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“You’re scared of everything, Nel.” You look askance at him.

“Am not.” He pouts, then grumbles a bit, distracting himself by looking out over the Observatory grounds or checking the message boards on his UI.

“Hey.” Aelriss’s voice comes from behind you after a quiet few moments, and you look over your shoulder to watch her approach; her characteristic white cloak, hem fluttering around her legs, is now adorned at the hip with a finely-crafted shortsword. Tatsumaki’s with her, too, wearing a form-fitting black bodysuit beneath her light armor. “You two dating now?”

“I proposed to you already, remember?” You hop to your feet and swivel around, resting against the railing with your arms folded. “You didn’t give me a solid answer.”

“Sorry, Ashe. Mama said never bring home a DPS.” She shoots you a bare-toothed grin. Tatsumaki is smiling too, but you can’t imagine why since she probably isn’t getting most of this conversation. Maybe she’s just happy to be with her friends.

“Suit yourself.” You afford a dismissive shrug and a smirk. “Spend your whole life waiting for the one, and you’re gonna be all alone with your bird before you know it.”

“Joke’s on you; that’s my ideal.” Aelriss says.

“Weren’t you going to take a break, Ael?” Nel asks.

“Was.” She responds. “I logged and relogged. It’s not even dark outside where I’m at. Tats says she’s still in if I’m in – so what are y’all doing?”

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> [[ To-Do: Short-Term ]]
• Read your unread message.
• Collect your share of the Observatory’s taxes from the vendors inside.
• Return to Averron City proper to identify your remaining unidentified items.
• Discard your cursed belongings, or find a way to break the curse.
• Spend unspent EXP.
• Choose a new primary weapon and search for equipment upgrades.
• Contact Ayla and see if she’s alright; perhaps organize a meeting.
• Figure out where you stand in the guild situation.

> [[ To-Do: Long-Term ]]
• Devote resources – yours and those of the other proprietors – to the Observatory’s facilities, upgrading it via Celestial Materialization.
• Empower Strife Memoriam through further investment of Celestial Gems.
• Touch bases with the Excavator effort and all to do with the Earthsea Promenade.
• Find a way to restore UIs to the Nameless, and ascertain the meaning of ‘einherjar’. Potentially find a solution to short-term unrest.
• Maybe figure out what happened with that Anaximander thing? Honestly probably Liza’s problem.

> Smith, Liza, Vyx, Nel, Tatsumaki, Ayla, Kengo, Florica, Vision and Aelriss are online.
> Donnel is offline.

What will you do?
> Check your message.
> Tell the others you’ve got some errands to take care of foremost.
> Ask Nel if there’s any promising quests now that the raid’s blown over.
> Suggest exploring a deep branch such as the Seal or Tethiss's Claw.
> Other.

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> Disclaimer
It's gonna be a couple weeks before I get it. I know you miss me.

I'm open to questions and discussion, which will probably be necessary alongside the procession. It's been a while since the last thread before this and it'll be a while longer before the next one after.

>>1931377
>Check your message.
>Ask Nel if there’s any promising quests now that the raid’s blown over.

Good to see you back even if it is only for a little bit.

>>1931377
> Check your message.
> Suggest exploring a deep branch such as the Seal or Tethiss's Claw.
Jesus christ dude give us more warning before you start a thread

>>1931377
>>1931377

>Check your message

God how I have miss you.

>>1931377
> Check your message.
> Tell the others you’ve got some errands to take care of foremost.
Let's level up. Also we really need to get our shit uncursed.

I really hope we're not actually communicating with something when we space out and talk

>>1931377
wake up, BSO is running. I thought christmas was still 2 months away!?
> Check your message.
> Tell the others you’ve got some errands to take care of foremost.
> Ask Nel if there’s any promising quests now that the raid’s blown over.
>Ask the others if they're happy with this whole "no guild" thing. Surely they've gotten offers?

I feel like we really need to actually figure out exactly what Freya did when she repaired the seal. Let's go find her. We should've added her as a friend.

My priorities for errands would be identifying all of our unidentified items, uncursing our gear, and collecting taxes. I'd like to buy a new pale aethersteel weapon too. Also, shouldn't we have two gems or more? I don't see them in the inventory.

>>1931450
Sylv could probably just get started on half of our short term goals without really asking us to vote to do them, yeah.

>>1931377
>> Check your message.
> Tell the others you’ve got some errands to take care of foremost.
Need to get some items identified, and either uncurse or replace my cursed gear. Probably need a better weapon too.

>>1931467
We need to try out our new lightsaber too. I still want to get a colossal weapon but that was a controversial subject last time.

>>1931470
>>1931467
spend level up BEFORE buying new gear, yes. If we get something related to wielding huge stuff, I'm game for a colossal.

Though, I doubt we have enough material for that. We only have a third, including the cursed bar, and enough mats for 1 more bar. We'll be spending a hefty chunk of cash just for raw mats.

>>1931487
We'll see how much money we get from taxes, I assume it'd be a pretty good chunk of change considering we just mobilized all of Averron from the Observatory for the exile battle. Our inventory list is getting pretty long too so it might be worth selling some stuff we won't likely use.

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>>1931414

You thumb over to your message while the others talk amongst themselves. It’s from Freya.

Don’t answer this immediately. I’d like you, instead, to not only give it some thought, but to do so bearing in mind the pretense that you and I just saved all of Averron.
Unlike the Alliance, this is not a matter of political power, but a simple statement of fact, thus: when the dust settles, you deserve better than to be alone.

The message is a guild invitation to Freakshow, with [[ Accept ]] and [[ Decline ]] buttons at the bottom. You have half a mind to decline on principle, but instead file it away after a nod to yourself; the notification, though, will stay visible until you answer properly.

> [[ Continued ]]

>>1931491
I still kinda want to melt down those earthsea coins into something. Maybe not equipment, but surely the raw mass of 3000 metal objects is good for some kind of structure.

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>>1931387
>>1931410
>>1931419
>>1931439
>>1931467

“Since when are you a swordsman, Ael?” You ask, sliding back into the conversation at a convenient time.

“Since a few minutes ago. I figured I’d give it a try; might be better than the quarterstaff, since I like to get up close and personal.” She says, with a shrug.

“Looks good on you.” Nel says, giving her a thumbs-up.

“Thanks,” Aelriss nods. “You’re not looking half-bad yourself.”

“What, do I not get any compliments?” You ask.

“You look – the exact same, more or less, Ashe. I don’t know what you want from me.” Aelriss shrugs.

“Right, I look the same – but it’s still good.” You nod.

“I… guess?” Aelriss says, making an ‘eh’ gesture with a twist of her wrist.

“You guess?” You respond, pushing away from the railing and doing a little half-turn. Tatsumaki giggles at the sight.

“It’s that old wooden shield that does it, Ashe. That thing is absolutely unsightly.” She rolls her eyes.

“This old wooden shield has saved my life!” You say, then pause to think, pensive gaze drifting up and away. “Once, maybe.”

“Seems like it’d just get in the way.” Aelriss says, shooting you a teasing smirk. “That said – since you’re our resident tactical mastermind, I was hoping you’d chime in on…”

“Yeah, right. Well, we know about the Seal and Tethiss’s Claw – the Araneids, remember – there’s a lot of unexplored territory down there that people are just pushing into that sounds promising. A unique area means a Materialization Altar, which means big-time payout assuming no one’s beat us there.” You suggest.

“A Materialization Altar means a Precursor, though, which probably means us dying.” Nel reminds. “We only beat Kjorikos with the help of the Guardians, remember?”

“Just a suggestion, Nel; besides, we’re tougher now than we were then.” You respond, making a note in your UI. “Did you have any suggestions?”

“I’m looking for some stuff on the message boards; of course, there’s always the hunting grounds if you just wanted to farm, maybe try to find a big monster – but I’ve got some leads that look promising.” Nel says. “I’d need a couple of minutes to compare information, if that’s okay? I’ve been away from all this for a bit, and it moves fast.”

“No problem. I had a couple more things to take care of around here anyway – been doing some maintenance, and haven’t fully assessed myself after the raid. Can we reconvene in a little bit?” You say, moving toward the Observatory archway.

Aelriss slides past you, taking your spot on the railing, and grinning at you. “Don’t keep us waiting.”

> [[ Continued ]]

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>>1931504

The NPC that greets you at the upstairs store-front looks something like a large owl, wearing a waistcoat and bifocals. “Milord.” He nods reverently as you approach.

“Hey.” You nod. “It’s been a while – can I collect my share of the taxes from the Observatory here?”

“You may.” He says, interfacing with the ancient technology adorning the countertop. “Three thousand, seven hundred and eighty-eight credits have been deposited into your account. Aside, there is someone waiting to see you in the upstairs study.”

“Thanks. Who is it?” You ask.

