a metal desk, room illuminated by a single lamp. His goggles are pulled up, and he looks to have been working with small tools, and some type of arc welder. You can see the workshop door, a ways behind him, and hear distant shouting.

"Ascheritte!" He smiles. "I pray you have been doing well since we last met. Do you need something?"

"I just heard there was some kind of uprising going on in Averron." You respond. "I'm out, so I wanted to see how safe it is. How are you? Is everything alright?"

"I'm doing well." Smith chuckles. "I've recently come into some money, so I decided to spend a bit on my drones. The attack in Averron has become a bit worrisome, but I feel the Alliance will soon have things under control. Nameless are that way for a reason, after all, but their numbers are quite great, even here. They've killed quite a few, swarming streets and entire buildings. Only the halls, and some of the houses, are truly safe. Even my workshop is in a bit of a problem area..."

"Smith! You goddamn PKer!" The door behind him slams open, and a pair of players stomp in. They're wearing identical guild tabards, but you can't see the symbol at this distance and resolution. "Did you really think you could get away with that?"

Smith smiles, and a spherical drone rises into the air from the ground on either side of him. Retractable blades emerge from one, while the other crackles with electrical arcs. He leans close to the camera, and pulls down his goggles.

"Ascheritte, I'm afraid something's come up. I'll call you back."

What will you do?
> Other

>>37894365
No, that's fucking wrong, you ignoramus. In the second thread it is said, in character, within the confines of this world, that they are, if rumours are to be believed, stockpiling them to make artifacts for its members as well.

>>37894393
Level up. My vote goes to HP. Equip the two handed sword as well

>>37894365
>but that's not what they're doing
We barely know what they're doing. We've had little more than hearsay. Naturally rumours focus on the more interesting bit. They could easily be amping up a 5 man team but rumours simply mention the fact they're aiding their leader's armour.

It's pure speculation until we finally get more info.

>>37894399
but have they actualy done that, you keep arguing with not proof that's what they're doing. I'll admit I'm only going off what people have told us in game so we could always ask an actual CG member, but saying I'm wrong because you want to be right is being an ignoramus
>>37894428
my point exactly

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>37894393
level up my vote goes to reflexes that shit saved our ass, and we have a healer.

>>37894393
>>37894425
This, see if it's the kind of weapon we want to use. If it is, see if Ael can use the onyx we picked up to craft a two-hander from it.

>>37894445
IT IS IN THE SECOND THREAD YOU MONGOLOID.

>>37894393
Hoo boy, this is not good. Smith a PKer, huh?
Wonder if he's in cahoots with Freakshow...

At any rate, we should get some more HP.

>>37894467
and that makes it right? because we herad second hand rumors that's what they we doing? without any actual info from the guild itself? you must be an absolute treat to play with in RL

>>37894479
Smith kills lots of nameless. Which is fine. Hopefully that's why he was called a pker

>>37894425
Wait, do we have spare exp?

>>37894393
We should probably head back to the city and see if we can assist in quelling the rebelling. Earn us brownie points with the guilds and help keep the city a viable place for non-nameless to use. The less we help out, the more UI bearing players die, the more nameless there are for next time.

>>37894445
Yeah, but you're using speculation as reasons we should avoid the CG. It's like saying "well in France they MIGHT all be rabid, so we shouldn't go there for holiday" rather than "well they might NOT be rabid, let's look at a brochure"

>>37894484
only we haven't heard a single thing from the guild itself, holy shit. we don't even necessarily know if they're really devoting as much to their leader's artifact as we think they are.

>>37894479
I think it's more the nameless getting mad at him for hunting their kind down. Nameless are players too, I guess.

>>37894479
Yeah, what >>37894495 said. He just farms nameless for easy gains and it's no doubt the nameless currently in his workshop. Non-Nameless wouldn't take a rebellion as a good time to get revenge on a PKer

>>37894498
we do.
I'm hoping we get better reflexes this fight has shown that every ones gear is low enough that taking a hit won't be dangerous.

>>37894498
We leveled up at the same time that we added those people to our contact list

>>37894498
no more speculation then anyone else at this point
>>37894500
I JUST said we should talk to CG about what they're doing no 5 minutes ago instead of taking everyone elses word for it

>>37894498
Yup, just leveled up.

