>>40888940

“This isn’t going to end well for you unless you tell us what we want to know.” Justina’s voice echoes throughout the dungeon. A warning for more than just the one currently being tortured.

A heavy metal gate slams shut and the sound of heels clicking against the ground approaching you send frenzied echoes everywhere into this forsaken pit.

Justina stops next to where you sit and sighs heavily. “Playing with adults is just so boring.” She removes her blood stained apron and lets down her long auburn hair. “I’m starting to see what you mean about this whole torture thing being ineffective.”

You stand and dust off your elegant robes. “The amount of pain it takes some of them to get talking makes them spout all sorts of delirious nonsense. Showing and sometimes delivering them a shred of hope is much more practical.”

She purses her lips in doubt. “Are we even allowed to do that? Sounds fishy.”

“Whatever delivers results.” You stare down the long and dark corridor. “But this is your mark, so in the end, it’s your choice. I’m only here to monitor the progress.”
You turn to return to your quarters, there’s a council gathering soon and a moment alone before that sounds wonderful.

“Wait.” Justina calls out. “The gathering, I’d like to turn in some progress to keep everyone from looking down on me with their smarmy grins...” She’s lost in thought for a moment. “No offense.” She adds with a giggle. “So could you help me out? You know, go in there and do whatever creepy things you do to get results?”

She’s absolutely terrible at this.

[2/3]

>>40888961

“A favor. One that will be paid back.” She injects those words to the heavy silence.

That certainly does have some appeal to it, but it’s unfortunately not as simple as that. The Empress promised to give the top performer of her Covert Intelligence council a fitting reward. Of the four, you appear to be the winner for your capture of key human targets, but helping Justina with her assignment might make the decision less certain.

>Help her interrogate her target.

>Return to your quarters.

>Write in.

>>40888981
>Return to your quarters.
ayy lamo fuck helping, we already gave her advice for free

Hello there, anon!

>>40889008
We'll go with this single vote to get the run started, it'll be the only single vote decision.

>Writing~

I feel like I missed a thread or two, whats going on?

>>40889340
I'm assuming your last thread was the ending of the festival. There's been a bit of a time-skip. The next few updates will inform you about the important things that have happened.

>>40888981
>Bargain
TWO favors. One for this, and one for the advise.

>>40889372
Good.

>>40889407
>helping Justina
She's everything we hate in a person though

>>40889645
Who's to say that we can't use 1 favor to cause the downfall of another competitor, and the 2nd favor to implicate her as the culprit?

>>40889688
But our opinions on the other competitors range from neutral to favorable.

>>40889746
We know who our other competitors are?

>>40889773
Not for sure, but it's most likely Ali and Philomena. We like Ali and are neutral on Philomena. If we don't know who they are we're neutral on them until they appear.

>>40889807
If it's those 2, it's too obvious if Philomena is attacked. Better if Ali is in on it.

Like, say, Justina sabotaging US in a recoverable manner: Justina is implicated, Little suspicion on us, and Ali gets a breather to catch up.

>>40889861
I'd really rather get more info before we go around making complex plans to sabotage others. Chances are the info we get in the next few updates will make any plans made now moot.

>>40889917
Just getting my ideas out incase I need to bail early.

>>40888981

You’ve given her enough help as it is, you’re intent on seeing what this reward is The Empress has in store for you.

“I’ll leave you with one last piece of advice.” You continue your way out of the dungeon. “Wash up, your make-up is smeared.”

Justina sighs in disappointment and disgust, and you’re finally free of those oppressive stone and metal cages.

Your eyes adjust to the sunlight filtering into the empty halls of the marble palace you now call home. The delicate and ornate masonry is all becoming terribly familiar now that it’s been a month since the festival.

This hidden palace in the outer realm badlands is now your base of operations and the large quarters you now approach is where you lie your head to sleep. You break your seal and walk in.

A grand desk, shaming the one left behind stands in the center of the room, its pristine carved shape indicating the importance of the one who sits behind it. Heavy silk curtains filter the sickening light coming in from the grand window. The room is entirely undecorated, only the essentials have had the time to make their way inside.

You move on, the smaller room holding an enormous bed. It’s easily large enough for two, but has only ever seen one. A huge pile of unmade covers rest on top.

[1/2]

File: soph7.jpg (467 KB, 800x800)

467 KB JPG

>>40890006

You breathe in the isolation and quiet. You relax into your seat adjacent to the window, fragrance of the gifted white-petal plant next to you ever reminding you of who brought you to this place.

A month. It’s been a whole month since that day. Of those you knew, you only have Ali's information to know of what may have happened to them.

Ellie and Laurent haven’t been seen since, you assume they escaped during carnage.

Marissa took Izu and ran off after the summoning was complete. You sometimes wonder if the young boy will pop out of the mess of covers you leave behind every day. But he hasn’t yet, no matter how appealing you make it.

Aya and Matthias…

The screams still remain firmly branded into your memory. She took him to Kyraen’Asils, you’re still not sure he succumbed to those injuries. But, he’ll never be the same.

Your most recent assignment and the business of moving has kept you from investigating any more of them. You’re to keep focused on whatever tasks you have at hand, but your free time is your own. Maybe you could focus it on finding out the fates of everyone scattered to the wind.

>Look into what happened to Ellie and Laurent.

>Look into what happened to Izu and Marissa.

>Look into what happened to Aya and Matthias.

>Write in.

>>40890058
That's a fucking tough decision.

>>40890058
>>40890180
I'm going to go with
>Look into what happened to Ellie and Laurent.
and spending the rest of our free time gitting gud.