“I… do not remember.” The owl pauses awkwardly in the middle of his response. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“Anything new in stock?” You ask.

“Only the essentials.” He responds. “The selection from the apothecary has been moved to a vendor within the Overworld simulation at the suggestion of Lady Ayla, milord. You should contact her if you wish to invest further in the facilities.”

[[ 1 ]]
> Head upstairs to the study.
> Head downstairs to the Soulforge.
> Ask if anyone from your group wants to return to Averron City, and travel with them.
> Tell your group you’re making a trip to Averron City, and head up alone.

[[ 2 ]]
> Spend EXP on HP, allowing Ascheritte to endure more damage.
> Spend EXP on PP, allowing Ascheritte to utilize more abilities and more powerful Artifacts.
> Spend EXP on a weapon skill, improving Ascheritte’s damage, reliability, and techniques with a single type of wielded weapons.
> Spend EXP on a Perk, affording Ascheritte a unique talent or ability to augment his combat skills or change the way he does battle.

>>1931509
>> Head upstairs to the study.
> Spend EXP on a Perk, affording Ascheritte a unique talent or ability to augment his combat skills or change the way he does battle.

>>1931509
> Head upstairs to the study.
> Spend EXP on a Perk, affording Ascheritte a unique talent or ability to augment his combat skills or change the way he does battle.

>>1931509
>> Spend EXP on a Perk, affording Ascheritte a unique talent or ability to augment his combat skills or change the way he does battle.
> Head upstairs to the study.

>>1931509
> Head upstairs to the study.
> Spend EXP on a Perk, affording Ascheritte a unique talent or ability to augment his combat skills or change the way he does battle.
Aelriss is best girl btw

reading over old shit, and this may be relevant for a hint with fixing cursed stuff

> [1] Custodians will self-repair and self-replicate as necessary. They will maintain areas further outside the Observatory grounds, and can repair armor and equipment of players with or without a set price.
even if they can't uncurse them per se, they might be able to point us in the right direction.

>>1931537
If I remember right we need to see an artificier or the seer back in Averron City

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>>1931512
>>1931517
>>1931523
>>1931526

> [[ Underground: Averron Observatory – Aetherbinder’s Study // Neutral Territory // PVP Disabled ]]

This seems like it’s one of the rooms that’s just here for decoration. Books in an incomprehensible language fill shelves on the walls – maybe they do mean something, but no one’s really discovered what that might be yet. The place has been long since stripped of anything worthwhile; it’s illuminated dimly by candles that burn with cold-to-the-touch, eternal fire.

There’s a closed, faintly glinting lockbox on a table in the center of the room. When you approach, there’s a sound from behind you – like something between a subdued laugh and a dry cough – and you turn instinctively on a heel, backing up into the table.

Kjorikos stands in the doorway. He is utterly still, but seems somehow relaxed in his stance; his iron mask conveyed no expression in life, and it conveys no expression now.

[[ 1 ]]
> “You’re dead.”
> “Who are you, and what do you want?”
> Activate Strife Memoriam and attack.
> Other. (Write-in.)

[[ 2 ]]
> Spend EXP on an Armsmaster perk; these perks improve Ascheritte’s offensive options and weapon abilities, or offer new avenues of attack.
> Spend EXP on a Guardian perk; these perks improve Ascheritte’s ability to absorb damage, protect allies, and recover from assault.
> Spend EXP on a Fleetfoot perk; these perks improve Ascheritte’s ability to navigate complex environments, strike quickly, and avoid harm.

>>1931552
Is he wearing the aetherbinder cloak that we're using right now? If so, say "Nice cloak. What's up?"
> Spend EXP on an Armsmaster perk; these perks improve Ascheritte’s offensive options and weapon abilities, or offer new avenues of attack.

>>1931552
>So are you really Kjorikos or do you just have a wonderful knack for impersonation?
> Spend EXP on an Armsmaster perk; these perks improve Ascheritte’s offensive options and weapon abilities, or offer new avenues of attack.

>>1931552
> “Who are you, and what do you want?”
> Spend EXP on an Armsmaster perk; these perks improve Ascheritte’s offensive options and weapon abilities, or offer new avenues of attack.

>>1931552
>"I guess you weren't kidding about being corrupted by memory. So, spooky not-so-imaginary friend, you gonna help me or just spew semi-creepy lines? That's cool too."

> Spend EXP on a Guardian perk; these perks improve Ascheritte’s ability to absorb damage, protect allies, and recover from assault.

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>>1931555
>>1931557
>>1931559

“Kjorikos.” You tilt your head a bit. He looks the same here as he did in life; with the hood of your cloak pulled up, one could be forgiven for mistaking you for him or one of his adherents. “Or someone with a knack for impersonation?”

It couldn’t be, could it? Your gaze drifts down to his chest – there’s a vertical gash in his armor where you pierced it with your sword. Strife Memoriam pulses gently; it feels as though ice rimes the back of your head.

“You’ve begun to doubt your own mind.” You remember his voice clearly: thoughtful and domineering. “Do you now doubt your sight as well?”

“What do you want?” You shake your head. “I killed you.”

“How quickly you condemn me to death given the resources you’ve spent to preserve my memory.” He folds his arms, taking a step through the door towards you. “For devoting myself to the past, I was called a heretic. I thought you would learn from me. No; we are kindred, for you, in your practice, belike my mirror image.”

You sigh. Perhaps he wasn’t kidding about being corrupted by memory, but— “You tried to bring back the dead.”

“The same could be said of you and the Nameless.” Another step closer. Dust swirls around his boots.

[[ 1 ]]
> “Do you know a way to bring them back?”
> “Not the same thing. Why are you really here?”
> Activate Strife Memoriam and attack.
> Other. (Write-in.)

[[ 2 ]]
> Spend EXP on Critical Threat, which improves critical strike range when attacking with wielded weapons.
> Spend EXP on Dual Wield Mastery, which improves damage and chance to hit with a weapon wielded in the off-hand.
> Spend EXP on Whirlwind Attack, allowing the user to spend PP to attack all targets in their reach with incredible speed.
> Spend EXP on Titan’s Strength, allowing the user to comfortably wield a two-handed melee weapon in one hand; additionally, when wielding oversized weapons, Fatigue buildup is reduced.

>>1931589
> “Do you know a way to bring them back?”
Does the word einherjar mean anything to you?
> “Not the same thing. Why are you really here?”
Equip the exile memory just in case
> Spend EXP on Titan’s Strength, allowing the user to comfortably wield a two-handed melee weapon in one hand; additionally, when wielding oversized weapons, Fatigue buildup is reduced.

>>1931589
>> Spend EXP on Critical Threat, which improves critical strike range when attacking with wielded weapons.
gotta get dem crit stuns

>>1931589
>Do you know what these identifiers ARE?

>>1931589
> “Do you know a way to bring them back?”
How do you know what I've been doing? Or my artifact?
> Spend EXP on Titan’s Strength, allowing the user to comfortably wield a two-handed melee weapon in one hand; additionally, when wielding oversized weapons, Fatigue buildup is reduced.
Colossal weapon!
So we still don't know anything about the celestials so I'd like to ask him about them. What's their motive? Also ask about the observers and guardians.

>>1931589
> “Do you know a way to bring them back?”
> “Not the same thing. Why are you really here?”
They are still functionally alive, their unique identifiers are just broken. So they are still wholly alive and intact but "dead".

> Spend EXP on Titan’s Strength, allowing the user to comfortably wield a two-handed melee weapon in one hand; additionally, when wielding oversized weapons, Fatigue buildup is reduced.

Would we need to two hand colossal?

>>1931637
Colossal weapons would still need to be two-handed, but would be done so more easily with Titan's Strength - which would also provide future access to more talents governing the use of such weapons.

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>>1931589
> [[ Armsmaster Perk Discovered: Titan’s Grip – Allows dual-wielding of two-handed melee weapons. Further increases ease of use of oversized weapons. Requires Dual Wield Mastery. ]]

“How do you know what I’ve been doing?” You ask, instinctively moving away to create space between the two of you.

“Daft questions.” Kjorikos scoffs. “You said yourself: you killed me, Ascheritte. Now, I’m only so real as the memory of me. The matter stands: we are the same in many ways, you and I.”

“Do you know a way to bring back the Nameless, then?” You note a hint of urgency in your own voice. “The word ‘einherjar’; does it mean anything to you?”

“All that matters is the price you’re willing to pay.” Kjorikos responds. “Reach the surface, foremost, and you’ll find what you seek. Just bear in mind it’s not the paradise it was in my day.”

“The Identifiers – what are they, really?” You ask. “And the Observers? If you know what I’ve been doing, you know about them too – I fought one with your memory.”