>>37894495
>>37894509
I feel like there's more to this. But I'll trust you guys.

>>37894337
>“You said there was a Celestial Artifact in Averron, correct? Do you guys know anything about it?”

>“I've seen it.” A swordsman in the crowd responds, raising a hand. “Though, not used. It belongs to Liza, the leader of the Crimson Guardians. It's part of her armor, apparently—we don't know the details of how many Gems it cost to make and how many have been put into it altogether, but word is her guild is devoting a lot of resources to upgrading it with artifice, technology, and more Gems.”

>“As well as creating more Artifacts, if rumors are to be believed.” The robed man adds.

So the only one confirmed is Liza's. They might be working toward more, but even if they are, they probably haven't made them yet.

>you're fucking dumb
dude, it's just a theory. I'm just speculating what could be the case, not telling everyone GUYS THIS IS THE TRUTH.

>>37894351
Defensive Mastery
Iron Body
Gotta get Combat Regen

>>37894393
Maybe we should take the time to spend ALL our non-potion healing items, first.

Then we'll escort Ayla to her guild. Depending on the situation, we can either stay and help defend, or go around town helping out everyone's friends before bringing everyone to Ayla for one big defense.

>>37894525
>>37894526
Ohshit, you're right. I saw contacts being added and just skim read that list.

I agree, level now.

I reckon we should go for sprint or concussive strike so that we get a PP using ability and because they look like they lead to fun stuff. Instantaneous movement for example.

>>37894393
The nameless have to have some kind of healing items right? Could we look for those and then join the fight in the city?

>>37894570
I really want that retaliate skill.

>>37894543
He gets paid for killing nameless, etc etc. It's basically his job, I suppose, as far as we know for sure.

Either way, I don't think he'd be the type to really kill someone with a UI, loot or not. Keeping the UI players stable means less of a chance for him to be PKed as well.

>>37894565
What I meant by that was

> if you take this meaningless speculation that really has nothing to base it on, other than other rumours that they are powering up an already created artifact over in universe rumours of them creating new artifacts just as well, you're fucking dumb.

I'm not saying it's right, I'm saying we have more to base the 'oh they're probably creating other artifacts as well' on other than 'hurp durp they're just devoting everything to the guild leader's artifact'

>>37894614
Oh yeah, that was the other one. Would probably be one of the more useful ones if we're about to go PvP it up in the city. Dodge an attack, shank a bitch.

>>37894653
Also it leads to combat expertise which I have no idea what it might do but it sounds nice.

Look, I'm undecided about which guild because they both look great but honestly those in favour of WK seem to be pulling shit from their ass a lot more than those in favour of CG

Just saying

>>37894393
>head for Averron with the party

>>37894351
> Rest in the caves for a bit. Mess around with the two-hander, get to know Ael and Donnel. Ask Ael if she knows how to craft.

>>37894681
I'm for the Writ Keepers because I like RPers, and to me, they feel like they have the greatest chance of cracking the mysteries of the game. The Crimson Guardians are just highly elite players and not much else. CG has strength in skill, while WK has knowledge. I'll take knowledge.

>>37894393
Take a gander at our new zweihander, and take a breather before seeing if we can't do anything in Averron City.

>>37894813
>>37894980
Food break. This will be the last update, concluding the thread when I get back. I'll also answer any questions if people have them. Might get an ask.fm, because it seems like the hip thing to do.

>>37895025
>Might get an ask.fm
Please don't, I inevitably get tired of keeping on top of them and I don't want to miss out on important stuff

>>37895025
Do it. Ask.fm is the shit. can we do the level up vote tonight while everyone is still here instead of the beginning of next thread?

>>37895025
only answer the questions that are directly about the quest, stuff we know IC, and is easy to pick out and understand from the torrent of questions.

It'll be too much trouble any other way.

>>37894570
* Two-handed Mastery // Passive // Increases the effectiveness of two-handed weapons, which become lighter and more balanced in your hands. Required for: "Titan's Strength".
I would prefer this if we're going to go two handed weapon. Which sounds good. But if we're going that route that skill is a must have.
But Concussive blow Should come first since it seems we could use that with any weapon.
And we haven't had an ability to use pp. So it would be wise to get one.