Izu has enough of a handle on our personality to either reach us on his own, or do what we want him to do anyway.

Aya.....probably shouldn't leave Matthias' side. Unless he's been screwed over by the denizens of Kyraen'Asils.

>>40890058
>>Look into what happened to Izu and Marissa.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>40890244
>>40890255
Tie-breaking roll is necessary.

1=Eliie and Laurent
2=Izu and Marissa

>Writing the winner

>>40890058
>>Look into what happened to Izu and Marissa.
Izu

>>40890303
Thank god.

We should look into finding Grivermillion. Now would be a wonderful time to have some aid.

>>40890508
dude what's your problem?

>>40890539
Izu > Everyone else.

>>40890539
Do you trust Marissa with Izu? Cause i sure as fuck don't. That girl is on the border between really fucking stupid and really fucking irresponsible.

>>40890565
Yes, we kind of knew that already. He is, in fact, so awesome that I'm not sure if he even needs us to help him.

>>40890565
Eh I did it for Marrissa.

>>40890597
Point taken.

>>40890598
It's not Izu I'm worried about. It's marissa.

>>40890597
>That girl is on the border between really fucking stupid and really fucking irresponsible.
How so?

>>40890937
Are we really starting this again?

>>40891003
Don't respond.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>40890303

Aya is very likely safe where she is, and so is Matthias. While you know the least about what happened to Ellie and Laurent, you think that it might be easier to find someone who would be searching for you as well, so that is where you will begin.

The few thoughts of Izu’s that reach you have been clouded and brief. But you can tell he’s doing well by the occasional feeling of annoyance he has toward Marissa.

You sigh at the end of your brief moment of peace. The Intelligence Council assembly beckons, and you’re not going to lose any position for being late.

Making sure to seal off your quarters, you head for the central area of the palace, where The Empress holds her briefings with all of her councils.

Most everyone knows that while all the councils are integral to meeting The Empress’s goals, her focus is almost entirely on the Martial Council and the Intelligence Council.

You stop in front of the grand hall just as Ali, Justina, and Philomena arrive as well. The air is quiet as you wait for the Martial Council to finish their assembly.

Justina sighs impatiently. “They always take so long, you’d think that they’re all getting frisky in there or something.” She pouts for having to wait.

“The army keeps us all safe.” Philomena reminds her. "You'd be wise to watch your words more, as well."

Justina crosses her arms. “Yeah, but we’re the ones always risking our necks. They get to hide behind those faceless creeps.”

The faceless flesh soldiers that assaulted you during your first trip to this realm make up the bulk of the army of The Empress. Tens of thousands of them hide underneath the quaking and cracked earth, ready to do whatever The Empress wills.

“Enter.”

[1/2]

File: hall1.jpg (204 KB, 1575x858)

204 KB JPG

>>40891176

The massive marble doors in front of you open at her command and the four of you approach the daunting throne where The Empress awaits you all patiently.

You note as you approach a side door closing as four figures leave. For whatever reason, The Empress keeps the Martial and Intelligence council as separate as possible.

The four of you stop at the same time and then kneel before the towering woman, awaiting for her to begin as you had done with your own apprentices.
The Empress smiles. “To begin, most of you have done spectacularly with the assignments I gave you our last meeting. Your reports are very promising.”

She turns to Justina without the slightest change in her expression. “I’ve yet to receive the final update from you, Justina. Do you have anything to add?”

Uncharacteristically, Justina hangs her head low. “Only that I will make him squeal soon, Empress.”

The Empress smile turns into a frown with stunning effect. “There are new assignments for you. Do not keep me waiting long or else I will have to take away some of your toys…”

Justina hangs her head lower.

The Empress turns her attention to the rest of you. “Do any of you think you can do a better job than our Justina here?”

The three of you are all silent, minds racing.

What is her reason for asking? Does she intend to give higher favor to the one who volunteers, or only seeks to drive a wedge further between the four of you? Is it even wise to take on more work than you'll already have?

The Empress awaits.

>Remain silent.

>Volunteer to take over.

>Write in.

>>40891003
>>40891051
Just asking.

>>40891225
>Remain silent.
Ok ok, I also kinda just don't want to torture anyone.

Already went with a single vote update this run, so we're going to have to wait for another vote to move on.

Hopefully soon!

>>40891225
>>Remain silent.
We good. Gotta find our peeps anyway.

>>40891367
>>40891447
Zipped lip.

>Writing~

>>40891469
Just a tip, not really a complaint.

The faster you write the more "active" your players will be. People tend to wander off and do other things when waiting long periods of time between posts. Not a big problem, just know that you post times are a tad bit slow. Combine that with a small playerbase and this tends to happen.

Just letting you know.

>>40891580
If that's the case, then I will do my best to speed up the updates.

>>40891601
Just don't sacrifice quality. Don't push to hard to get it done quick if it's gonna make it worse.

Quality > Time > Typos

>>40891469

You’ve got your own things to worry about, no sense in taking on another assignment.

The three of you remain silent, you keep your gaze fixated upon the reaction of The Empress. A most curious, yet unreadable expression flashes on her face as she sees no one volunteer.

“It appears that your companions still have some faith in you, Justina. Don’t betray that, nor me.” The Empress clears her throat, signaling that she’s finished with that particular matter. “Philomena, if you’d please update the others on what you’ve discovered.”

Philomena straightens out even more and raises her chin. “My assignment was to investigate the current status of the war between Impel and The Maw. The de facto military leadership that recently came into power is attempting to hold ceasefire discussions with The Broodmother. This is entirely because of the emergence of our own organization.”