“Consider them a boon from the Celestials. You’re their latest effort, after they disavowed us. I’d tell you not to bother trying to reverse-engineer their technology, but precise instructions are completely wasted upon the likes of you.” At this, he gives a bit of a laugh. “The entities whom have now deemed you personally worthy of destruction – the Observers, as you now know them – are the same ones who once grew powerful enough to subjugate gods. They are the ones who brought destruction to the world, and now watch all that is; condemning the Earthsea to ruin was merely one of their momentary whims. The Celestials are never without their pride – but even now, they find themselves backed against the wall courtesy of these fiends. You’ll soon find we are all on borrowed time.”

Your fingers twitch a bit. A spark of violet lightning runs down your arm.

“We’ll be in touch, Ascheritte.” Kjorikos says. “I see a piece of myself in you. I look forward to seeing what becomes of it.”

> [[ Continued ]]

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>>1931681

Another step forward, and he vanishes in a blinding explosion of deep-purple light that sends you flying, voltaic arcs lancing across the walls and floor. You land supine beside the knocked-over table, coming to your senses a moment later. The lockbox lays open on the floor beside your hand, and inside you see the glint of Celestial Gems. You scramble to your knees, greedily snatching them up and secreting them away in your Identifier as though they are the last in the Underground. A Custodian enters before much longer; the silent, floating creature first rights the table, then begins picking up books, relighting the candles, and wiping away the soot.

> Interact with the Custodian.
> Head downstairs to the Soulforge.
> Ask if anyone from your group wants to return to Averron City, and travel with them.
> Tell your group you’re making a trip to Averron City, and head up alone.
> Other (Write-in.)

>>1931689
I wouldn't mind upgrading our artifact with some gems. How many do we have now?

>>1931689
> Head downstairs to the Soulforge.

>>1931689
>> Interact with the Custodian.
see if it can remove curses or fix our Gear

>>1931689
> Head downstairs to the Soulforge.
I'll switch my vote to the soulforge for the sake of keeping things moving but we should definitely upgrade our artifact since we haven't done so at all yet.

On one hand I always kinda wanted to be able to talk to our memories for useful info but on the other hand I'm really worried about our grasp on reality. Or virtual reality. Whatever.

>>1931689
Gem check?

>>1931372
>This is alive
What the fuck I don't believe it.
Anyway we must kill all our friends and get their gems

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>>1931705
>>1931735

> [[ Underground: Averron Observatory – Soulforge // Neutral Territory // PVP Disabled ]]

“You appear collected, Keeper.” The Forgemaster booms, as you walk the center of the bridge over the abyss. “Have you come to browse?”

You check your Identifier. You have 5995 credits and two Celestial Gems.

> [[ Repair an item for 250# ]]
• steel bastard sword (alternate weapon, worn on belt, empowered by Fire: burning insect heart, cursed, damaged)
• old broken sword (damaged, unidentified)
• steel full helm (head, damaged, unidentified)
• iron naginata (damaged, unidentified)
• iron gauntlets (hands, damaged)

> [[ Purchase ]]
ancient flame whetstone – 300#
pale aethersteel hand axe – 800#
pale aethersteel rapier – 800#
pale aethersteel falchion – 800#
pale aethersteel bastard sword – 1000#
pale aethersteel katana – 1000#
pale aethersteel warhammer – 1000#
pale aethersteel double-headed battle-axe – 1000#
pale aethersteel lucerne hammer – 1000#
pale aethersteel greatsword – 1000#
colossal pale aethersteel greatsword – 1650#
colossal pale aethersteel greataxe – 1650#
colossal pale aethersteel greathammer – 1650#
ask about a personalized weapon – n/a

> [[ Heretic Soulforge ]]
• Apply “bloodletting” effect to an unempowered weapon, causing bleeding and improving damage vs. light or no armor – 1250#
• Apply “corruption” effect to an unempowered weapon, interfering with use of magic abilities – 1250#
• Apply “piercing” effect to an unempowered weapon, improving damage vs. heavy armor – 1250#

> Repair a damaged item.
> Purchase an item.
> Purchase an empowerment.
> Ask the Forgemaster something. (Write-in.)
> Other. (Write-in.)

>>1931855
>> Repair a damaged item.
• steel bastard sword (alternate weapon, worn on belt, empowered by Fire: burning insect heart, cursed, damaged)
For a back up

> Purchase an item.
pale aethersteel greatsword – 1000#
since we cannot one hand Colossal yet

> Purchase an empowerment.
Piercing on the blade we just bought

>Ask about a shield to go with the sword

>>1931855
>ancient flame whetstone – 300#
What exactly does it do?

Unarmed 1
Sabres 1
Polearms 1
Straight Swords 1
Greatswords 1
Just a reminder of what weapon skills we have

>>1931855
• steel bastard sword (alternate weapon, worn on belt, empowered by Fire: burning insect heart, cursed, damaged)
• old broken sword (damaged, unidentified)
> Purchase an item.
colossal pale aethersteel greataxe – 1650#
My reasoning is that we'll always have these smaller weapons available to us and we have the money we need for a colossal weapon as well as the skill to be able to use it more easily. Plus the greataxe
>>1931865
We don't have any shield skills so they're not really worth it. And I don't see why we'd need to one hand a colossal, we already have plenty of one handed options that we can switch to. I'd like a dedicated massive damage weapon that we can use when it fits the situation.

>>1931876
to clarify I wanna repair the top two. I just got retarded with my copying and pasting
>>1931873
It applies the pale damage buff to unbuffed weapons temporarily

>* Two-handed Mastery [[ Passive ]] : Effectiveness of the user’s attacks with two-handed melee weapons is improved. Additionally, slightly reduces fatigue penalties for maneuvering with large weapons.

Do we get this bonus while wearing a 2h weapons with 1 hand?

>>1931855
Is the old broken sword the one we got from our last boss fight?

>>1931876
We don't have any axe proficiencies either.

We're better with a sword or polearm. Also given that we can die and lose out big a shield is kinda a big deal, and we're basically the JoT of the party.

>>1931735
I'm almost ready to spend 2-3 gems on QoL stuff, auto-repair, auto-tax, identify, etc. just so that we don't spend precious story posts on them.

>>1931855
>1 ancient flame whetstone – 300#
for whatever weapons we pick up
>colossal pale aethersteel greatsword – 1650#
>+piercing

>Ask about a small deflecting targe
I want to get SOME defense against ranged attacks, and round out our armor set
>Ask about melting down some of our items like earthsea stuff


>>1931873
applies a temp buff

>>1931882
Yes.

>>1931887
Yes.

>>1931894
Ascheritte automatically gains a skill point in any weapon class he wields for any amount of time.

>>1931873
This: >>1931878

>>1931894
I'll be good with a colossal greatsword then. Although our two handed weapon mastery applies to any colossal weapon. I'm referring to the fact that we don't have any of the shield skills we would get from the guardian skilltree
>>1931876
I'll change this to a colossal greatsword I suppose

We still have a free armor slot for our feet.
>>1931901
I noticed that we didn't get the option of upgrading the level of the perks that we already have. Did you change how they work?

>>1931855
[[ Repair an item for 250# ]]
• steel bastard sword (alternate weapon, worn on belt, empowered by Fire: burning insect heart, cursed, damaged)
• old broken sword (damaged, unidentified)
> [[ Purchase ]]
colossal pale aethersteel greatsword – 1650#

>>1931855
Buy
>pale aethersteel greatsword – 1000#

>>1931910
He moved a bunch of the specifics of leveling up behind the curtain for some reason. Probably for the best

>>1931908
I used to prefer collosal axe for variety, and if we use it enough we should get proficiency, but:

Axes have a very small strike range. If we scale that up to collosal size, there's a very large risk of people rushing into our guard. Not too keen on whacking people with the haft.

>>1931952
Specialization is king in MMORPGs though

>>1931952
The moment we equip it is when we gain proficiency. Not before, not after.

>>1931969
yeah, but nobody wants to specialize in Not Dying, so I'll vote for what I want.

Are we going 2h or sword and board? I'd rather go sword and board so we can get shield perks later on.

>>1931985
I'm throwing my vote in for sword and board.

>>1931974
Nope we have to use it for a while too

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After purchasing the colossal pale aethersteel greatsword, you have 4345# remaining. The enormous weapon is heavy, but you can make it work; chances are good your foes maneuver unwittingly into your improved strike range, and the significant increase in striking power is certainly welcome given the kinds of foes you’ve been pitted against lately. You can hardly imagine even the King’s Hand getting up and walking away after a swing of this. Probably best not to think about what it’d do given a solid hit on another player. You go ahead and purchase a whetstone for another 300# - it seems like exactly the kind of thing that’ll come in handy as a just-in-case - leaving you with 4045#.

“Can I melt these earthsea coins down for raw materials?” You ask.

“That would be highly disrespectful. All currency is worth something to someone.” The Forgemaster responds. “Likewise, the metal these coins are minted from is scarcely useful for capable weaponry.”

