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You take a deep breath. Your nerves are finally starting to calm after your brush with death, the Grinning Spartan having come dangerously close to ending you. Flexing the fingers of your right arm, you work the tension out of the newly-replaced limb before glancing to your left, smiling as Gina pets the Tindalos you’ve dubbed Ringo, the two of them gazing out into the fields of wheat-like hair that undulate on a warm breeze. To your right, Bloody Myrmidon has wrung as many details about Mara as she can from Rath, the fangirl managing to exhaust your red-headed companion as she directs a pleading gaze your way, begging you to extricate her from the interrogation.

“Myrmidon.” You call out, the pale-skinned girl stopping mid-question to fix you with a scarlet gaze. “You said that you were working on gathering supplies for your team, that they were crafting some kind of boat to cross the River of Tears. Do you think you could arrange a meeting, if it’s not too much to ask?”

“Oh, it…yes, that should be possible.” She says, awkwardly transitioning from fangirl mode back to her stoic facade. “I know that the four of us were planning to leave sooner rather than later.”

“What about Miss Julia and Lady Amara?” Dorian asks, striding over with his amorphous arms held behind his back, his flawless white coat-tails fluttering in the breeze. “I’d imagine they’d like to know how we fared, and I’d hate to keep them in the dark for longer than necessary.”

{He has a point} Gina relents, speaking to you across your bond. {On the other hand, there’s nothing saying we couldn’t split up. One or two of us go back to update the girls, and we meet with the boat-builder’s union and see if they’d be open to us hitching a ride}

There's the matter of continuing your westward journey, though who you intend to bring with you is another matter entirely. Charon's curious absence since B'ni's departure has also been preying on your mind, though you're not even sure where to start with that...

…Ultimately, the choice is yours.

>>Continue to the shore side with Myrmidon to meet her team with your current line-up. It'd be a shame to miss this opportunity to meet with another team and share information, not to mention the fact that they have what you need to be able to cross the River of Tears.

>>Return and check in on how Julia and Amara are faring at the Monastery Forge, and you can check to see if Charon's back at the waystation as well. Myrmidon's team may leave without you, but you're sure you can figure out a different method to cross the river on your own time.

>>Send Dorian and one other party member back to update Julia and Amara while you go with someone of your choice to meet Myrmidon’s team. Dorian’s right, you don’t want them to worry about you for no reason, but you also don’t want to pass on a golden opportunity to meet other, saner Daughters than who you just fought.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3360190
>>Send Dorian and one other party member back to update Julia and Amara while you go with someone of your choice to meet Myrmidon’s team. Dorian’s right, you don’t want them to worry about you for no reason, but you also don’t want to pass on a golden opportunity to meet other, saner Daughters than who you just fought.

Send Rath. Gina seems more suited for social situations, given her Neuromancy abilities.

>>3360190
Hey BHOP, what about Ringo? What will she do now, now that the engine is destroyed?

(Voting to close in one and a half hours, Gentlemen.)

>>3360217
(She is still bound to the other engine, and if someone uses it, then her contract's kill-switch goes into effect and she and her sisters will be thrown out of the Crucible cycle. However, she is no longer bound to *have* to stay close to that particular engine.)

>>3360190
Supporting >>3360214

>>3360190
This >>3360214

>>3360214
Ill support this too

>>3360214
(Will you send Ringo back to her Engine, or have her accompany either you or Rath?)

>>3360257
Send Ringo back to her Engine. She's a good doggo.

>>3360190
Supporting >>3360214

>>3360260
Supporting. She's done well, she can go back.

>>3360257
Send her with Rath and Dorian to make sure they make it back without issue, then she can go back to the Engine.

>>3360277
I would like to change my vote on what to do with Ringo, to sending Ringo back with Rath and Dorian to make sure both of them go back without issue, then Ringo can go back to her engine.

>>3360287
Changing my vote as well to support this one.

>>3360287
Same, ill support this as well

am right on time. though i am really getting confused about what happend last thread. cause i have no idea when amara swapped out for gina :? i wonder if i missed a whole section of the thread

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>>3360190

You decide to send Ringo to escort Rath and Dorian back to the Monastery, and then have her return to the engine she was protecting deep beneath the Sororitas’ factory. Left alone with Bloody Myrmidon, you follow her into the Forest of Thought tracing her footsteps as she walks just ahead of you, following a path she seems certain of. You stop when Gina’s hand is on your arm, and she immediately slides a jack into your skin to grant you her enhanced sight. The trees are covered, squirming with leeches that follow your every movement, inching towards you in time with every step you take.

“Myrmidon?” You begin, your hive buzzing with lethal anticipation. “Any idea why the trees are covered with cloaked slugs?”

“They are?” She asks, a happy note in her voice as Gina slowly slides a pair of cords from beneath her sleeves.

“Ceres, Dinea!” Myrmidon calls out into the woods. “It’s okay, they’re with me. They saved my life, there’s no need for the ambush!”

A tense few seconds pass, and then the trees are alive with visible movement, the cloak dissipating as the leeches recede back towards their unseen source, slithering past a dark-skinned young woman that suddenly uncloaks a few meters ahead of you. Her pale, elegant dress seems to almost glow in the dim forest light as she runs forwards, throwing her arms around Myrmidon, much to the taller girl’s shock.