It seems like quite the impressive bit of information there, but that disorganized mess that rose up in Impel is quite prone information leaks, it was likely an easy task.

The Empress takes over. “Now, our current plans on investigating human organizations will take less precedence. Our focus will now turn instigating hostile relations between those two planes.”

All your ears perk up, it’s finally time for your new tasks to be assigned.

[1/2]

>>40892063

She leans back in her throne. “This means that three of you will now be assigned to organizing multiple key skirmishes upon the common people of Impel. The intent to keep support for the war at its highest.” She softly rubs her chin as she considers the rest of her plans. “One other will begin a two-week infiltration and spying mission into that growing human force. It is of the utmost importance that you remain unsuspected.”

That certainly sounds much more delicate that what she has planned for the other three.

“Sophia.” She suddenly states. “Since you did such stellar work with your last assignment, I’m giving you permission to choose where you’d think you’d do best.” Her smile widens. “As well as another gift, but for now, you will choose how you will serve me next.”

She’s ever-vigilant to remind you of your ultimate positions, but you’re not going to allow any displeasure to show.

The infiltration mission is almost certain to be more difficult and time-consuming. But, if Laurent and Ellie have ended up anywhere, it’s going to be where they’d be the safest. It would be more of a pain, but it will allow you to kill two birds with one stone.

>Accept the skirmish assignment.

>Accept the infiltration assignment.

>Write in

>>40892111
>>Accept the skirmish assignment.
I just think it'd be more fun

>>40892111
>>Accept the skirmish assignment.
See if we can do a smash and grab.

>>40892111
>>Accept the skirmish assignment.

>>40892171
>>40892182
>>40892285

Raiding and pillaging the countryside.

>Writing~

>>40892300

With no guarantee of finding any information you seek, two weeks is much too long for you to assign yourself to.

“I’ll take part in the skirmishes, Empress.” You finally give your answer.

She mulls over your decision before nodding her approval. “Ali, I hope you’re in the mood for a new hairstyle. You will be the one to infiltrate the human organization.”

Ali bows her head in acceptance. “Anything for you, my Empress.” Her voice filled with unwavering devotion.

It’s quite the terrifying sight to see Ali sell her act so perfectly, with you knowing full well that she wishes for The Empress’s death more than anyone else.
A disturbing grin of satisfaction forms on the face of The Empress. “Gather as much information as you can on their capabilities, and keep your eyes open for this Chosen One they’ve been speaking of in recent days.”

It’s almost as if Ali already knows full well of what The Empress wishes to hear and see.

The Empress stands from her throne to pace the large hall. “The other three will be assigned small squads of disguised minions. Move quickly, destroy thoroughly, and above all else do not allow yourselves to be caught. Details for each individual will be delivered later in the day, and you will be leaving first thing tomorrow morning.”

[1/2]

>>40893121

“Understood.” The four of you respond in unison.

The Empress stops in front of a large stained glass window. “You’re dismissed, except for Sophia.”

The other three bow one last time before leaving through the side door of the hall.

She continues with her gaze planted on the many colored pieces of glass. “You’re the easiest to reward, Sophia, but at the same time you are the hardest to reward.” Her fingers raise to meet the glass. “Philomena and Justina have their vices, and Ali only wishes for the well-being of that little ward of hers.” She rips her fingers from the glass. “But you Sophia, you wish dangerous things.”

You stand and approach the window next to her. “That’s exactly why you took me along. Isn’t it?”

Her face looks pleased. “We will not be denied.” She motions for you to follow her back to her throne. “Sit.” She orders you, when you reach it.

You consider her words very carefully before approaching the massive throne. It’s slightly too large for your body, but it does well to make you feel quite grand when you sit in it.

“Now, future Empress Sophia, I will teach you something you’ve been lacking in your Pyromancy. If it will so please you.” She bows mockingly.

Lacking? What could you possibly be lacking? She chooses her words very carefully, knowing very well how to incite you. You wish to know whatever she could mean by what she said, but if she's the one bowing this time, perhaps you should dare to reach higher.

>Accept her offer.

>Write in.

>>40893177
>>Accept her offer.

>>40893177
>>Accept her offer.
obviously.

We need more combat stats anyway. We have a lot of utility with the sealing and teleporting and necromancy.

>>40893177
>Accept her offer.
I'm not sure what to reach higher for. Maybe a way to delve without being vulnerable and unconscious in a tub of blood?

>>40893346
our body disappers when we delve.

But delving is fairly meh right now. We need concrete abilities and skills to grow strong enough to usurp this bitch.

>>40893221
>>40893256
>>40893346
Strength beckons.

>Writing~

>>40893379
>to usurp this bitch.
You better wait your damn time.

>>40893379
It wouldn't be usurping, it would be reclaiming our rightful throne.

I suppose counter-asking for sealing instead would have been way, way too dangerous?

>>40894036
We probably could have. I just want pyro more.

>>40894036
Doubtful. I just didn't ask because we seem to be so inherently talented at sealing we'd have an easier time ranking that up through effort than pyromancy.

>>40894067
>>40894080
What was stopping Aya from teaching us more, again?

Or heck, can we learn more in Kyrean?

>>40893406

She may be bowing, but you shouldn’t forget what your relationship is to each other, at least for now.

You stand from her throne and kneel onto the ground. “If you would show me how my Pyromancy is lacking, I would use it to serve you better.” The words like a bitter poison upon your tongue, but you act your role.

“Rise.” She commands and then distances herself from you. “Strike me with your flames, and I will show you the exact meaning of my words.”