> Sell your iron scimitar for 475#.
> Repair your bastard sword, the old broken sword, or both.
> Depart.
> Other. (Write-in.)

>>1931993
Evidence? As soon as we disarmed the guy in our first thread, and picked up his scimitar, we were automatically proficient in it.

>>1931985
Well we just bought a two handed sword and getting shield perks might spread us a little too thin. Plus our style so far isn't usually conducive to shield use except in a few rare cases

>>1931997
> Repair both.

>>1931997
>> Sell your iron scimitar for 475#.
> Repair both.

>>1931997
> Sell your iron scimitar for 475#.
It's super low tier at this point and we have a shitload of weapons already
> Repair your bastard sword, the old broken sword, or both.
Both.

>>1931997
> Sell your iron scimitar for 475#.

>>1931997
> Sell your iron scimitar for 475#.
> Repair both.
Then depart to get our shit uncursed. I'm ready for some action soon.

What's the deal with the old broken sword again?

>>1932022
It was a drop from Cidren iirc.

>>1932022
We got it from our last intense boss fight but we haven't identified it or anything. I bet it does corrupting damage or something. We gotta get it identified. I think whoever uncurses our stuff can probably identify our other stuff too. Hopefully we can get that done quickly because all this housekeeping stuff is kinda taking awhile.

>>1932000
>Plus our style so far isn't usually conducive to shield use except in a few rare cases
Charging and hitting things until they die?

>>1932018
>>1932014
>>1932011
>>1932008

The Forgemaster seems reluctant in the way he handles your bastard sword, but commits it to the fire of the forge all the same. The devices crackle with malefic power, arcing beams committing to the minute chips and corrosions in the metal surface, or applying fresh material from inductively-melted ingots for the repair. It’s done before you know it, though he waits for you to recover it yourself rather than return it to you personally.

“Mind repairing this one too?” You ask, offering the broken sword of the King’s Hand.

The Forgemaster looks over you, then shakes his head. “This is an object of considerable power. It would be foolish to work on it without knowing its true capabilities. Will that be all?”

“Yeah, I think I’m good.” After selling your iron scimitar, you have 4520# available to spend.

> Ask if anyone from your group wants to return to Averron City, and travel with them.
> Tell your group you’re making a trip to Averron City, and head up alone.
> Other (Write-in.)

>>1932038
> Ask if anyone from your group wants to return to Averron City, and travel with them.

>>1932038
> Ask if anyone from your group wants to return to Averron City, and travel with them.
Then we can go to the seer and get everything uncursed and identified. What should be our first priority after that though?

>>1932038
> Ask if anyone from your group wants to return to Averron City, and travel with them.
We're getting a serious arsenal going now. So hyped.

>>1932038
>> Ask if anyone from your group wants to return to Averron City, and travel with them.
>need some of the drops ID'd and my gear is cursed and I need that removed. Plus side got a BFS.

>>1932038
> Ask if anyone from your group wants to return to Averron City, and travel with them.
>>1932043
Explore a new area

>>1932043
Everything uncursed and identified, definitely. After that... let's restock on healing supplies and get back to seeking out new threats. Still want to take down that Precursor, though, so that entire area may be worth looking into.

Plus, we've got our CA now, so we /should/ be good to go.

>>1932038
> Ask if anyone from your group wants to return to Averron City, and travel with them.

>>1932051
>>1932054
I think Telthiss' Claw would be a good starting point. We need a forward base for the Earthsea. I really wanna try out our new exile memory too. Also we should probably just save our gems until we get a few more. I'm not sure how artifact upgrades work but 2 gems seems a little low for any significant effects. What kind of upgrades would you guys want? I posted a few in the titanpad a while ago but that website might be dead at this point. I'll see if I can find em.

>>1932065
Looking in there now. Was it to imbue a target with like, memories of despair and shit? Fiddlekins translated the document into GDocs pretty well, and that's the only thing I didn't see on there.

>>1932078
Nah it was stuff like getting the ability to commune with the memories to talk to them. But apparently we can already kind of do that. Can you post the GDocs link?

Anaximander did nothing wrong

>>1932087
Sure thing, man.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WZa3zrCFHpDzk0uob5eCxpuCcgL_vI3tLpFjPjvP-6Q/edit

>>1932090
we know he did nothing wrong

>>1932090
>liking an edgelord

>>1932065
Equipping 2 memories at once or being able to use them for longer before recharging would be nice.

>>1932087
http://piratepad.net/z2Pe0tnPf4
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WZa3zrCFHpDzk0uob5eCxpuCcgL_vI3tLpFjPjvP-6Q/edit

>>1932078
that was only spitballed. We've never asked the altar if that's possible, or how much it would cost.

>>1932101
I feel like two memories at once would really fuck us up. But it would be interesting. Stuff like recharge times and flat stat bonuses might be nice but I'd rather get more creative and add a wider array of of possibly esoteric functions to the artifact too. Like letting it slightly modify our equipped items as well to better suit the memory.

>>1932102
> linking to the inferior PiratePad version
muganimeface.jpg

But nah I wasn't saying that it'd be possible, just looking for any differences between the TitanPad and GDocs.

>>1932102

Summon Memory - Yeah, that's not happening soon
Relive distant memory- learn more lore and deepen our connection to the boss memories (Either as a cutscene or actually playing from their POV)
Imitate non-combat skills
Equip items associated with the memory for power boost (aetherbinder's cloak, ivory homunculus claw, earthsea royal signet ring, etc.)
Sacrifice items associated with memory for extreme power boost
Cause a Celestial Gem crush/full heal to refresh/temp buff Strife Memoriam as well
Partial Memory - Only call a part of the memory(limb, voice) in order to limit the weaknesses and make the Memory last longer.
Memory Brand - Infuse a target with a memory(usually of suffering, fire, death, and more suffering). Something more delicate for communication purposes may be more expensive.
Here's the section with the ideas for weird upgrades

>>1932131
>Relive distant memory- learn more lore and deepen our connection to the boss memories (Either as a cutscene or actually playing from their POV)
This is pretty cool

>>1932167
Yeah that one sounds tight as fuck. Lore and a possible power boost for each memory we relive.

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> [[ UI Messenger – Group Chat ]]
> [[ Ascheritte set the conversation topic to: Averron City’s Finest ]]
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Yo, I’m headed back upstairs.
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Upstairs upstairs. Anyone want to come?
> [[ Tatsumaki ]]: ok
> [[ Nel ]]: I mean I guess it has been a while
> [[ Nel ]]: plus we’re going to be going somewhere anyway as a group presumably
> [[ Aelriss ]]: Oh, great.
> [[ Aelriss ]]: Well, I don’t want to be the odd one out.

> [[ UI Messenger – Ayla ]]
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: You alive?
> [[ Ayla ]]: Questionable
> [[ Ayla ]]: Is this important
> [[ Ascheritte ]]: Are you in Averron City? I was heading up I’m just wondering if you wanted to touch bases.
> [[ Ayla ]]: At my guild hall. Busy. Sorry.

The Freakshow guild invite nags you whenever you open your UI to message someone. Best give this whole guild situation some thought – maybe talk it over with the group when you’re all back together.

You rendezvous with your group and return to Averron City in short order. It’s a strangely reluctant journey but everyone seems happy to be back. It’s much quieter here than you remember. You can’t help but wonder just how bad the death toll is.

“Got business with the fortune teller is the main thing.” You say. Tatsumaki hops over, keen on joining you again. “Where can I expect you two?”

“Tavern. Duh.” Aelriss says, with a dismissive shrug. “Gotta catch up on the social side of things if you really wanna stay connected. C’mon, Nel.” Nel starts to protest, but she practically drags him off in that direction while he shouts emphatically about the political situation in town.

The fortune teller’s tent is full of heady fog, and you remember the NPC here; their features are obscured by a magnificent robe, glowing feline eyes staring at you from beneath the darkness of a hood. They smile wide as you approach, gesturing to the crystal ball in the center of the table.

“Welcome back, dear child.” The fortune teller says, grinning fiendishly. “It’s an honor to be in the presence of one of Averron’s two heroes. I can only hope your accomplishments have been justly rewarded.”

“Maybe.” You shrug; Tatsumaki does the same.

“Be seated, then, with your partner beside you. You need only tell me what needs revealing.”

> “You meant Freya when you said two heroes, right?”
> [[ Identify a weapon or artifact – 25# ]]
> [[ Ask for a consultation – 75# ]]
> [[ Ask for a prophecy – 100,000# ]]

>>1932210
>> “You meant Freya when you said two heroes, right?”
> [[ Identify a weapon or artifact – 25# ]]
all 4 we need Id'd

>Can she remove curses from gear?

>>1932213
>>1932210
This.