“I’m so glad you’re alright, Maria.” The girl says, her relieved voice coming from everywhere around you, all at once as she steps back, her face hidden from view as she inspects her friend for injuries. “When you didn’t come back at the scheduled time, we started looking for you, we were all so worried when we…”

“Ceres…you were looking for me?” Myrmidon says, her voice laced with a low kind of shock.

“Of course we were, Maria. You’re our friend, alright? Nothing you do is going to change that.” Ceres replies, and she finally steps to her friends side, looking at you head-on. You blink, realizing that the billowing cloud of luminescent mist that’s in front of her face is not obscuring her visage, but rather pours out of the cracked shell that is her skull. “Are these the girls that saved you?”

Myrmidon nods, and Ceres steps forwards her hands folded gracefully in front of her.

“Thank you so, so very much for rescuing Maria.” She says, her voice echoing all around you. “I am sorry for the ambush, but I couldn’t be certain you hadn’t been the ones to take her from us.”

“That’s completely fair.” You reply with a nod and a squeeze of Gina’s hand, your hive calming down. The girl known as Ceres takes a step back and

“Maybe I need to get myself kidnapped once in a while, meet some fresh new cuties.” A sassy voice calls out from the darkness beyond the trees.

(Continued)

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>>3360379

A curvy, grinning young woman with greyish skin strides forwards, a tight-fitting dress clinging to her glistening form.

“This is Dinea, our resident Hive Mistress.” Ceres says airily, gesturing towards her ally as she walks up confidently. The Hive Mistress gives you and Gina each a sly wink, prompting a chuckle from your comanion, despite herself. “My name is Ceres, and I presume my status as a Neuromancer is somewhat obvious. Thank you for rescuing Maria, we were so worried.”

“It…I’m fine Ceres, really.” Maria says, her pale skin reddening slightly. “I said I’m not going to do anything. I made a promise, alright?”

“In any case, is there anything we may do to repay you?” Ceres asks, turning to you and Gina as the two of you share a glance before you speak.

“Maria tells me you have a way to cross the river?”

“Sure do.” Dinea says, a slow drawl to her voice. “Just about to push off, since we got a nice window…that’s closing, might I add. Ceres, we need to get back to Maggie, she’s almost done with the sail.”

“What window?” Gina asks, a brown eyebrow arched. “Is there something that’d stop you from crossing if you don’t leave soon?”

“The Leviathan.” Ceres replies, her tone carrying a note of reverence and fear. “Please, follow me and I’ll show you what we’re working on.”

With that, she beckons for her allies to follow her as the three of them make haste towards the shoreline, with Gina reaching out via thoughtform sheepishly.

{Nothing ventured, am I right?} She grins, tugging on your hand as the two of you race to catch up with the other team.

When the five of you clear the treeline the forest stops abruptly, the ground sloping down to a rocky shoreline, at which laps a gigantic and placid river. Gentle waves crest on shore and just below where you stand, a sailboat sits on shore. It looks to be large enough to carry roughly eight to ten people, and even from here you can see it’s been heavily modified with biomass to make it seaworthy.

Movement atop the mast catches your eyes as you pick your way down the steep slope, and what you assumed to be a collection of bright red balloons atop the sail reveal themselves to keep a young girl aloft, working furiously with some last-minute additions. Ceres calls out to the child, prompting Maggie to descend to your side as you clear the cliff, boasting solid black eyes and a happy smile. The balloons deflate, sliding back into the child’s skin as she runs up and hugs Maria’s knees together, almost toppling the swordswoman to the treacherous ground.

(Continued)

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>>3360382

“You’re back! Ceres and Dinea were scared, but I knew you’d be okay!” Maggie says cheerfully, hopping back when she notices you and Gina, side-by-side. Maria chuckles, her cheeks tinged red as she turns to the two of you.

“This is Mags, our Flesh Artisan. She and Dinea have been working around the clock to try and get that old hulk sea-worthy, and it’s just about done.”

“Sure is!” Maggie chimes in, gesturing towards her pride and joy with both arms. “I’d rather it be a balloon or a plane, but it’s pretty okay!”

“So…what’s this about a Leviathan?” Gina says, attempting to bring the reunion back on track. Ceres is the one to step forwards, coming uncomfortably close to Gina as she begins to speak. Gina holds her ground, and it quickly becomes apparent that Ceres simply has no true concept of personal space as she takes Gina’s hands in hers, speaking low.

“From my and Maggie’s reconnaissance, we believe it to be an Amalgam meant to deter crossers, or perhaps it’s meant to serves as a test of sorts, or one of my other hypotheses is…”

Dinea makes a snoring noise, and Ceres catches herself mid-theory.

“…Anyway, we realized it patrols the river in a distinct pattern, with a window of about fifty to sixty minutes to loop back around to this area. It’s incredibly quick, so we don’t have long to wait.”

“How long is not long?” You ask, prompting Maria and Ceres to share a glance.

“Ten minutes, so we need to make this snappy, babes.” Dinea calls out, sashaying back to the boat with Maggie in tow. Myrmidon puts a bandage-wrapped hand on her leader’s shoulder, nodding curtly to you.