>>37895125
Retaliate is the best choice since we're constantly dodging though. it can also be used with any weapon

>>37894980
We could split up loot
and spend exp at the end?
That could simply be mentioned at next update or when this party starts to move next thread.

With so many dead, we should have quite a bit of credit flowing around. and possible a few useful items laying around.

Guys I really want to ask about the familiar. Even a familiar like what we saw incredibly useful.
Regens HP.
Blinds enemies.
Other possible skills, may even attacks directly. And if not I am sure with upgrades it would be able to.

Honestly, I'd rather we improve on either HP, or an existing skill, like haste. HP would definitely be useful in long duration dungeon diving in the future.

>>37895217
haste can't be improved

>>37895196
It seems incredibly fragile. No doubt it'll be one-shotted later on unless the owner has the foresight to give it durability/ghostliness.

I'm pushing for Iron Body because health regen sounds much better for surviving siege conditions.

>>37895217
Apparently I'm retarded, but my point still stands. I'd rather we upgrade Weapon Mastery, since it boosts accuracy and damage regardles of what weapon we use. It is useful, and also only an EXP away from capping.

>>37895298
I was tempted for that, until I realized that the ONLY weapon we have that isn't weighing us down is the scimitar.

>>37895217
Haste [[ Passive - MAX ]]
>>37895168
Not going to say it's the best chioce but it is atleast as good as Concussive blow.
But with concussive blow, it lets us bash our enimies, and scatter them, if they try and group up on us.
And with the increased damage as well. Should be great. Also opens up most attacks.
But yeah retaliate is on the top 3 skills from our current list.
>>37895278
That was one familiar. Seems more like a support familiar than an attack one. So it likely could be one-shotted. But asking about how she obtained it, doesn't mean we have to get that one.
Learning the process and trying to obtain a different one is always viable. That is of course if people even want one.

>>37895338
we can ask once we build comaraderie from quelling a revolt together.

>>37895332
* Weapon Mastery [[ Passive - Level 1/2 ]]: Increase in the effectiveness of wielded melee weapons. Further levels offer greater damage and accuracy bonuses.
is actually pretty bad ass.
That refers to ANY weapon we currently have on. And currently we're at the same level of skill with all kinds of weapons.
>>37895359
Why wait, that's easily something we can talk about going to town. I doubt it would be a big issue, considering we had the option to ask before. we just choose to do different things. and Now that we saw it in action, it makes sense to ask about it now.

>>37895411
But we can't maximize the benefits, so it's not as good.

>>37895458
What do you mean 'maximize the benefits'?

>>37895478
If we wanted to be better with the scimitar, we could get Saber

If we wanted to be better with a variety of weapons, Two-handed would unlock 3 more weapons(pick, pike, and zweihander), as well as unlock the next set of skills.

>>37895535
And Weapon Mastery applies to every weapon we currently possess, and stacks with Saber/Two-Handed Mastery (presumably). There is literally no reason to not get it.

>>37895478
what this guy said.
Because I would think that a skill where you increase the effectiveness of anything you use as a weapon.
On top of * Natural-born Fighter [[ Passive - MAX ]]: Gain basic skill in wielded standard melee weapons.
Is extremely beneficial.
>>37895535
I understand some people may want to specialize. And that makes sense, but it would be best if we found out what we're comfortable first. Scimitar just happened to be the first weapon available. We may feel better with our 2 hander, since we do have natural-born fighter we should be as good.
Weapon mastery stacks, along with other skills is the point. I still do say there are more important things to invest in. So we could say use pp in battle,so we could do better in battle.

>>37895583
>There is literally no reason to not get it.
Eventually sure, but getting an active ability is a priority right now so we can start using our delicious PP pool.

>>37895628
Why is that a priority at all? We realy shouldn't be getting abilities based off of simply 'muh pp' or not. Plus, Phantasmal Strike is pretty baller.

Anyways, I don't see a direct benefit to start using our pool, considering to get the best mileage out of it we'd need to invest into PP as well, which shouldn't be a priority because it doesn't necessarily directly affect our survivability. If we upgrade a pool, it should be HP for now. If we choose a skill, it should be either Lightning Reflexes or (wiser, imo) Weapon Mastery.