>>1932213
This plus
> [[ Ask for a consultation – 75# ]]
About Telthiss' claw

>>1932210
>> “You meant Freya when you said two heroes, right?”
>> [[ Identify a weapon or artifact – 25# ]]
all out shit. Hell, Strife Memoriam too. What do fortune teller say about the artifact making us hallucinate past bosses?
>> [[ Ask for a consultation – 75# ]]
curses

>>1932210
>>1932213
this

>>1932213
Yup

Am I the only one getting worried that Ayla's gonna do something drastic?

>>1932231
>Some of you are alright, don't come to ____ tomorrow

>>1932231
No, of course not. She's gonna accept the guild merge, party up with them, them stab them with electric friendo knife.

All the guild drama makes me want to go Anaximander route desu

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>>1932213
>>1932221
>>1932222

“You meant Freya when you said two heroes, right?” You ask.

“Of course, darling. The two of you are similar: you possess valor in the face of absolute hopelessness.” The fortune teller responds. “It takes a courage unlike any other to defy the will of the Observers.”

When you identify Cidren’s sword, it is as if a shadow is lifted from the weapon. The weighty thing looks to have been forged a greatsword; the hilt has an elaborate, swept guard like a rapier’s. The blade, which glints with a silvered hue, is broken clean off about halfway up the length. It looks like it’s going to stay that way.

“The Last Argument of Kings”, a masterwork relic greatsword [[ ++ Nobility ]] [[ Relic ]]
> * Nobility [[ Granted by: the last argument of kings ]] : Unknown effect.
> * Relic [[ Granted by: the last argument of kings ]] : A relic can’t be repaired or modified without Celestial power.

You identify the other items as well:
royal guard’s full helm [[ + Nobility ]] [[ + Damage Resistance ]]
lucky wooden buckler [[ +++ Durability ]]
bloodletter iron naginata [[ + Bloodletter Weapon ]]

“How can a curse be broken?” You ask.

“A Celestial Gem should break most curses. If this is too steep a price to pay, simply seek hallowed ground.” The fortune-teller responds.

With a nod, you move on to your foremost consultation. You're left with a total of 4370# while you contemplate your first question:

> Ask about Tethiss.
> Ask about the Symbol of Fire.
> Ask where to find hallowed ground.
> Ask about a player by name.
> Ask about a Celestial Artifact by name or owner.
> Write-in.

>>1932316
>lucky wooden buckler
hah

> Ask about Tethiss.
> Ask about the Symbol of Fire.
> Ask where to find hallowed ground.
> Ask about a player by name.
Anaximander

>>1932316
> Ask where to find hallowed ground.

>lucky wooden buckler
The irony

>>1932316
>Ask about Nobility

>>1932316
>> Ask where to find hallowed ground.
> Ask about Tethiss.
> Ask about the Symbol of Fire

Ok So Last Argument and Lucky Buckler for one attack set up (sword and board)

and Our colossal weapon for the other?

Can we get a dps comparison for them Asheritte?

>>1932316
>>1932330
this

>>1932359
we WILL replace the buckler at some point, you know.

Sword and board for dueling, collosal for monster/aoe combat. Polearms for formation attacks and holding the line, and normal onehands for....climbing a monster and hacking away while clinging?

>A relic can’t be repaired or modified without Celestial power.
w h e w lads

Good thing we've spent CGs on the Soulforge.

>>1932377
...unless it means actively spending CGs to boost it, in which case we're s.o.l.

>>1932377
>>1932382
pretty sure it's the latter

>>1932373
eh normal one hands are kinda not an issue as long as we use a smaller shield. We can one hand a great sword and use it to smash mosnters just as well. Honestly our fire sword might be obsolete now.

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>>1932316

“I’d like to know about Tethiss, if possible?” You ask.

“Tethiss is the Araneid Queen, and rivals the Precursors in her power and intelligence. She is more capable than the lesser araneids – and weaves shadow magic like her own viziers. They organize themselves through a hive-mind connected to her.” The fortune-teller says, nodding sagely at you. “She knows you have stolen from her, Ascheritte. You must bleed every drop of her life from your body if you wish to be judged fairly in her court.”

“…What?”

“The silk of araneids is a useful crafting material, as it is very light but surprisingly strong when properly worked. It would be worthwhile to collect some if you wish to expand your wardrobe. The araneids will utilize their own silk to craft ranged weapons, as well as pitfall traps. Be wary of those, as well as the true spiders who live commensally with araneids, if you seek to traverse the Claw.”

You shake your head and sigh, more credits deducting from your chip.

“What can you tell me about this?” You ask, holding up the Symbol of Fire.

“It is a key to a hidden fortress in the magma chamber, which was once protected by the Earthcrowned Phoenix.” The fortune teller responds. “The Entombed who defeated the Earthcrowned Phoenix, named Linastra, failed to discover the hidden door. She kept the Symbol of Fire and planned to return, until she was killed when an araneid caused her to fall from a great height. She was incapacitated, but landed within the reach of the King’s Hand. I will mark the entrance on your map, if you wish. Bring protection against fire, for I sense a roaring flame within.”

“Where can I find hallowed ground?” You ask.

“Your best bet would be to utilize a Greater Materialization Altar to erect a permanent shrine to the Celestials. Hallowed ground is far from easy to come by, and such forces as the Observers do as they will to see it destroyed as quickly as it can emerge.”

You have 4220 credits remaining.

> Ask about Anaximander.
> Ask about another player by name.
> Ask about a Celestial Artifact by name or owner.
> Write-in.
> Depart.

>>1932434
> Depart.
Let's kill some spiders since we don't have fire protection.

>>1932434
>> Depart.
Let's restock on healing supplies and get hunting.

>>1932434
>> Depart.

>>1932434
>> Depart.
Healing and stuff

>>1932434
> Depart.

>>1932373
Don't forget we can also wield a normal sized two handed weapon in each hand. Plus we haven't tried the fluxsabre

>>1932494
Oh, right. The thing we still need Titan's Grip for. I think it'd be best for Gank The Healer First or parrying attacks that you normally don't think of parrying. Like a pillar-sized mace.

>>1932508
> gank the healer first

I HAVE THE PERFECT ARTIFACT FOR YOU

>>1932542
ENEMY healer, ENEMY.

Also, getting the Healer skill, switching sides, then performing sudoku does not count as ganking the healer.

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>>1932437
>>1932440
>>1932442

“Thanks again.” You nod, rising from your seat. Tatsumaki rises beside you. “Tats, let’s move.”

The intoxicating fumes fall from the tent around your ankles as you cross the threshold into the artificial light of the underground. You'll restock properly before departing.

The two of you return to the tavern; Aelriss is seated at a table, and it looks like there’s a number of other individuals competing hand-over-hand to buy her drinks, which they’re receiving one at a time from a character you always see here – the girl with maxed-out avatar bust size, who looks like she’s recently changed her hair and upscaled her wardrobe. Nel is beside her, glossing over the message boards on his UI.

[[ 1 ]]
> Wield the colossal pale aethersteel greatsword as your primary.
> Wield the Last Argument and the lucky wooden buckler as your primaries.
> Wield Dross and the lucky wooden buckler as your primaries.

[[ 2 ]]
> Suggest venturing to the hidden fortress in the magma chamber.
> Suggest seeking out Tethiss.
> Suggest finding a hunting ground and seeking out large monsters.
> Other. (Write-in.)

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I'll probably take off before too long. Should be able to write some more in the early afternoon tomorrow.

>>1932561
>> Wield Dross and the lucky wooden buckler as your primaries.
> Suggest seeking out Tethiss.
We have the only key to the fortress and need lots of resist fire for it. Not time sensitive for us.

Is Dross the lightsaber?

>>1932573
Yes

>>1932561
> Wield Dross and the lucky wooden buckler as your primaries.
Switch to Colossal sword if we meet anything heavily armored or big and slow.
> Suggest seeking out Tethiss.

>>1932561
>> Wield the colossal pale aethersteel greatsword as your primary.
I'm going to wait until we get a decent fire res shield

> Suggest finding a hunting ground and seeking out large monsters.
If we're getting fire res, Lava Striders seems like the obvious choice. No clue whether spiders are weak or strong to fire, given the nature of webs.

>>1932547
Incorrect, I was actually referring to the Phase Cloak which we still haven't even asked for.
>>1932561
> Wield the Last Argument and the lucky wooden buckler as your primaries.
> Suggest seeking out Tethiss.

>>1932592
Oh. Yeah, I like the Phase Cloak too.

>>1932573
Dross means trash. Just saying.

>>1932596
Yes, it's explicitly a failed attempt by the forgemaster.

>>1932561
>>1932585
supporting

Should we really be wielding something that the Forgemaster doesn't even consider worthwhile to use, though? Like I feel like Last Argument would be LEAGUES ahead of pretty much anything we can get, considering that it's a Relic dropped by Cidren.