“I’ll make the final adjustments, Lady Ceres.” Myrmidon says, her stiffness having returned as she races to catch up with the two other Daughters. Ceres watches them leave, then turns back to you and Gina, her hands folded primly in front of her.

(Continued)

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>>3360386

“There’s plenty of space, if you wish to join.” Ceres says, and you can hear the welcoming smile in her voice despite the lack of any facial features. The empathic channel connecting you to the brunette springs to life, and you feel Gina running through a myriad of scenarios, just like you are.

{I’m up for it, but I totally understand if you’re not} She says. {I’ll be honest, I’m not even sure where we’d start with trying to cross this thing. We can try to find the remains of some boats along the shore, but we’re kind of down a Calcite Armorer, so…then again, maybe Julia could get something together?}

You feel like Ceres and her team have done their research, and Gina brings up a good point. You might be able to replicate what they’ve done with your Swarmlings and Julia’s sculpting, but there’s no guarantee you’d be able to achieve the same level of success, given the size of their craft.

You look into Gina’s bright eyes, and she’s trusting you to make the call.

>>Agree for you and Gina to go with them. You can head back to Julia’s house as your central meeting place once you find a waystation on the other side. It’s the most time effective option, and you feel like you can trust these people. Plus, it’ll give you a chance to connect with other potential allies at your level that are traveling alongside you, which isn’t a chance you’ve really gotten before.

>>Try to convince them to wait. If you have two full teams with you on the boat, you might be able to make it across and deal with any resistance you may encounter…either on the water or on the opposite shore. The more the merrier isn’t just an expression; it could very well ensure your safety and theirs.

>>As golden a chance as this is, you’re just not comfortable crossing this river with half your team, regardless of what these girls can do. You’ll meet back up with your full team at the Monastery, and figure out where to go from there.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3360366
(Hello, Gen! There was a vote to let Amara and Julia go to the Monastery and take Gina, Rath, and Dorian to fight the Grinning Spartan. Good to have you back.)

>>3360388
BHOP, what swarmlings and BIO do we have on person?
How wide is the River, how big is the boat? What kind of boat is it?
If we're going to cross the river, we will have to help contribute to boosting our best chances of crossing it fast.

(Voting to close in two hours, Gentlemen.)

>>3360397
(You have 2 Recursive Drillings, and 3 Knight-class Swarmlings active. The Shroud is active, and you have 190% BIO from devouring such a rich and varied source of biomass that was the Spartan.)

>>3360397
(River is one mile wide, boat is a small yacht.)

>>3360388
>>As golden a chance as this is, you’re just not comfortable crossing this river with half your team, regardless of what these girls can do. You’ll meet back up with your full team at the Monastery, and figure out where to go from there.

It sucks, but trusting them until we find a new waystation is risky as hell, or so is getting cut down to only two members til then if we do not stay with them. And we have no idea how soon or long it will take to find another waystation on the other side, nor what may guard it.

>>3360388
Does the leviathan's pattern change over time? Will the window not be open for awhile after this?

If the pattern is somewhat reliable and doesn't take too long to reset, let's try and convince them to wait for us to get the rest of our group.

>>3360388
Hey BHOP, is asking Ceres a few questions a free action?
>"A mile wide river, a small sailing yacht, and ten minutes before the Leviathan returns. That's a tight schedule. How reliable is the Leviathan's pattern?"

>>3360462
(It is ten minutes until the river is clear of the Leviathan, and it shall remain so for one hour to cross before the creature's return.)

>>3360447
(The Leviathan's pattern resets every once in a while, so it would take some time and study to narrow a window down once again.)

>>3360475
ooh.
Never mind. then. That clears things up.

>>3360388
>Agree for you and Gina to go with them. You can head back to Julia’s house as your central meeting place once you find a waystation on the other side. It’s the most time effective option, and you feel like you can trust these people. Plus, it’ll give you a chance to connect with other potential allies at your level that are traveling alongside you, which isn’t a chance you’ve really gotten before.
In the end, I don't want to let B'ni get too much ahead.

>>3360475
Alright, I still think it'd be worth it to try to get them to wait. I'd understand if they were against it, so we shouldn't try and force them to abandon their plan.

>>3360388
>Try to convince them to wait. If you have two full teams with you on the boat, you might be able to make it across and deal with any resistance you may encounter…either on the water or on the opposite shore. The more the merrier isn’t just an expression; it could very well ensure your safety and theirs.
>"Can you wait? If anything, we could help make the boat sturdier and faster. With all the efforts you've put in so far into making the boat seaworthy, you'll be short of Bio for defending any threats that you might sail across. Our team can help get the boat to go faster."
>"We have 2 Flesh Artisans, one who can sculpt flesh like nobody's business and make the boat more streamlined, another deals with paint, he can provide a Paint Varnish that will make the boat more resistant to the acid and plug leaks. Yes, I said "he". Then there's Rath. generates flaming boils, likes things that are metal as fuck. with the right setup, you too can have a boat sporting Jet Engines fueled by flesh. We also have a Skin Talker. She might hear things that we don't."
>"The only problem that I'm seeing between cooperation between our two parties will be the inevitable friction between party members. I can already tell that Dinea might not play nice with some of our party members. You let my team onboard, my team does their share to make the boat faster and sturdier, both us try to restrain our more abrasive party members, and we'll all try to row this boat gently down the stream, merrily merrily merrily merrily, and make this Berserk Boat trip but a dream."