>>37895583
there is a reason to not get it NOW when they are better options considering our circumstances.

>>37895617
Even if you don't want to commit, Titan's Strength and Titan's Grip seem like skills that you would want regardless of specialization.

>>37895677
> saber
> two-handed mastery
> better options

It works with literally any melee weapon we wield. It is not tied to a specialty at all, which, with as early as we are in the game, is a good thing.

>>37895675
One would assume that an ability that required PP would be superior to one that did not, hence the PP limitation.

>phantasmal strike
Requires at least two precursor skills to get so, you know, not an option right now.

>>37895712
Weapon Mastery is better if you have a variety of weapons. We do not, and the only options are all two-handed. We cannot buy anything until this revolt is over.

>>37895677
Yes, I want them.
I honestly want
* Two-handed Mastery // Passive // Increases the effectiveness of two-handed weapons, which become lighter and more balanced in your hands. Required for: "Titan's Strength".
Right now.
and go full 2 hander.
But we need to start using pp. And it may be best to get an attack our of it.
* Concussive Strike // Active // Spend PP to make an attack that deals increased damage and can knock targets back a significant distance. Required for: "Overpower", "Charge", "Whirlwind Attack".
Should help in many situations, and just overall applying more damage.
>>37895712
saber is only for saber like weapons. It does not include all weapons I believe. It only covers like three kinds of swords or something. Not all.

Titan's Strength and Titan's Grip sounds both amazing. And I also want.
But getting an activate skill should be priority.

>>37895719
But they are not necessarily superior, and given that PP is a rather limited resource for us currently, it would be better for us, at a low level in a game where survivability is incredibly important, to upgrade a skill which has an effect regardless of whether we have a limited resource or not.

>>37895733
Regardless of what we have on hand, there is still no reason to not get Weapon Mastery. If we invest in Saber, and then wind up using a longsword or something later, it could be inferred as a waste of EXP, especially if we end up creating a straight sword artifact. The same goes for two-handed: if we wind up not specializing into it, it would be a waste of EXP. Now, Weapon Master applies to any weapon we wield, so the 'specialization' 'specialization' argument cannot be used there.

Again, there is no reason to not pick it up.

>>37895785
and AGAIN, we can get it LATER, Because the benefits it could give us right now are not as good as the other options due to our circumstances.

>>37895773
I was implying that Saber and Two-Handed Mastery weren't necessarily superior options, considering they force us to waste EXP by thinking in the now and investing in a skill which we may not use later on in the quest, when we have more viable option right now.

>>37895803
And again, I do not think that forcing us to specialize at this point in time is necessarily conducive to survival. Saber covers like five weapons, basically. Something like scimitars, cavalry sabers, mostly curved swords? Either way, it is not necessarily worth investing in.

And, if your primary argument at the moment is 'circumstance', then I pose you this: why force us to specialize /now/, when in the future we could easily retain our viability for other specializations by simply selecting Weapon Mastery now, which affects any melee weapon we wield?

>>37895837
Because if you're so bothered by specializing now, you could get a PP move or any of the defensive/movement ones.

>>37895854
That's not something I'm going to argue for or against at this moment, since they have their uses (even if I would dislike to begin introducing reliance upon a limited resource atm). That still, however, doesn't entirely answer the argument: why would we choose to specialize, at this point, when we could just as easily upgrade a skill that further increases our potency with any given weapon? I'm just not seeing the logic in the 'Saber/Two-Handed Mastery is better than Weapon Mastery' argument.

Additionally, it cannot be said that the 'bonuses', or whatever else you may choose to call them, necessarily outweigh whatever 'bonuses' we gain through Weapon Mastery, since we have literally no quantifiable evidence as to how much of a bonus each skill gives. Two-Handed mastery may open the path to more skills, yes, but we do not necessarily need Two-Handed Mastery to view effects of thosr skills. For instance, we can view Phantasm Strike, currently, despite not possessing its prerequisite ability.

>>37894393

You have yet to check how many credits Vision wired you. The five of you search the rest of the bodies, claiming some armor scraps; you also find a pair of leather gauntlets, which seem useful, though not made for decking people like Tatsumaki's. You acquire another healing potion, and two lengths of bandages as well.