>>1932561
> Wield the colossal pale aethersteel greatsword as your primary.
How could we not?
> Suggest seeking out Tethiss.
Thanks for running man. Super stoked that you're back but I need sleep badly.

>>1932612
Last Argument is damaged so I fear it might break

>>1932612
It's still a fluxsabre. It's worth trying out at some point

>>1932612
both those weapons are not really meant to be wielded. Dross is a failure and Last Argument is cut in half.

I'd save the fluxsabre for a SURPRISE, BITCH moment, when it doesn't really have to last long anyway.

>>1932602
I kind of interpreted that whole exchange as him finding an excuse to give us a unique weapon to pay us back for upgrading his forge.

>>1932612
when we fix last arugement? I'd switch.

Glad to see this alive again.

Can't for the life of me remember what happened, specifically regarding stealing life from spiders.

How long until Diarca and Soma return from the land of the dead too?

>>1933259
Freya used her lifesteal on an araneid and then we let her use that to heal us.

>>1933264
Soma might return, he tweeted out a new tripcode like a month or so ago. I get the feeling totemist quest is just straight up dead.

>>1932561
> Wield the colossal pale aethersteel greatsword as your primary.
I feel like it'll be worth it to see how much we can use it before the fatigue penalty starts to kick in. I really wanna try all of them ASAP though, maybe we can switch between them for each small little fight.
> Suggest finding a hunting ground and seeking out large monsters.
So I have a question, do we need a dual wield skill to dual wield or can we just do it normally?

>>1933265
Ah I see.
>"...and that's how I became spiderman"

How big is colossal weapon? Dragonslayer big?

>>1933287
ish

>>1933286
What's weird is how we immediately felt Telthiss' baleful gaze when we accepted the araneid life force but Freya didn't really show any signs of that. Either Freya is used to it, Telthiss really has it out for us, or we're more sensitive to that sort of thing due to our artifact.

Another thing I'm really worried about is how we reacted when we saw Kengo's weeb artifact sword. That shit was weird. Something was influencing us to make us really want that sword for ourselves.

What do you guys think the nobility buff from the sword actually does? I have literally no idea. Hopefully there's something on the forums about it

>>1933308
either a dueling boost or a bonus to charisma.

>>1933308
I really want to repair that sword.

>>1933308
What >>1933318 said, but also potentially it extends the scope of our interactions with NPCs

No real telling what limits it will have, but I bet it's pretty damn impressive considering the way this game ticks.

We have a [+ Nobility] from the helm that we can equip right now so it shouldn't take long to find out what it does.

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> [[ Character Sheet Updated ]]
> Inventory [[ Ascheritte ]]
Strife Memoriam, a Celestial artifact (worn, accessory, soulbound, 8/16 PP committed)
aetherbinder's cloak (worn, covering chest/head)
aethersteel chain helm (worn, head)
pegasus gilded cuirass (worn, chest)
onyx-studded gauntlets (worn, hands)
star-plate leggings (worn, legs)
leather boots (worn, feet)
colossal pale aethersteel greatsword (wielded)
earthsea royal signet ring (worn, right hand)
"Dross", an aberrant fluxsaber (alternate weapon, worn on belt)
lucky wooden buckler (worn on back)
Unique Identifier: Ascheritte (worn, fixed, soulbound)

> [[ Ongoing Effects ]]
* Paleflame Weapon (+2) [[ Granted by: colossal pale aethersteel greatsword ]]: Attacks with this weapon will deal additional non-elemental magic damage. (A paleflame weapon rejects most enhancements.)
* Power Charge [[ Granted by: pegasus gilded cuirass ]]: Charging attacks will resist interruption and behave as if you are heavier.
* Onyx Weapon [[ Granted by: onyx-studded gauntlets ]]: Attacks with onyx weapons will deal bonus damage to unarmored targets, but are overall less effective against heavy armor than standard weapons.
* Spellshield (+1) [[ Granted by: aetherbinder's cloak ]]: Reduces incoming elemental magic damage.
* Nullify (+1) [[ Granted by: aethersteel chain helm ]]: Reduces incoming non-elemental magic damage.
* Mobility Down (-1) [[ Granted by: star-plate leggings (-) ]]: Reduces speed and evasion.
* Fall Damage Down [[ Granted by: star-plate leggings ]]: Reduces damage from falling and colliding 'safely' with the environment.
* Damage Resistance Up (+5) [[ Granted by: pegasus guilded cuirass (+), aethersteel chain helm (+) silverwing boots (+), star-plate leggings (+2) ]]

> [[ Known Effects ]]
* Fire Weapon [[ Granted by: steel bastard sword ]]: Attacks with this weapon will deal bonus fire damage.
* Cold Weapon [[ Granted by: hoarfrost ]]: Attacks with a cold weapon deal bonus Ice damage, slightly reducing the movement and attack speed of targets.
* Relic [[ Granted by: the last argument of kings ]]: A relic can't be repaired or modified without Celestial power.
* Nobility [[ Granted by: the last argument of kings, royal guard full helm ]]: Unknown effect.
* Bloodletter Weapon [[ Granted by: bloodletter iron naginata ]]: Causes bleeding on successful hits. Effective versus light/no armor.
* Magnified Optics [[ Granted by: Rubi ]]: Improved accuracy at long range.
* Durability Up [[ Granted by: lucky wooden buckler ]]: An item with enhanced durability is harder to break, and will not often require repairs.
* Free Climbing Up [[ Granted by: silverwing boots ]]: Increases ability to scale walls and abnormal surfaces without tools.

>>1933327
Strife Memoriam can't be worn in tandem with many heavy helmets and some fully face-obscuring headgear.

>>1932617
It can't actually get any more broken.

>>1933564
Should read:

* Damage Resistance Up (+4) [[ Granted by: pegasus guilded cuirass (+), aethersteel chain helm (+), star-plate leggings (+2) ]]


> [[ Writing... ]]

>>1933572
Do the earthsea royal guard faulds offer any bonuses?

>>1933304
>Something was influencing us to make us really want that sword for ourselves.
well it's a fucking awesome sword.

I really feel we should go for Nobility gear. We might open up new quests if we have enough.

>>1933604
Let's fix the sword when we come back to the city then.

>>1933564
So we can't wear a heavy helmet with that, then... Can we wear, like, a metal mask with our chain helm?

>>1933604
Maybe see if we can get the nobility helmet changed into a face mask or something, it might retain its nobility effect.

>>1933612
Agreed. Maybe it can replace our bastard sword, since it's kind of pointless to have a hand-half sword if we can do that to any non-colossal weapon now.

>>1933621
I kinda expect the last argument would become a colossal greatsword if repaired since it already counts as a greatsword at half it's usual length.

We need to get some new boots made since it doesn't seem like we'll be uncursing anything in the near future. It's kind of wasting that armor slot to just use mundane leather boots.

>>1933643
True. Should we make custom boots or just buy one?

>>1933645
I bet we'll get some good material in Telthiss' Claw, I'd rather just make some. Our gauntlets are kind of a waste as well considering they're only useful for punching unarmored enemies, which we never do

>>1933643
>>1933653
I think some lava boots would be VERY important for walking on ground recently traveled by a flaming bird.

>>1933572
You should post on twitter that you're live

>>1933663
If we can find a way to make some I'll support it.

>>1933663
Yeah fire defense would be ideal. Maybe add fire defense to our other armor through enchanting as well if that's even possible.

>>1933675
>>1932585
Lava Striders. They, umm. Stride in Lava.

>>1933685
I say we farm some lava striders for materials and use some araneid silk as well to craft some fire defense armor before we use the symbol of fire to get to that new area.

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“We’re back.” You wave to Aelriss as you approach. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Doll, come on – you’ve gotta stay with us.” One of the Nameless adjacent dismissively shoos you away. “We’ll hit up the lower branches with the crew. Anywhere you like.”

“Thanks, but no thanks.” Aelriss says, downing the back half of whatever’s in her mug in the space of a couple seconds and pounding it onto the table before her as punctuation. She starts to rise, but the aforementioned Nameless is first to his feet.

“Really? Look at the sword on this guy.” He’s built like a wall, and all but lumbers towards you; your reply to him is a look of mild irritation. “He’s gotta be compensating for something.”

As he draws within proximity, Tatsumaki gives him a one-handed shove to the chest – which sends him stumbling several feet backwards where he topples over the bar counter. Most of the tavern falls silent – the crowd around the bulletin board looking awkwardly your way – before someone starts cheering, and everyone else falls in line. The four of you regroup and promptly exit.

“You talk to Ayla?” Aelriss asks, as the four of you make your way into the street.

“A little bit. She sounds – stressed?” You shrug. “I’m a little worried.”

“I asked if there was a chance I could apply to join her guild, and she’s like ‘raaah go away I have no guild’.” Ael cringes. “This Alliance thing is getting kind of serious.”