You grin at the familiar scenario. The flames have been tingling quietly in your hand upon entering the hall. But now you finally have permission to let them breathe.

The indignation you feel at your current standing quickly fuels your flames to the point where they’re dripping with caustic and sticky fluid. You’ve almost reached the point to where you can invoke this violent flame immediately.

You direct its hunger to the woman standing across from you, and hurl the fastest bolt you’ve unleashed yet.

It reaches the target in less time it takes for you to blink, but you immediately sense that something is wrong.

The flame roars and tears into a seal in the air, while The Empress easily steps around it. “Your flame is indeed a hungry one, but it’s incredibly simple.” She points at the flame next to her. “Once it’s reached something to sink its teeth into, it bears down without stopping, and you’d have to shoot another if your target evaded it. An incredible waste of energy.”

The Empress motions for you to unleash another, and you do so without even letting her finish her gesture.

The bolt erupts from your hand and you see it almost reach her grinning face, before it suddenly shoots back toward you. You immediately teleport to your side, landing unsteadily from sheer panic.

Your flame crashes into a marble pillar, taking out a sizable chunk from it, and continuing to eat away at it.

[1/2]

>>40894114
Right now? Unknown whereabouts.

>>40894134

She walks over to help you to your feet. “Make no mistake, your flames would very likely kill me if they ever reached me. But all things have their own nature, and you fully understand what that is, then you’ve already defeated it.” Her words trail away as she settle back into her throne. “As it stands, you and your flame are in a sort of tense agreement. Your growth will be limited so long as this is the case.”

Her words are unpleasant to hear, but your mind latches onto the valuable information

“Work on taming the nature of your flame, then you will see just how powerful you can become with it.” She leans forward in her chair giddily. “But you should expect to be burnt in the process. Just don’t let it consume you.”

You bow to show your appreciation and understanding for her advice.

“Now if you’re satisfied, then you’re free to leave.” The Empress flips open a small ledger and begins to read through it.

She seems quite through with your lesson, but she's never discouraged questions that might assist you on your missions. Or perhaps, you could broach other subjects of your interest with her.

>Take you leave.

>Write in.

>>40894179
ask her if she plans on moving on the brood mother or Impel first.

>>40894179

>Ask what connection exists between her and Marissa.

>>40894218
>>40894236
Let's see what lies at the ends of these questions.

>Writing

>>40894350

You dust off the backside of your robes and straighten yourself out. “Empress, may I trouble you with a few questions before I leave?”

She stares at the ledger for a few moments longer before snapping it shut and smiling at you. “You may, but you should be careful. Much could be found out about the nature of person just from the questions they ask.”

You’ll keep that in mind for any future acts you’ll have to play.

Your eyes don’t leave her piercing blue gaze. “My apprentice Marissa, the Corrupted one, what’s the extent of her connection to you?”

She looks up in thought before recalling the person of which you speak. “Your apprentice was only chosen to assist in my eventual summoning. It could’ve been anyone, but I doubt anyone else would have done such impressive work.”

At least you know now that Marissa played no knowing part in the summoning. You’re sure things would be quite different if she had not accompanied you on that delve that day.

You nod your understanding and continue. “You indicated earlier that our assignments would change focus to the war between Impel and The Maw. Which plane would you have us take first?”

Her relaxed countenance sours visibly as she considers your question. “As much as I desire to be rid of that wretched woman turned creature…seizing Impel would prove the more prudent target. I may yet have allies in hiding to assist us in this task.”

That’s plenty for this assembly, you’ve had quite enough of this delicately perfumed room as it is. You thank her for the time, and make one last bow before heading for the side exit.

“Sophia…” The Empress calls out, halting you immediately. “Make me proud. Once I get what I want, I will remember who is it I have to thank.” She finishes with an unreadable smile, leaving you in silence to consider her words.

You bow wordlessly, turn, and finally make your way out. The heavy marble door slamming shut behind you, leaving the only one way left to go, forward.

~

>>40894881
Okay, that's where I'm going to end it for tonight. Quite a bit of exposition, but I feel like we've learned a lot today. As always, I want to thank everyone that played today, and if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them in the thread, and I will do my best to respond to them.

If not, then I wish you a good day/night, and hope to see you again next time!

>(Twitter)
https://twitter.com/QM_Auri

>>40894917
Have we learned anything about Justina and Philomena after working with them for a month?

>>40894969
You were sent on separate missions the first time around, so you don't know what their capabilities are exactly, just yet. However, you do know that they both have quite the vice, one of them being much more obvious than the other.

>>40894917
So how Is Marissa annoying Izu? I pray she's not doing what u think she is. How come no one has said anything about our wings? Also have they healed?

>>40895023
Is Philomena's vice searching for the son she was separated from 50 years ago, and is that son actually dead.

Also thx 4 runin budi gud thred

>>40894917
>>40895050
Oh yea did we reseal away the wings after the battle a month ago or have we just been going around with them out this whole time.

>>40895050
>I pray she's not doing what u think she is.
Hey, at least our rule 63 clone might be getting laid, no complaints here. Now at least one of us won't be a virgin.

>>40895050
She's annoying him in the same manner she's always had, and she likes him too much to force him to do something he doesn't want to. Your wings are indeed currently sealed right now and they have healed completely.
>>40895052
So terrible, but I must admit it made me smile. You're also very welcome!
>>40895068
You resealed the wings after the battle, if you recall, The Empress did get full glance at them at the time.

>>40895085
Pretty sure it'd be rape anon. Just because you're a depraved shit doesn't mean the MC or Izu is, nor does it mean it won't fuck things up. Especially considering whatever she beds is easier for the Empress to bend in from, mind, and spirit to her will.