The five of you make your way up the spiraling subterranean road, stopping at another lovely cave, similar to where you waited for Ayla.

"It's nice to meet you guys, by the way." Nel says. "Like, we'd have been screwed without you, too. It goes both ways, I think."

"It was an unfortunate situation." Donnel says. Tatsumaki smiles and latches onto Aelriss, who also seems to be in a bit of a better mood. "Let's try not to think too much of it. We've all proven ourselves quite capable, so I'm certain we'll make a good team, however long we might be together."

"What were you guys doing in the ruins?" You ask. "Before that Nameless betrayed you."

"His name was Kalim. We met him in Averron." Aelriss says. "We were forming an exploring party, and he wanted to tag along. He seemed nice, and--"

"He approached us with some fake pity-story, about how other players had been unfair to him, and one of ours died in the fight, as you saw." Donnel says. "Apparently, he had planned this beforehand. I'm sure other players have been killed by similar ambush parties."

"Right, that's unfortunate. Did you at least find anything worthwhile?" You ask.

"A lot of art." Aelriss smiles. "And Celestial Gems."

"We decided to split the loot via dice roll, and she lucked out." Donnel shrugs.

"Which reminds me, what's that bird you've got with you?" Nel asks. "I didn't know players could get pets."

"Well, she's my pet." Aelriss says. "Eunoia."

>>37895963

"The bird itself is a rare monster." Donnel says. "They pop up in places like the one we were just in, and there's a few threads on the Averron message board about rare sightings. If you see a bird in town, never attack it, by the way. They're usually spellcasters, and I've seen exactly two people die to them. One Nameless."

"But you keep it as a familiar," You say, gesturing to Aelriss's hand. "In that ribbon you wear around your finger."

"Yes," She smiles. "It's my Celestial Artifact. I created it with the Gems we found in the ruins. Eunoia followed us down to the Altar, so I prayed for something that would let me keep her."

"Evidently, you can make items that allow you to capture monsters." Donnel says. "Which raises a lot of questions, and a lot of possibilities."

"That sounds powerful. Seems like the thing can do some serious damage." Nel says. "Celestial Artifacts don't seem fair."

"To be honest, they aren't. It seems they're all unique, and I imagine all but the most middling are as powerful. There are drawbacks, though." Donnel says. "Once she's used up all of her energy, she has to rest in that cord for a good while. And, in addition, Aelriss can't use any abilities of her own."

"Not until I level up more, anyway." Aelriss sighs.

"What?" You ask. "You're an Artificer, aren't you?"

"I think there's another cost to using Celestial Artifacts." Nel says.

"He's right. The artifact required me to commit all of my PP to use it, and I didn't have a whole lot to begin with." Aelress says. "I could use my abilities, if I unbound it, but that takes forever."

You knew about Liza's artifact, though the details are still a secret, and there's rumors of the Guardians possessing the Gems to create a number more. The presence of Altars in the ruins, though, means there's certainly a number of Celestial Artifacts that are unaccounted for...

Archiving here, thanks for the posts. Sorry for the turnaround time.

>>37895940
Weapon Mastery [[ Passive - Level 1/2 ]]: Increase in the effectiveness of wielded melee weapons. Further levels offer greater damage and accuracy bonuses.
Two-handed Mastery // Passive // Increases the effectiveness of two-handed weapons, which become lighter and more balanced in your hands. Required for: "Titan's Strength".

Compare:
>Become lighter and more balanced in your hands
>Further levels offer greater damage and accuracy bonuses.

It looks like it'd make using two handed weapons much more viable since it makes them a lot more weildy

>>37895940
>'bonuses', or whatever else you may choose to call them, necessarily outweigh whatever 'bonuses' we gain through Weapon Mastery, since we have literally no quantifiable evidence as to how much of a bonus each skill gives
Which is why I focused on the more qualitative aspects. Saber would give similar bonuses AND a PP move, and while Two-handed only gives bonuses to our heavy weapons, it also makes them lighter for us to wield.

>but we do not necessarily need Two-Handed Mastery to view effects of thosr skills
then ask OP? >>37895963

>>37895978
I don't suppose we can quickly level up whilst the arguments for and against the skills are fresh in everyone's minds?