>>3360475
Also, how long will it take for Shu's team to arrive?

>>3360388
>>Agree for you and Gina to go with them. You can head back to Julia’s house as your central meeting place once you find a waystation on the other side. It’s the most time effective option, and you feel like you can trust these people. Plus, it’ll give you a chance to connect with other potential allies at your level that are traveling alongside you, which isn’t a chance you’ve really gotten before.
Time is of the essence.

>>3360554
(It would take you about an hour if you and Gina book it to the waystation, grab the team immediately, then run back.)

>>3360562
oh....
well shitbiscuits.
>>3360530
I'll have to change my vote then.
Changing to
>Agree for you and Gina to go with them. You can head back to Julia’s house as your central meeting place once you find a waystation on the other side. It’s the most time effective option, and you feel like you can trust these people. Plus, it’ll give you a chance to connect with other potential allies at your level that are traveling alongside you, which isn’t a chance you’ve really gotten before.
But also a write-in:
>Have your Swarm pitch in. You and Gina have 10 minutes to help Ceres make the boat seaworthy and all the BIO you have on the shore.

>>3360433
I will also admit im playing devil's advocate here a good bit, but the point about the waystation still stands. Ill say we can probably trust them not to attack us, but if their destination and goals dont line up with ours once across, we could be in intense danger.

Waiting to cross on our own now that we know how it is done is a very viable option, as despite b'ni, we still shouldn't feel like we have to rush ourselves to death over the cord.

>>3360388
>Write in: Turn 2 Knightlings into 2 Elite-Boosterlings (Knight-class Swarmlings that are basically Winglings on steroids), then create a flight of 10 winglings that will help provide additional wind for the sails.

BHOP, can you tell me the BIO cost for doing these actions?

>>3360608
(The conversion won't cost anything, while the ten Winglings will cost either 10% or 50%, depending on whether you want them to be regular or large-sized.)

(Gentlemen, I will try my best to post here shortly, but it's been a surprisingly busy day, so if things get too hectic then I will post in about two hours. Thank you so much for your patience and participation.)

>>3360621
In that case, spend 60% bio to convert the knight class swarmlings into 3 dire winglings and 50% to make 5 regular ones.
Also, load up our Derringer with a Hollowpoint and a Parabellum.

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>>3360388
“We’ll take you up on your offer, on the condition we can help you out to make a quicker journey.” You say, turning to Ceres. “I can supply some of my Swarmlings to help with the sails, if that’s alright?”

The haze billowing from Ceres’ face flickers, orange lightning running through viridian clouds. From her body language at least she seems pleased, and your suspicions are confirmed when she ropes you and Gina both into a hug. You join her back at the boat, and after conferring with Maggie and Dinea, you create a host of large swarmlings to provide some extra thrust to the vessel, and you discreetly load a Hollowpoint and Parabellum round into each of the Contender’s barrels while you generate your helpful brood.

When your preparations are complete with two minutes to spare, you gaze out at the rippling river and see something move languidly, far out beneath the waves. Water laps at the shore as you all board the team’s vessel, settling on to the deck’s booth-like chair some distance behind the captain’s wheel.

“Alright everyone, thoughtform only when we hit the waves.” Ceres declares as Dinea takes the helm, and then she looks to both you and Gina, seated together as Maria sits a short distance away. “I’ll be doing what I can to suppress the sounds from the bees and the hull, and I’ll be connecting everyone through me via Neuromancy. Is that alright?”

You and Gina nod, and Ceres promptly sits next to her as Dinea give you all a cheeky grin.

“Hold on to your asses ladies, here we go!” She calls out from the wheel, and the flooring beneath you begins to shudder as the hull comes alive with movement, hauling you to the water’s edge and out onto the river’s surface. There’s utter silence as you begin to cross the river, the only sounds breaking up the eerie calm being the lap of the acidic waves across the boat’s hull and your own steady breathing. The empathic field Ceres connects you all with does not seem to transmit emotion as freely as yours…or perhaps the apprehension you feel is unanimous.

In any case, it’s a good opportunity to speak with these new Daughters, so is there anything you wish to ask them as you make the silent journey?

>>Choose one or more of the Daughters to speak with (Ceres, Maria, Dinea, and/or Maggie. You may choose whether or not the conversation is private or not.)

>>Converse with Gina, instead. You haven’t had much of a chance to catch up since you left her with Rath while you went and met Ringo. Touching base would be nice, especially since you have an extended moment of quiet.

>>You could take the chance to converse with one or more of the Daughters resting in either your or Gina’s mind, or you could say hello to Karma. You’ll admit you’ve been leery about reflecting inside your own mind since recent revelations, but you’re not as nervous as you once were (Karma, Holly, Max, Kosi, Bella, etc.).

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3360759
>Choose one or more of the Daughters to speak with (Ceres, Maria, Dinea, and/or Maggie. You may choose whether or not the conversation is private or not.)
Maria, Dinea.
We can tell Maria about our encounters with Mara. And with Dinea, we can converse with a fellow Hive Mistress and trade pointers.