>>40895114
Alright, alright and good.

>>40895023
what was our mission?

>>40895124
>whatever she beds is easier for the Empress to bend in from, mind, and spirit to her will.
citation needed

>>40895125
Your mission was to capture several humans that had been identified as minor leaders of a growing human alliance. You did so flawlessly using your sealing, and remained entirely undetected.

>>40895163
Do we know what missions everyone else received or no? Kinda curious about Ali especially, and how she manages without magic.

>>40895153
The fact that magic targeted people who bedded her first? It jump started the fleshwarping shit so they could rend down everyone.

>>40895163
Will we be getting armor/weapons for the upcoming fights? or just walk in bare ass as always?

>>40895193
>fleshwarping
>mind and spirit

>>40895196
We're wearing our robe anon.

>>40895163
Do we still have all of our items? the dagger and leech and stone? Journals? and other shit.

>>40895214
It's all connected anon. The mind is made of flesh, it can be warped, if it is warped she has your spirit, if only be degrees.

>>40895216
For the fight.

And we've (up till now) always walked around the realms naked.

>>40895240
Citation needed

>>40895242
Naked? You sure? I always thought we somehow had a mundane robe or something.

>>40895184
You know what they were assigned to, but you don't know the results unless The Empress chooses to divulge that information. Ali was sent on a basic information gathering mission, one that only required her to get a general feel of the human alliance.
>>40895196
Your role doesn't have you fighting on the front lines very often, but I think I can write in some armor for you now that you're part of a large organization.
>>40895224
Everything besides the hairpin. Expect a major update to the pastebin for next thread.

>>40895242
Considering we got a control buff from the robes after the fight in paradise to save Elli I'm not so sure.

>>40895260
Anon if she controls your mind and body she has you. That'd be obvious

>>40895282
>Everything besides the hairpin.
why?

>>40895302
Consider where you received it from.

>>40895286
>she has enough control over fleshwarping to achieve control over the mind
>we've seen hundreds of examples of this
>oh wait

>>40895282
Do we wear our cloak thing around regularly? and what happened to the hairpin?

>>40895317
a slug?

>>40895323
She can make flesh soldiers. Yes? If Marissa accidentally tenderized someone for her and she could reach them i'm sure she could do all sorts of wonderful thing she could do if she chose too. She's crazy strong.

>>40895333
The slug that gave Marissa her powers. He was an agent for the Usurper.

>>40895317
What would anyone have against the slug who gave it to us? And did it break? or did it get stolen?

That was an immensely powerful artifact. We got power ups out the wazoo because of it. Or was that the cloak?

>>40895357
Creating flesh zombies from scratch is hardly the same as modifying a working brain.

If she had mind control she'd have used it by now guy. None of this reaching for straws anymore, we've been around her for a month.

>>40895357
>The slug that gave Marissa her powers. He was an agent for the Usurper.
Doesn't that mean we should still have it? since we're working for her? Why would she take it from us?

And that slug didnt give marissa her powers. She had them the moment she first delved with us. He very well might have given her that "taint" which allowed the Usurper in though.

>>40895333
Your cloak is part of your regular outfit, you keep it on under your robes, out of sight. You're right about the slug.
>>40895372
Maybe the slug wasn't being entirely honest with you. The hairpin was left behind mostly out of disgust, it's hidden in your abandoned house. The power ups were from the cloak, the hairpin largely affected your delving.

>>40895372
Pin let us understand delving easier.

The slug was an Usurper Agent he gave Marissa her power and likely had it so our pin weakened the seal itself too. The pin is a bug she could use to mentally influence us like greivermillion did, and since she's just as strong if not stronger and much closer. I don't doubt Sophia broke it or ditched it.

>>40895409
The taint is what I meant.

>>40895419
Can we go get the hairpin?

Why were we disgusted with it? It's a useful tool.

>>40895390
I imagine the brain would take longer, and could have a lot go wrong with it. Why waste it on useful servants?


>>40895437
It's already proven to make us mentally susceptible to spells.

>>40895437
Because it influenced you to unknowingly contribute to your current servitude situation. But Sophia does see the potential usefulness in it, mainly if she can master it, so we can retrieve now if you wish, now that we've calmed down.

>>40895495
I'd like to, either the next time we delve or after we rek the Usurper.

>>40895524
And leave ourselves open to mental Influence? Anyone with the knowledge can do it and unless they're obnoxious about it we'll never know. It's a trap Anon and you're falling for it, again.

>>40895524
Easily retrieved, but it may be awhile before we actually use it. To be technical, you're currently delving, so if you wish to retrieve it as soon as possible, then you're next bit of free time would be the best choice.

>>40895533
you and your crazy theories. Once again, citation needed.

>>40895552
Tbh I'd rather leave it. There's a point the inherent risks in an item outweigh it's uses.

>>40895566
here>>40895495 and Grievermillion using it to talk to us. He was the single voice. The legion of voices trying to shut him out was either the Usurper or her servants.

>>40895568
Hmm, then I will probably leave it down to a vote in the a future run.

>>40895584
It ain't mind control if they're just talking. Where's this susceptibility to influence you were on about?

I'll be stepping out now. I enjoyed answering your questions very much. Until next time!

>>40895636
They were whispering in our head, the ENTIRE time we were using it. Just because you can't read context. The voices were always there whispering influencing us subtly. Furthermore it let the Usurper find us easily, Since it did the same thing for Greivermillion. It's a bloody trap. You're being dense.