Also save starting next thread with it

>>37895940
In case you didn't get it, you can view the effect of any skill for which you have at least one prerequisite.

>>37896035
We voting on exp use?

>>37895982
I'd like to point you back to the rest of my argument, which is, essentially, "We'll be good with any weapon we pick up." Just as well, we have no idea how Two-Handed weapons, with the exception of the stone pikes, currently handle. They could be easier than we think, or they could be harder. I still don't think it necessitates spending EXP on it, when we know very little of how they actually work. Being able to machinegun the spears would be baller as fuck though.

>>37896009
Saber doesn't offer us any form of abilities, though. Iirc, it was stated that it was, essentially, a more specialized form of Weapon Mastery, which is simply a damage/accuracy buff.

>>37896078
>Saber doesn't offer us any form of abilities, though. Iirc, it was stated that it was, essentially, a more specialized form of Weapon Mastery, which is simply a damage/accuracy buff.
That is literally wrong. Putting points in Saber unlocks a PP skill at first level, and more at certain milestones.

>>37896078
This is correct, in regards to Weapon Mastery and weapon skills, which has the weird implication that there's actually no point in leveling specific weapon skills when you have Weapon Mastery unmaxed.

>>37896132
Are you, per chance, thinking of Offensive Mastery? We already have our first point in Saber, and do not possess any skill which could be a direct result of that point.

If I am wrong, would you like to point out where I could find this information?

>>37896144
Could you comment on the difference between upgrading weapon mastery and getting two handed mastery?

>>37896132
This is incorrect, in regards to everything. The only way to attain more Abilities is by increasing Mastery levels.

>>37896181
Intuitively enough, taking Two-Handed Mastery would be more beneficial than Weapon Mastery if you plan to use two-handed weapons primarily.

>>37896132
>>37896156
>>37896185
>> [[ Increasing the levels of your Masteries will allow you to learn new abilities. ]]
oh for fu-

It seems I read this line wrong, and assumed at the time that Masteries=Weapon Skill

>>37896230
Ah, no worries, friend.

>>37896207
So I suppose this warrants the question: what is our plan for the future? I believe this is the first thing to discuss, and come to a proper conclusion (a majority if not a consensus). From there, we can then determine how to best spend our EXP.

>>37896272
I for one would like to see us taking up a two handed weapon since it beats dual wielding and shields.

>>37896272
And, as a follow up to my post, I would like to state my own views: I, at first in this quest, thought it an excellent idea for a 'technoknight' build, which would mean equipping ourselves with a suit of heavy armor (preferably full plate, but this is not a necessary point of discussion at this time), a shield, and a one handed (or perhaps something we could easily go from wielding in two to one?) blade. I would enjoy it if other anons shared what they thought as well.

>>37896272
I'm still pushing for Tech Knight.

>Iron Body->Combat Regen, Panacea
>Weapon Mastery
>Sprint->Combat Respiration, Instantaneous Movement

Rely mostly on teched up weapons for damaged, unless we pick up Titan's Strength/Grip later on.

>>37896304
I think it largely depends upon our intent. For instance, with a shield (assuming we invest in Shield Mastery, of course) we can also gain access to Intercept. Of course, if we wish to delegate ourselves to DPS, I would agree that a two-handed weapon is most preferable.

>>37896322
>fullplate
>and shield
Why not just rely on the plate and free up a hand for offensive measures?
Also, I don't consider shields to be very technoknighty

>>37896344
As a follow-up, this unit as juggernaught that keeps pulling out new weapons and has the stamina to do so.

>>37896372
Because shields allow us access to abilities that not only benefit us, but our party as well. I am placing more of an emphasis upon 'knight' 'knight, which, in this exercise, means someone whom protects their allies in battle. As this anon (>>37896344) said, we'd rely primarily upon a superior weapon or other party members to really dish out the damage. Additionally, there is also the possibility that we might be able to use our shield to an offensive effect as well; in an earlier thread, someone mentioned possibly incorporating a cannon into our shield as well, and I quite like the idea of that, even if its possibility is suspect. Of course, I am under the thinking that weapons are not truly 'class locked' in a sense, since Nel uses knives, I believe, while being an explorer, and we use a pickaxe we looted from an explorer.