>You could take the chance to converse with one or more of the Daughters resting in either your or Gina’s mind, or you could say hello to Karma. You’ll admit you’ve been leery about reflecting inside your own mind since recent revelations, but you’re not as nervous as you once were (Karma, Holly, Max, Kosi, Bella, etc.).
Karma, Holly, Meg.
It's been a while since we talked to Holly or Meg, and with Karma we can discuss the Engine's destruction and who possibly lead Grinning Spartan to it.
Who's Max and Bella?

Talking with Gina would be nice, but maybe she wants to talk to the other daughters or brain ghosts too. This is a good opportunity for both of us to expand our social lives, and we can talk about who we each interacted with afterwards as a conversation topic.

(Voting shall close in one and a half hours, Gentlemen.)

>>3360790
(Max granted Gina the Neurotic Halo and assisted in the fight against the Ghost, and Bella Nervosa was the swamp daughter you fought that granted thr fear-based power Gina now weilds.)

>>3360807
I thought Neurotic Halo girl's name was Meg? That's what I had written down in my notes, anyways.

>>3360825
(It is, my brain just decided to betray me, is all. You are quite correct.)

>>3360790
Well, add Bella since we never talked to her. Though she was the one that took over the girl that ate her alive, right? I'm a bit worried this one won't be amicable like the others.

>>3360759
>Choose one or more of the Daughters to speak with. (Dinea)
Lets talk to a fellow hive mistress.
>>Converse with Gina, instead. You haven’t had much of a chance to catch up since you left her with Rath while you went and met Ringo. Touching base would be nice, especially since you have an extended moment of quiet.
Then do some of this.

(For the sake of brevity and speed of updates, I would like to amend the options to only include two from each option, if that is alright with you all.)

>>3360857
>>3360790
Drop Karma and just have Holly and Meg for my vote then.

>>3360759
>Spawn 1 FuzzBuzz for Gina to cuddle with.
>Converse with Gina and Touch base via Crimson Cord, but publicly have Gina insert a cord onto us. It will show them that we're having a private conversation.
>To Gina: {So, I wonder how long this the boat trip will take, and whether or not we get random encounters. Any bets? The prize of the bet will be that the winner gets to cop a free feel, with no clothing barrier. My bet is Shorter than Guts trip to Elfhelm with a random encounter of Piranhas and killer Catfish.}
>If anyone asks why Gina is blushing to the color like Rath's hair: {It's something between us.}
>Talk to Dinea on the public channel: {Nice crown and hairstyle, and that skin tone is something to behold, wanna trade Hive advice on the private channel?}
>Some advice to Dinea: {If slugs/worms are your main Hive theme, don't just stick to a common slug, your hive is capable of making alterations to fit the different species of slug. My main theme is bees, but I've been able to expand my spawn range to include bumblebees and hornets. Also, cosmetic changes don't cost Bio.}
>*spawn FuzzBuzz as an example. for Dinea*

(Writing now, Gentlemen.)

>>3360759

[Mind if we talk a second?] You ask Gina via thoughtform, tapping your arm lightly as your hive buzzes with activity. [I know we can just do this, but I figure if you link up with me via cord, it'll let people know it's a private conversation]

She quietly slides a cord into your arm at the same moment a new Fuzzbuzz crawls out of your hive, silently flying over to Gina's lap, much to her delight. {What's up?} She asks as you inch a little closer to her.

[I'm wondering how long this boat trip is going to take....care to wager?] You ask, glancing past her to the relatively placid surface of the river. [I'd say it's going to be shorter than Guts' trip to Elfhelm with a random encounter or angry fish]

She arches one brunette eyebrow at you, a smile creeping across her lips as you stare into her hazel eyes.

{Color me surprised Shu, you read Berserk?] She says, impressed. You catch yourself, realizing that's something you didn't realize about yourself, either.

[I...shit, I guess I do] You say, amused at yourself. She taps her chin thoughtfully, considering her counter-bet.

{In that case...I'd say it'll be about the length of the splash fight.} She declares simply, glancing around the boat with a barely-suppressed smile. {What? I figure that it has to be closer to one of our time ranges, so whoever gets it closer is the winner. Sound fair?}

[Ha, sure] You reply, watching her caress your swarmling's luxurious mane. [So, as far as bets go...if I win, how about...hm]

A diabolical grin crosses your lips as you lean closer.

[The winner gets to cop a feel, no clothing barrier] You say, trying to get a rise out of her. You're taken aback when she just levels her own impish grin at you, massaging Fuzzbuzz absent-mindedly while studying your eyes.

{So the loser has to strip completely for the winner, is what you're saying?} She fires back, and you feel your face flood with heat as you try to save yourself, but she's too quick on the draw. {You're on.}

[I...that's not exactly what I...] You begin, but she shakes her head, refusing your attempt to back out.

{Nope, too late to back out now, Shu. It's an honest bet, and I'll hold you to it...pun intended}

[So, it's...it's just a quick feel, right?] You say, trying to play off the bet as you try to dig yourself out of the hole you're rapidly sinking in.

{Doesn't have to be} She replies with a wink and a shrug of her bare shoulder.