>>40895653
Thanks Auri.

>>40895673
I don't think you know what the word trap means.

>>40895702
again>>40895495 it was a trap when it was given to us, and stepping back into an active trap is bloody stupid. Especially since we can delve more then well enough on our own.

>>40895736
And once the Usurper is dead?

>>40895773
What need do we have for it? It's a delving tool. We're very good at it already as it is, and we can never be sure someone else can't fuck us up with it. Leave it where it is. We REALLY don't want her to track us with it.

>>40895810
It's hella useful. I'm willing to accept the slight vulnerability for the guaranteed gains.

>>40895857
It doesn't give us gains. That is the robe. The robe give us magic boosts. We still have it. Look at the char sheet. My god you're an idiot.

>>40895909
Gains to delving you retard.

>>40895937
It hasn't It's only opened up new locations to us, and that was from the mental influence because that was when the whispers flared up. It isn't a slight Vulnerability it is a massive one.

>>40895960
>New locations aren't gains to delving
>It's still a massive vulnerability despite us being aware of the voices.

I sure am glad you opened up the insults, because it sure is refreshing to point out what a dumbass you're being. Now, I know having a simple mind like yours makes you unreasonably paranoid about mind control, but fact of the matter is, only Marissa has been shown to have that, and we have a cloak that protects from it anyway. Even if we had none of this, Sophia is a lot smarter than you, and therefore harder to control. Got it?

>>40896028
>>New locations aren't gains to delving
We can find them on our own? Especially since as you pointed out Sophia is smart.

>It's still a massive vulnerability despite us being aware of the voices
When we can't do anything about them, they're usually subliminal, impossible to block because we ear it underneath our robe, it's a still a massive threat.

>I sure am glad you opened up the insults, because it sure is refreshing to point out what a dumbass you're being. Now, I know having a simple mind like yours makes you unreasonably paranoid about mind control,

BLah blah blah insults

>only Marissa has been shown to have that, and we have a cloak that protects from it anyway.

except>>40895495 once again points to the pin gets under our defenses, like because it's worn under the robe. additionally the mind control it's been using is more subtle usually than what Marissa ahs been using. Likely because whoever made for the Usurper/ the Usurper herself is better at it than a fledgling like Marissa.


>Even if we had none of this,
Which we won't since it bypasses our defenses to both do it's job and fuck with us

>Sophia is a lot smarter than you, and therefore harder to control. Got it

Citation needed. Additionally she said last time she'd have been in the palm of Marissa's hand even unlocked without the robe.


The pin needs to be on us for a time to help us, and since it, by the fact we wear it under our defenses, can affect us when sued, its blind and bloody stupid greed that's compelling you to fuck the character over for no real benefit. Especially since there are only two places we've yet to be and we can figure out how to get there on our own with some work.
And yes it can bypass our defense because Grievermillion used it to do so.

>>40896186
>We can find them on our own? Especially since as you pointed out Sophia is smart.

We can also do everything the cloak gives us through practice. Doesn't mean we should just throw the thing away.

>When we can't do anything about them, they're usually subliminal, impossible to block because we ear it underneath our robe, it's a still a massive threat.
I don't consider people whispering at us a massive threat.

>mind control it's been using
Oh shut up about your mind control fetish. It's not mind control.

>both do it's job and fuck with us
It's job was to help us delve while also guiding us to release the Usurper. What, do you think she's gonna need more releasing after she dies?

>Citation needed
Her actions vs your posts.

>fuck the character over for no real benefit
So the cloak is giving us no real benefit?

>only two places we've yet to be
Citation needed

>And yes it can bypass our defense because Grievermillion used it to do so.
It defends against mind control. If you think Grievy talking to us is mind control, I guess we better deafen ourselves.

>>40896356
>We can also do everything the cloak gives us through practice. Doesn't mean we should just throw the thing away.
Cloak doesn't leave a huge gaping hole in our defenses.
>I don't consider people whispering at us a massive threat.
You should since Auri directly said it affected our behavior and fucked us up.
>Oh shut up about your mind control fetish. It's not mind control.
It's mental influence, and it isn't my fetish.
>It's job was to help us delve while also guiding us to release the Usurper. What, do you think she's gonna need more releasing after she dies?
You're thinking she can't use it for something else? It is hers through and through. I really don't want to give her the chance to see what else it can do.
>Her actions vs your posts.
Yeah yeah, keep leveling the insults and not providing proof.
>So the cloak is giving us no real benefit?
Once Again the Cloak is not a security risk to our knowledge. The Pin is. You idiot.
>Citation needed
That planar map Auri drew for us way back when? The 3 interlocking circles with 3 outer realms, 3 inner realms, and 1 innermost realm. It's In one of the first threads.
>It defends against mind control. If you think Grievy talking to us is mind control, I guess we better deafen ourselves.
The point was he used the magic on it to bypass our shit and interfere with the whispers to talk to us. If he had intended too he could have lobotomized us with what he did. It was painful and nearly knocked us out, if it was sustained it may have killed us, or damaged our mind from strain.


The point is your wanting to pick up and use an item that was made for and serve our enemy. Just to get some nebulous benefit that may never come, and if it does it may not be helpful. Additionally it opens us to a world of hurt.

>>40896516
>You should since Auri directly said it affected our behavior and fucked us up.
Only because we didn't know what they were guiding us to.

>It's mental influence, and it isn't my fetish.
Pretty clearly is, since you're shoving it everywhere.