“It won’t be much longer. Someone’s gonna crack.” Nel says. “It’s just a matter of who. Anyway, Ashe, you decide where you wanted to go?”

“I’m telling you; it’s gotta be Tethiss’s Claw. I saw so much down there.” You respond. “We’ve just got to play it smart.”

“Not happening with the four of us.” Nel folds his arms and shakes his head.

> Ask someone else if they want to come. (Write-in.)
> “You know anyone, Nel?”
> “We can take it – it won’t be that hard.”
> Tell of the hidden fortress, and suggest hunting in the magma chamber instead.

>>1933697
Who's online right now?

>>1933697
> “You know anyone, Nel?”

>>1933703


Yeah, who?

>>1933703
>> Smith, Liza, Vyx, Nel, Tatsumaki, Ayla, Kengo, Florica, Vision and Aelriss are online.
>> Donnel is offline.

>>1933697
>> Tell of the hidden fortress, and suggest hunting in the magma chamber instead.

>>1933715

Call Smith, we haven't party with him yet.

>>1933697
> Tell of the hidden fortress, and suggest hunting in the magma chamber instead.
Let's start with something a little less intense to get used to our new weapons then.

>>1933697
Ask if Smith is interested.

So when do we start our own guild?

>>1933738
I guess after the guild situation in Averron blows up?

>>1933697
> Tell of the hidden fortress, and suggest hunting in the magma chamber instead.
Smith is more of a pvp kinda guy than a useful raid all. Plus he's a psycho. Idk why anyone likes him

>>1933697
>Ask Freya
She was pretty handy last time after all, and probably curious about what's down there too.

>>1933746
If we made our own guild we would have a say in all this guild politics and could maybe help solve this whole situation.

>>1933748
I'd actually really like to add her as a friend at the very least

What do you guys think about this guild idea? We could unify all the smaller trade guilds into one large one to fill the as of yet unfilled economic guild niche. This is all on the piratepad btw

>Averron Trading Company
# Observatory
A guild focused on supporting resource acquisition, production of goods, and unifying all the existing smaller trade guilds. Addresses the issues we've had with gathering resources for the excavator and gives us a position of greater power among the different communities once we've made contact
Create a strong economy to trade with/compete with the other communities
Establish a safe trade route from the Averron area to the Earthsea Promenade in preparation for making it into a hub city
Focus on goods and materials including aethersteel that are more specific to our area to sell to communities with no other access to them
Improve the observatory's production facilities
Encourage player-made goods alongside npc-made goods
Ruled by a council of leaders from each part of the industry
Giving Averron players easier access to high quality goods will strengthen the community as a whole
Organize an official mission system to coordinate resource gatherers and merchants with the armed guards they need
Organize raids to clear resource-rich areas of enemies before gathering resources en masse
Use profits to improve the Observatory even further
Keep Liza's power in check once the Averron Alliance guild is formed by remaining separate

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>>1933717
>>1933724
>>1933747

“Agreed. I’d like to play it just a little cautious for now.” Aelriss responds. “Got anything else, Ashe?”

“Alright – I found a key to a hidden area when I was down at the Seal. It’s in the magma chamber, and the fortune teller recommends equipment that’s strong against fire.” You respond. “I was thinking we could go fight some lava striders, maybe look for useful stuff while we’re in the neighborhood?”

“Hm. I can do a little bit of elemental protection, but it’d be good to have some gear for sure. You could probably stand a new shield, if you can even use one with that monster of a sword.” She muses, hand rising to her chin in thought.

“I got options. I’ll make it work.” You respond. Tatsumaki pounds her open palm with her other fist, nodding in affirmation. “Nel, you got extra healing potions?”

“Always. How many do you need?” Nel asks.

“Just asking – work it out on the way down. I’ll cover you later.” You respond.

Nel nods. “This sounds a whole lot better – I mean, I’m all about hidden areas, so. Are we good to go?”

A quick self-check reveals Strife Memoriam’s allocated memory somehow changed itself back to Rust at some point.

[[ 1 ]]
> Change Strife Memoriam’s allocated memory.
> Leave Strife Memoriam’s allocated memory intact.

[[ 2 ]]
> Visit the Celestial Materialization Altar before departing.
> Depart now, and use the Observatory altar in private later.

>>1933823
> Change Strife Memoriam’s allocated memory.
Exile memory. We haven't tried it out yet.
> Depart now, and use the Observatory altar in private later.

>>1933823
1
Exile
2
Depart now

>>1933823
>> Leave Strife Memoriam’s allocated memory intact.
> Depart now, and use the Observatory altar in private later.
>I got some nice ID'd stuff but know it needs fixing and I want to see if I can make a holy ground area in the observatory before we go to uncurse my stuff.

>>1933823
Exile memory
Depart now
I wonder why Tats and Nel haven't made an artifact yet?

>>1933823
>Change Strife Memoriam’s allocated memory.
Memory of Marble
>Depart now, and use the Observatory altar in private later.

>>1933823
> Change Strife Memoriam’s allocated memory.
Exile
> Visit the Celestial Materialization Altar before departing.
I'd like to fix our new sword before we leave so we can dual wield our swords, I don't think a wooden shield is going to be very effective in a fire area.

>>1933823
>Change Strife Memoriam’s allocated memory.
Exile
>Depart now, and use the Observatory altar in private later.

>>1933854
We don't have dual wielding perk.

>>1933856
You don't have to have it to dual wield.

Dual wielding is for plebeians

Also can we use CG to teach Tatsumaki how to speak

>>1933854
We don't have to fix our new sword to use it. We can use it just fine as is.

>>1933907
it's cut in half.

>>1933925
I was under the impression that it's still big enough to be usable. Maybe Sylv can clarify

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>>1933823

You bring the Memory of Exile to the forefront of your mind’s eye; then, acknowledging that you’re ready, depart for the lands below. Nel leads the way; he knows a newly-discovered shortcut that makes the journey much less thoughtful and much less perilous than it typically is. Explorers, too, have mined out many of these caverns and charted their own paths; hand excavation won’t get you to the Earthsea Promenade, but it will surely suffice in getting place to place. You’ll have to ask him about a faster route back up to the Observatory, too; such a thing would come in handy until you can convince the other proprietors to invest in a pair of Advent Gates that will allow travel between there and the city.

The cavern walls are growing hot around you, and you can start to see the light of molten rock below.

> “What do you guys think about the guild situation?” – since you’re thinking of joining up with an existing alliance.
> “What do you guys think about the guild situation?” – since you’re thinking about starting a guild with this group.
> “Any word on unique mobs in this area, Nel?”
> Other. (Write-in.)

>>1933980
> “What do you guys think about the guild situation?” – since you’re thinking about starting a guild with this group.
> “Any word on unique mobs in this area, Nel?”
Is this gonna be the place with the lava striders?

>>1933934
>>1933925
The sword's full length is of a two-handed greatsword; the blade, though, is truncated at about the halfway point. It's up to you to decide whether that constitutes a usable weapon!

Aside - I just returned from a break for food, but I'm going to be busy tonight. We'll see how things turn out.

>>1933980
>>“What do you guys think about the guild situation?” – since you’re thinking of joining up with an existing alliance.

>>1933980
> “What do you guys think about the guild situation?” – since you’re thinking about starting a guild with this group.
> “Any word on unique mobs in this area, Nel?”
Ask Tats and Nel if they've put any thought into celestial artifacts

>>1933980
>> “What do you guys think about the guild situation?” – since you’re thinking about starting a guild with this group.
> “Any word on unique mobs in this area, Nel?”

>>1933989
Classic sylv vagueness

>>1933980
> “What do you guys think about the guild situation?” – since you’re thinking about starting a guild with this group.
> “Any word on unique mobs in this area, Nel?”

>>1933980
> “Any word on unique mobs in this area, Nel?”

The current situation of the guilds is terrible. It'd be best to wait until it inevitably collapses. Maybe then.

>>1934049
It collapsing means open war in the streets and basically this entire area will be forfeit fast.

Worse yet it devolves into a civil war between the observatory and city proper. It collapsing is horrible for us and everyone else excepting freak show.

>>1934056
Isn't PVP disabled in the observatory?

>>1934056
There's really not enough of a division between the city and the observatory for war to break out between the two. Everyone just comes and goes as they please between the two

>>1934056
And yet, it will happen regardless of what we do. The less we get involved, the less it will damage us. Why jump between hyenas who are baring their fangs at each other? Just let them tear each other apart. All wars end eventually.

>>1933980
> “What do you guys think about the guild situation?” – since you’re thinking about starting a guild with this group.

>>1934060
yes and? If you did not forget Ayla, as well as the disposable heroes rep as well as crimson guardian rep can alter the settings. They can turn the pvp on at literally any time.

>>1934067
if a civil war comes about you can BET that once the dust settles there will be two power bases unless one side gets routed utterly. The observatory vs. city proper would be the most natural given there are monsters and more in between the two on route.