(Continued)

>>3361209

[You...okay. Alright] You say, regaining your composure enough to not draw unwarranted attention from the other Daughters around you. [All bets aside, would you be up for chatting with one or two of the other girls here? I'd like to get to know them a bit, since they could be good allies in the future. Then would you mind putting me under? I want to chat with Holly and Meg, it's been too long since I've touched base with them]

{Sure. Who're you going to talk with topside?} She asks, and you glance over to the helmswoman. {Oh, Dinea?}

Gina gives you a wry look and a grin.

{Interesting...I guess I'm starting to figure out your type, Shu}

Your mind trips over an explanation before a wave of calm washes over you, courtesy of your favorite Neuromancer.

{I'm teasing, Shu. She's the only other Hive Mistress we've met, it's a good idea. I'll talk a bit with Ceres considering she's pretty much sitting in my lap here, and then I can put you under for a bit, alright?}

[Deal] You reply, opening your empathic field to the girl at the ship's wheel. "Dinea, right? I'm Shu. Ceres told me you're a Hive Mistress too, right?"

"That I am, babe." She replies with a glance back towards you. "Leeches are kinda my thing. I take it bees are yours?"

"Yeah, although I've been able to branch out a lot with hornets, wasps, that sort of thing." You say, glancing over as Gina engages Ceres in a silent conversation of her own. "I've even been able to reshape their chitin into armor and the like. What about you?"

"Same, actually. Like, my dress?" She smiles, cocking her hip. "Totally leechskin, my own design. Ceres' dress is too, but with her own tweaks. The bottom part of the ship's hull is a big-ol' shifty boy. Took me three days of work to get going, but I'm pretty proud of it."

"That's impressive." You reply in earnest. "I hope I'm not bugging you."

She giggles across the channel, and you just realize the unintended joke you made.

"Haha, nah babe, I'm an open book. Ask away, it'll keep my mind off the river."

>>"When did you wake up, if you don't mind my asking? What do you think made your power the way it is?"

>>"So, your team...did you all know each other before all this, or did you meet up along the way?"

>>"Maria mentioned earlier that you all had been traveling up the riverbank for a while. Where do you all hail from?"

>>"Maria seemed kind of surprised that you all went looking for her...is she okay?"

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Voting to close in one and a half hours, Gentlemen.)

>>3361232
>>"When did you wake up, if you don't mind my asking? What do you think made your power the way it is?"
and
>>"So, your team...did you all know each other before all this, or did you meet up along the way?"
as i feel they can be considered partially related and easier to transition into one from the other.

>>3361232
>"When did you wake up, if you don't mind my asking? What do you think made your power the way it is?"

>>3361232
>>"When did you wake up, if you don't mind my asking? What do you think made your power the way it is?"
>>"So, your team...did you all know each other before all this, or did you meet up along the way?"
>>"You're actually the first Hive Mistress I've met, other than myself. If you'd be okay with it, maybe we could swap some tips, possibly give each other some ideas for new units or ways to use our powers." Use this opportunity to show her FuzzBuzz, because FuzzBuzz makes everything better.

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>>3361232

"When did you wake up, if you don't mind my asking? What do you think made your power the way it is?"

"Oh, s'about a month ago, give or take a week." She drawls. "Woke up, threw up, got on with life. Y'know how it goes. The leeches though, that's something. I'm a wetlands biologist by day, and I can put away some bourbon by night, so I thought I was on one hell of a bender for the first couple hours of my time in the apocalypse."

"I've been up a little over two weeks, myself. So, your team...did you all know each other before all this, or did you meet up along the way?"

"I met Ceres and Maria about a week in." She says, glancing across the gentle waves. "They've known each other for years, in case ya' couldn't tell. As far as the little squirt, we caught her drifting after us a couple hundred feet up after we'd saved another Daughter from a bitch of an Amalgam, so we invited her to join us as our eyes in the sky. She's a sweet, quiet kid, and she's finally opening up to us a week in. Maria's really helped her break out of her shell. I think they have something in common, but I'm not one to pry."

"What about you? How long have you and your girlfriend been together?" She asks, and when you try to wave away the term she cracks a grin at you.

"Nuh-uh, I know a taken woman when I see one, and it doesn't take a Neuromancer to see she's got you wrapped around her finger with those cords of hers." She says, and you feel a familiar blush work its way up your neck and into your ears. "Neuromancers, man. They got some pure kink potential, lemme tell y..."

"Gina and I, we met about three, four days in." You say pointedly, drowning out her continued thought as she gets the hint.

"There was...someone else I was traveling with, and she introduced us." You continue, seeing a chance to divert the topic. "You're the first other Hive Mistress I've met in my time awake, actually. Care to share some pointers?"

"Ha, I'll show you mine if you show me yours." She says, sticking out her tongue. You decide to indulge her, birthing another Fuzzbuzz and sending it her way until it lands on her shoulder, and she studies it intently out of the corner of her eye. She considers your creation for a moment before a leech slides out from her dress, slithering your way across the deck and up your leg. You marvel at her creation for a time, in awe of the sturdy and powerful thing.

A thing that gives you an idea...