>You're thinking she can't use it for something else? It is hers through and through. I really don't want to give her the chance to see what else it can do
once
she's
dead

>Yeah yeah, keep leveling the insults and not providing proof.
1. Don't get mad over insults when you threw the first one, due to a misinterpretation of my post no less.
2. Your posts show you are stupid, her actions show she is smart. That is the proof. Is this still too difficult to understand? I hope not, I don't think I can simplify it any more.

>Once Again the Cloak is not a security risk to our knowledge. The Pin is. You idiot.
That wasn't what I was asking, retard.

>That planar map Auri drew for us way back when? The 3 interlocking circles with 3 outer realms, 3 inner realms, and 1 innermost realm. It's In one of the first threads.
Who's to say that there aren't additional realms no one knows about?

>If he had intended too he could have lobotomized us with what he did. It was painful and nearly knocked us out, if it was sustained it may have killed us, or damaged our mind from strain.
Citation needed. Hearing loud noises is painful, so are we back to deafening ourselves? And he didn't bypass anything.

I don't know if it's just you being dumb or some real bad case of the shadowruns, but you seem to believe that all our enemies are omniscient and know all about the hairpin, the fact we possess it, and how to use it to ruin our day. This is unrealistic. I hope you can see that.

>>40896792
>Only because we didn't know what they were guiding us to.
We would be letting them back in again. We still don't know all her goals, and it's very possible she can still sue it on us now that she's free.

>Pretty clearly is, since you're shoving it everywhere.
It's Mental influence and it's been blatantly said that's the whole point of the relic for good or ill.

>once she's dead
Simply touching it or having on or near or person could screw us. Especially since we don't know what all she can do with it. Leave it where it is.

>1. Don't get mad over insults when you threw the first one, due to a misinterpretation of my post no less.
Fair point, but you've been volleying them at me and still not helping you case.
>2. Your posts show you are stupid, her actions show she is smart. That is the proof. Is this still too difficult to understand? I hope not, I don't think I can simplify it any more.
That's your opinion you condescending fuck nugget, and you still have offered no proof her intellect give her a better defense, especially since she said she'd cave to Marissa without the robe when Sophia was unbound

>That wasn't what I was asking, retard.
You asked if the cloak gave us no real benefit it does, but it doesn't require us to open a mental channel to someone not on our side. It's an artifact, but it's not helping us more than it's hurting us and you're being a greedy Jew over what is essentially a cursed item.

>Who's to say that there aren't additional realms no one knows about?
There may be, who's to say the pin will actually take us there when it couldn't take us past the Ancillary manta in the threshold to the innermost realm?

>Citation needed. Hearing loud noises is painful, so are we back to deafening ourselves?
We nearly blacked out and In the post about it, It was driving us insane.

>And he didn't bypass anything.
Went right past the mental shields of the robe through the pin into our noggin. That's clearly a bypass.

cont

>>40896792
>>40897041
>you seem to believe that all our enemies are omniscient and know all about the hairpin, the fact we possess it, and how to use it to ruin our day
Usurper and her agents clearly know about it and how to use it. Greivermillion saw us once, at a distance, and STILL used it on us to talk to us. How did he know? The point is Unless we kill everyone associated to the usurper, and are completely sure about it, it's not safe to use.

>>40897041
>We would be letting them back in again. We still don't know all her goals, and it's very possible she can still sue it on us now that she's free.
ONCE
SHE'S
DEAD
^^^^^^^^^^^^
We won't be using it until she dies, this is at least the third time I'm telling you.

>especially since she said she'd cave to Marissa without the robe when Sophia was unbound
That's because Marissa is strong as fuck now, not because Sophia is dumb. Or did you miss all that stuff when we were jailbreaking grievy?

>You asked if the cloak gave us no real benefit it does
It does? So the pin gives us a benefit too, and you're just saying it doesn't because your shadowruns are out of control and thinking is hard? Ok then, glad we could clear that up.

>There may be, who's to say the pin will actually take us there when it couldn't take us past the Ancillary manta in the threshold to the innermost realm?
Maybe it couldn't, maybe it just needed more use.

>Went right past the mental shields of the robe through the pin into our noggin. That's clearly a bypass.
Robe doesn't shield vs talking. Just control. Been over this.

Look guy, it's late, you're dumb and take a long ass time to reply, and I want to sleep. I agree that we probably don't want to use it while the Usurper is still alive, so we can continue this later, unless Auri gives more info that settles the issue. The way he phrased it earlier, the reason we abandoned it was because we were disgusted that we were unknowingly persuaded to help release usurpy, not that it was controlling us. Once we know that the voices we hear from it aren't always trustworthy, the danger of anyone exploiting it is greatly lessened. Once Usurpy is dead, it should be fine, even if her minions are still alive. There will still be a bit of risk, but I'm willing to accept that in exchange for increased knowledge, as opposed to you, who is seemingly determined to avoid all risk, even though doing so in an Auri quest is impossible.

>>40897041
Also your definition of mental influence is unreasonably large. By those standards I'm mentally influencing you by typing out these posts for you to read, which is technically true, but also makes mental influence impossible to avoid unless we seal away our mind and destroy all 5 of our own senses.

I don't think people being able to lie to us or show us deceptions is a reason to deafen or blind ourselves, but you feel differently I guess.

>>40897364
Point is you want it around us while she is still alive which is idiotic in the extreme. Leave the fuck where it is until she's gone. I'm trying to avoid undo risk because you're being a greedy fuck trying to hoard a cursed item on our person for a dubious and likely nonexistent payoff. You're hyping up it supposedly incredible usefulness when it hypothetical at best and firmly a usurper item.