>>1934069
Yes and we end up getting everything reset to the way it was before Averon was established. Any of the main guild leaders can retgone the city, and we or any of the other 3 named people could make the observatory go poof with the press of a button. Not doing anything is a net loss for us and everyone else.

>>1934091
>>1934036
>>1934023

“What do you guys think about the guild situation right now?” You ask.

“I’m starting to have second thoughts. Just – if you couldn’t tell.” Aelriss says. “I don’t know if Tatsumaki still has her heart set on joining the Guardians, but I bet they’d turn her away because of the communication barrier. That kind of thing is a big deal in hardcore play, even if you’re as good at this game as she is.”

Tatsumaki shrugs.

“You already know how I feel, Ashe. Guildless for life.” Nel folds his arms. “You’re not going soft, are you?”

“Guilds have benefits, Nel. I was thinking – just as an idea – maybe we should start our own, since we’re all in a crazy place with the whole Alliance situation.” You respond. “I’ve got stake in the Observatory. We could make it work.”

“…Maybe.” He turns away, grumbling a bit. “Doesn’t matter, though. You need five charter members and I count four of us – so unless you know someone as reliable…”

“There’s the solo all-stars. Crow, and Kengo – and that healer girl. Aelriss’s friend Donnel, too?” You ask.

Ael shakes her head. “He’s a great guy, but I don’t think he’s the kind of guy you’d want in your guild. Ashe. His go-to solution to the Nameless problem comes at the edge of his sword.”

“They did try to kill you, Ael.” Nel adds.

“They’ve tried to kill all of us.” You sigh. “You can’t simplify the problem that much.”

“What about the bounty hunters? You kind of know one of them, right?” Aelriss asks.

“No way! Have you seen the way they post on the forums?” Nel says. “They’d just do all kinds of crazy stuff behind your back.”

“There’s Smith. He’s pretty dependable.” You suggest.

“He’s kind of a creep, Ashe.” Aelriss rolls her eyes. “No offense to you or anything.”

You change the subject. “Nel, heard of any big marks around here recently?”

“There’s something called an Underground Siren, apparently – burrowed up from who knows where.” He responds. “I can send you its whereabouts, but it’s got a lot of recorded kills. It’s this big thing that just – yells at Nameless so loud they die, apparently.”

You check your map, guild invite to Freakshow nagging you again when you open your menu. Regardless of what you do about that, it’d probably be worthwhile to at least send her a contact request at some point. Down here, a great swath of outcroppings and plateaus is visible stretching into the distance, where solo players and parties battle skinless, long-legged insectoids: lava striders. There’s a large one wandering about on the platform below you, carefully skirting across stalagmites that stick up from the molten rock.

> Engage the lava strider beneath you.
> Investigate the area where the Symbol of Fire can be used.
> Search for areas related to the Earthsea, like when you were last here.
> Seek out the Underground Siren.

>>1934178
>> Engage the lava strider beneath you.
Let's see if one of these things drops any resist fire.
then
> Investigate the area where the Symbol of Fire can be used.

>>1934178
> Engage the lava strider beneath you.
Gotta get those mats
Send Freya a contact request too while we're thinking about it
Let the team know that we're not sure how the colossal weapon's fatigue effects work so we might need a hand if this fight lasts a while

>>1934178
> Engage the lava strider beneath you.
So stoked to test out this weapon!

>>1934178
>> Engage the lava strider beneath you.
Also, go ahead and decline the invite already.
>>1934119
And joining a guild does literally nothing to prevent that. Also, none of what you claimed one person can do is confirmed to be doable without agreement.

>>1934178
> Engage the lava strider beneath you.

>>1934193
>Also, none of what you claimed one person can do is confirmed to be doable without agreement.


we literally could set pvp alone when we looked at the controls.

And who says anything about joining a guild? Make our own make it a power and tell The CG not interested in being a bootlicker/foot note.

I mean hell we could make another speech high lightning that three distinct guilds with their own culture, value system, beliefs and way they work works better than one homogenous glob.

>>1934210
I'm really pushing for the trade guild. There's tons of smaller trade guilds right now that won't be involved in the merger. If we make our own merger of those guilds we can gain influence and have a system of checks and balances to keep Liza's power in check. Plus streamlining the economy and industry could help us make more progress toward a working excavator. I don't think making a guild just to be antagonistic toward the Alliance would be productive.
>>1934214
The thing is that the merger might actually be a good thing, consolidating the more powerful guilds into a stronger guild before we have to start competing or cooperating with other cities. We just can't let it become totalitarian

>>1934193
>>1934197
>>1934187
>>1934185

You see your target – dead ahead and a ways below. Gotta get mats somehow, after all.

“That one.” You point. “Back me up.”

“What?” You hear Nel ask. “Ashe—there isn’t really a good way to…”

> Jump off the cliff and overhead strike with your sword it because you’re Ascheritte and that’s what you do.
> Jump off the cliff and overhead strike it with the Memory of Exile’s special attack, because you’re Ascheritte and that’s what you do.
> Slide or climb to a lower point and try to get its attention.
> Get its attention from the cliff face and utilize the Memory of Exile to fight normally on a vertical surface.
> Other. (Write-in.)

>>1934234
> Get its attention from the cliff face and utilize the Memory of Exile to fight normally on a vertical surface.
Special attack explodes the weapon.

>>1934234
> Get its attention from the cliff face and utilize the Memory of Exile to fight normally on a vertical surface.
>>1934238
It's just an AOE magic attack that comes from the weapon, it doesn't make the weapon itself explode

>>1934234
> Jump off the cliff and overhead strike with your sword it because you’re Ascheritte and that’s what you do.
Respect the classics, man. I can't think of a better way to break this new weapon in.

>>1934234
>> Jump off the cliff and overhead strike with your sword it because you’re Ascheritte and that’s what you do.
No other option.

This is what we do. Not a shitty politics game guaranteed not to actually have any winners.

>>1934255
B-b-but vertical combat!

>>1934226
Logically I think this a good idea but I just don't know how much fun it would be to manage a guild like that. We don't even have any experience in that sort of thing. Unless Travis is hiding an Economics major we don't know about.

>>1934226
>We just can't let it become totalitarian
Given that is EXACTLY what theperson pressing hardest for the merge wants, and that her judgment is easily clouded with simply mentioning a certain edgelord. Can't say I am for the merger.

Besides specialization which the three major guilds basically did is better than a homogenous group assuming we can get everyone to play nice. We'd lose that with the CG, because they are very much, "Stop having fun and do what I say to minmax it all" which kinda sucks the fun out of the game.

As far as our guild an exploration and attack guild would be much more our style.


>>1934234
>Get it to move toward us to attack us by shooting it with our shiny new gun.

>>1934234
> Get its attention from the cliff face and utilize the Memory of Exile to fight normally on a vertical surface.
Changing my vote to keep the ball rolling here

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>>1934238
>>1934249
>>1934341

You’re already off and over the edge, and as Strife Memoriam unfolds around your head – a darkness blooms within you.

You welcome it. You have no choice; it is the price you pay for this power. A jagged helmet takes form, obscuring your face. Your armor feels tenacious as it fuses to the flesh beneath. Your limbs feel – longer? You feel feral, savage, and drop to all fours on instinct, crawling down the cliff like a beast with the colossal blade at your back. These creatures are territorial predators, and this one sees you; it sees smaller prey, and shatters the stalagmites beneath it as it leaps up toward the rock face to meet you, sending broken rock chunks spilling down into the lava.

Enormous, chitinous legs reach over chitinous legs as the strider moves up toward the cliff face from the stone outcropping beneath. It’s picking up speed, but so are you, given gravity’s on your side; you release the cliff, falling into a forward somersault, then catch a bit of the stone surface with your feet, honed into armored claws. Inertia brings your upper body forward, and both hands take purchase on the hilt of your colossal aethersteel blade, which carries a trail of pale flame behind it as it crosses from your back. The strider is coming towards you, and you’re aiming dead center…

> [[ 1d100 ]]

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>1934445

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>1934445
dice gods please have mercy

Rolled 51 (1d100)

>>1934445
ez

>>1934451
thanks dice gods
Our squad is gonna be freaked out by our weird powers. They didn't even see this fucking horrifying boss.

This is without a doubt the most horrifying memory. Originally I was against this artifact but now I like it a lot.

>>1934445
Our Artifact is so badass. Most people have to make due with a few effects as a package deal, but we literally swap between package deals.

>>1934471
Yeah, I was skeptical at first but it's great.

>>1934471

And we can add new packages.

Imagine how scary/cool it would be if we could activate 2 memories at once?

>>1934495
I've been wondering what would happen if we activate rust and marble at the same time. It veers from horrible to wonderful but ultimately it would be interesting.