>>AUGMENTATION UNLOCKED

(Continued)

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>>3361540

CHOOSE ONE FROM THE LIST BELOW

>>EXSANGUINATING BROOD (Swarmling Augmentation): your swarmlings have learned the valuable lesson of give and take, and they'll use it to dominate the battlefield. Your swarmlings of any type now boast the ability to passively drain the health of your foes at a steady rate, healing themselves as they continue to inflict damage to the Daughter or Amalgam they are attached to. This augmentation greatly boosts their ability to stay attached to their aggressors and stay alive as they do so, resulting in passive health drain to heal themselves in addition to it forcing your foe to use a full ACT to rid themselves of the stinging swarm. (BIO+10%)

>>KYNAR CHITIN (Swarmling Augmentation): any and all of your swarmling variants are now completely immune to acid damage, allowing them to utterly ignore any acid-related attacks that would otherwise cripple your brood with damage over time. While this also renders the Chitinous Stalwart armor immune to damage, be aware that it is not a sealed system, so the wearer should be cautious about taking any full baths in acidic material. Truly, your creations are evolving into something to be truly feared, and this is surely just the first of many things their shells will learn to ignore. (HEALTH REGEN+5%)

>>SANGUINE SPAWNING (Passive): Inspired by the nature of Dinea's swarm and Dorian's recently unlocked abilities, you now have the ability to turn your pain and loss into power. When you lose health, you may round that damage down by half and use it as BIO for the cost of your next creations. This bonus BIO does not carry over between rounds, but it does allow you to spawn a formidable offense while allowing you to keep your main BIO reserves topped off to execute your more complex plans. (HEALTH +10%)

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, I shall be pausing here for the evening due to a poor night's sleep. Voting shall remain open for ten hours, and I shall be resuming in exactly twelve hours from now. Thank you all so much for your participation, and I shall be around for a while longer to address any questions, concerns, and criticisms. I am open to it all, and I hope you have a fantastic evening.)

>>3361543
>>EXSANGUINATING BROOD (Swarmling Augmentation): your swarmlings have learned the valuable lesson of give and take, and they'll use it to dominate the battlefield. Your swarmlings of any type now boast the ability to passively drain the health of your foes at a steady rate, healing themselves as they continue to inflict damage to the Daughter or Amalgam they are attached to. This augmentation greatly boosts their ability to stay attached to their aggressors and stay alive as they do so, resulting in passive health drain to heal themselves in addition to it forcing your foe to use a full ACT to rid themselves of the stinging swarm. (BIO+10%)

>>3361545
>poor nights sleep.
man do i understand that. thanks for running BHOP.

>>3361554
(It is my pleasure, thank you very much for joining in.)

>>3361543
>>>KYNAR CHITIN (Swarmling Augmentation): any and all of your swarmling variants are now completely immune to acid damage, allowing them to utterly ignore any acid-related attacks that would otherwise cripple your brood with damage over time. While this also renders the Chitinous Stalwart armor immune to damage, be aware that it is not a sealed system, so the wearer should be cautious about taking any full baths in acidic material. Truly, your creations are evolving into something to be truly feared, and this is surely just the first of many things their shells will learn to ignore. (HEALTH REGEN+5%)
Lovely. Now we don't have to worry about getting hard-countered by Acid-based attacks Also, the Health Regen is such a nice bonus. Remember Bella Nervosa? If anything, covering one of our ability's core weakness would help us immensely.

>>3361563
is acid really our biggest weakness? i mean, it IS a weakness i just dont see it as such an overwhelming or such one. that ones definitely my second choice by a large margin though.

The idea of passive health drain and taking an Entire ACT to remove is quite a boon to give to any and all swarmlings we make.

>>3361738
(It cannot, unfortunately. Believe me, the moment an ability comes across the board to where a Daughter can heal others, that will be it's main selling point. In combat healing is very much a game changer, as B'ni can attest to.)

>>3361750
(It finally happened...I got justly bamboozled. It was only a matter of time.)

>>3361750
does the health drain count as damage that accumulates towards the healing BIO, and/or could the Swarmling choose whether to heal itself or stock it as the healing bio, or at least if it is at full health stock the drained health as the healing bio?

>>3361754
I'm sorry about the accidental bamboozle. I realized I linked it to the wrong post iirc. I can't remember. About time you got bamboozled.

File: 1426464805779.gif (3.9 MB, 268x220)

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>>3361754
HA!
KNOW MY PAIN, KNOW IT!

>>3361750
Okay. for the sake of Posterity of the vein, I'll re-post the question that you answered.
"If EXSANGUINATING BROOD can drain HP from foes and Daughters alike, can the opposite be true?"

>>3361755
(It does count towards Healing BIO, and while it cannot infuse others with healing as noted above/below, it could heal itself or stock it as healing BIO. However, you would need to set the swarmling to either prioritize itself or accumulation of Healing BIO, as they could not switch freely between them if that makes sense.)

>>3361774
it makes perfect sense yes, thank you. i was mostly curious as some systems sometimes count things like health drain in this occurrence as a status effect rather than actual damage, so seeing as how it did not specify i wanted to be sure.

>>3361774
It kinda feels like exsanguinating brood and Gluttonous brood are close enough to be interchangeable, or close enough that both augmentations can fuse into one.