>>40897407
Except she can can cripple us in a fight with the same trick Greiver used as could anyone else who Identified it. Which Griever did in a few seconds.

I'll keep my 2 cents short: not too keen on the hairpin. The risks are pretty damn great.

AFTER the usurper is gone, I would at the most use it to gain access to the other 2 realms. But I would much prefer to just study it to understand how it
works and construct defences or a telepathy device.

>>40897439
Alright, then we study enchanting and modify it to limit how much mental noise can come through at once.

>>40897418
>I'm hyping it up to be amazing
>You claim, while saying the benefits it gives are dubious and likely nonexistent, when it has reliably worked every time we used it.
>Doing it again with hypothetical at best

If I'm hyping it up at all, you are outright ignoring the concrete benefits it's given us in the past, while also making up hypothetical risks, such as usurpy suddenly developing new ways to fuck us over out of the blue for using it. Which she currently has no reason to do, btw, since we serve her. Honestly the only true risk seems to be the noise overload, and we don't know how hard grievy needed to concentrate to send that. It could have been very draining for him too, and unable to be pulled off in combat, or by a lesser magi.

>>40897542
>Alright, then we study enchanting and modify it to limit how much mental noise can come through at once.
No way to do so and modifying it might destroy it.

>If I'm hyping it up at all, you are outright ignoring the concrete benefits it's given us in the past,
Which all benefitted the usurper, if it still works it only going to be to help her. If it fulfilled it fiction and done all it can to help her like you said, why would ut help us?

>such as usurpy suddenly developing new ways to fuck us over out of the blue for using it. Which she currently has no reason to do, btw, since we serve her.

It's her item, and we still have no clue des of the full scope of her power. If she doesn't pull shit out of the nowhere I'd be surprised. It's clear she still sees us as a threat because the only way she can reward us is making us more dangerous to her. Notice her lesson wasn't much of one, I wonder why?

As far as the comm spell? Two mages one to set us up, one to knock us down. What ch is distinctly possible.

>>40897627
>No way to do so
Citation needed. And I know you don't have one, since we haven't studied enchanting items.

>Which all benefitted the usurper, if it still works it only going to be to help her. If it fulfilled it fiction and done all it can to help her like you said, why would ut help us?
Worth a shot to try it out. If it doesn't work once shes dead, no risk.

>It's clear she still sees us as a threat because the only way she can reward us is making us more dangerous to her.
Now it's comments like this that are the basis for me calling you dumb. She wouldn't reward us in any way that brings us closer to killing her. You don't look like you've considered her advice being a false lead, or something she can still defend against even if we perfect it. For someone who is so wary of being lied to through telepathy, you sure don't seem concerned about the possibility it might happen the more conventional way.

An idea for the future: a flame that travels in a circular trajectory. If it misses, it travels back but hits our knife, becoming the flame sword thing.

This is primarily to retain focus on our knife, such that when we blink for a strike, she won't suspect us coating our entire body with said flame.

I also hope we can further charge flames with seal-breaking properties.

>>40897726
>Citation needed. And I know you don't have one, since we haven't studied enchanting items.
I meant no way to do so to our knowledge.

>She wouldn't reward us in any way that brings us closer to killing her. You don't look like you've considered her advice being a false lead, or something she can still defend against even if we perfect it. For someone who is so wary of being lied to through telepathy, you sure don't seem concerned about the possibility it might happen the more conventional way.
Yeah ignoring your insult, that was exactly what I meant her lesson was bullshit because we're a threat and she knows it. Hence her lesson not being much of one. Furthermore it's not telepathic lies that worry me, it's the the hole it leaves open in our mind for people to fuck with.

>>40900014
That's why study enchanting, god damn dude, pls read.

>it's the the hole it leaves open in our mind for people to fuck with.
The same way our ears leave open holes in our head for people to fuck with? Seriously, if we can get that noise limiter on it there will be no more true vulnerabilities.

>>40901842
We can't study it if we don't have a starting point, which we do not.

And you're assuming we can modify it without affecting it. The whispers were the whole reason it worked. I call leaving an object that lets an enemy disable us with a spell a pretty massive hole in our defenses. It hits our brain directly that bad.

>>40901905
Ali probably has or can get something on it. And hell, if we can't modify it it's not gonna be used anyway, may as well try.

>>40901905
>>40901973
You guys are really still at it.

We can ask Ali to hook us up on enchanting, and this is entirely safe if our "main" reason is for more interrogation tools as an Intelligence Unit, but it's just....completely out of nowhere.

It's up to Auri whether it will be a thing.

As long as it isn't worn, the hairclip isn't a risk. Therefore, if obtaining the hairclip requires negligible/no risk, it's not a BAD move.

But I personally feel that time is better spent looking for the others or improving Sealing. We can look around for it AFTER killing the Usurper.

>>40901973
>Ali probably has or can get something on it.
Maybe. The Usurper coming out and slaughtering her festival likely trashed her contacts and people willing to work with her. Working with her likely is making that list dwindle faster. However you're right she might get something, but it's likely to cost us a lot considering.

>And hell, if we can't modify it it's not gonna be used anyway, may as well try.
After the Usurper is dead. I don't want her using it as a brain wire tap or even just a bug to listen in on us, what we say and who we talk too. Not certain she can, but it's hers, and she smart, sneaky and powerful which makes me paranoid.

>>40902075
>>40902099
Ok, so it looks like we're finally agreed. After we kill usurpy, we try and find a way to modify it for safety, and if successful we use it.

>>40902161
Yes but for right now leave it where it is. No point looking for it now.

>>40902190
That's fine, we know exactly where it is anyway.