But regardless if the swarmling chooses to succ healing bio or the opponent's HP, does exsanguinating brood augment the pollen collection rate of gluttonous brood?

>>3361755
(Thinking on it more, I believe the best and most elegant solution would be the latter part of your statement, where any overhealing gets auto converted into Healing BIO. This is very interesting to me, as this combo was quite unlikely given the relative rarity of the skills onvolved. I truly hadn't expected them to show up in the same playthrough, so I'm intrigued to see how this goes.)

>>3361786
(It does augment it, yes. It does count as a flat damage boost to your swarmlings, if that helps conceptualize it. A Baneling would be drilling, injecting acid, *and* siphoning health.)

>>3361791
well, actually, that does make sense. it would help them stay alive longer to get us the healing Bio, and sacrificing them to stock up on healing bio kinda seems...fuck whats the word? counter intuitive? if they dont heal themselves first, they die, and we lose the healing bio, meaning not only gaining healing pollen as spillover would actually arguably be, not worthless, but extremely unuseful in almost every situation.

>>3361563
>>3361543
Well in that case, I think I'll change votes to
>Exsanguinating Brood.
The combination of Exsanguinating and Gluttonous Augmentations is a deadly synergy.
>>3361798
It does bring up a question however when platelings are involved... Hang on, I just thought of a creatively lethal way to weaponize platelings.
>Summon Platelings
>Have them attach themselves to the enemy daughter, armor up a limb or so at the joints
>Engage Armor-lock.
>Result: Daughter gets a leg cast that actively sucks up her HP to heal itself. Alternatively, A fullbody Iron-Maiden Armor. It can't force the armor off, it has to shatter the armor plating that coats the cast first before it can use 1 act to remove it.
However, I'm a bit puzzled and concerned on the mechanics of removing a swarmling, if it takes 1 act to remove a swarmling, how difficult would it be to remove a plateling? Platelings are hard to destroy because of the abuse they can take, but because of they're designed to attach and never quite let go. What's your judgement BHOP?
Also. Go to sleep. you said you slept poorly last night.

>>3361543
>>>KYNAR CHITIN (Swarmling Augmentation): any and all of your swarmling variants are now completely immune to acid damage, allowing them to utterly ignore any acid-related attacks that would otherwise cripple your brood with damage over time. While this also renders the Chitinous Stalwart armor immune to damage, be aware that it is not a sealed system, so the wearer should be cautious about taking any full baths in acidic material. Truly, your creations are evolving into something to be truly feared, and this is surely just the first of many things their shells will learn to ignore. (HEALTH REGEN+5%)

I feel that full negation of a type of damage extremely helpful, not even including the take away of the damage debuff it would apply. Since it applies to all Swarmlings, it means an acid spray cant take them all down to critical health, as well as protecting our friends.

>>3361543
>>EXSANGUINATING BROOD

>>3360230
This post has me curious. Would It be possible to move the engine somewhere else, like the party base? This way Ringo could spend time around company and we could at least take a closer look at It, without using It of course.

>>3361543
This vote hurts me, you know. Good going. I love Immunities and Stalwart buffs but the sustain combo seems so strong. Urgh, choices.

>>3361833
An Interesting point with weaponized armor. I suppose by design It would still armor them, though If we simply order the Platelings to 'lock up' It wouldn't really matter. Effectively paralyze them and deal with them how you will, or even go for forcing a surrender If we wanted.

On the other hand, we could use the swarmlings not just to fight against acid users and give our allies semi-immunity to acid, but In the case of Acid pools, acid rivers and such we could use them perhaps as boats or walls with some ingenuity. We could go delving In the Acid river by sending a swarm down there to hunt for amalgams. Think about It, with enough time and swarmlings we could FISH. We could fish for Amalgams and drag their murdered corpses to the surface and gain levels when we eat them. Alright I just sold myself, I know what I'm voting for now.

>>KYNAR CHITIN (Swarmling Augmentation): any and all of your swarmling variants are now completely immune to acid damage, allowing them to utterly ignore any acid-related attacks that would otherwise cripple your brood with damage over time. While this also renders the Chitinous Stalwart armor immune to damage, be aware that it is not a sealed system, so the wearer should be cautious about taking any full baths in acidic material. Truly, your creations are evolving into something to be truly feared, and this is surely just the first of many things their shells will learn to ignore. (HEALTH REGEN+5%)

>>3361543
>>KYNAR CHITIN

I can't pass out on a chance to round out a defense we're completely vulnerable to.

>>3362188
I guess for me its more like why i never picked liquid terraforming control. Abilites that can be used all the time feel more worth it to me than situational abilites.

>>3361543
>KYNAR CHITIN (Swarmling Augmentation): any and all of your swarmling variants are now completely immune to acid damage, allowing them to utterly ignore any acid-related attacks that would otherwise cripple your brood with damage over time. While this also renders the Chitinous Stalwart armor immune to damage, be aware that it is not a sealed system, so the wearer should be cautious about taking any full baths in acidic material. Truly, your creations are evolving into something to be truly feared, and this is surely just the first of many things their shells will learn to ignore. (HEALTH REGEN+5%)

>>3362304
I slept on the issue and just realized that Kynar chitin effectively renders our allies immune to our baneling acid damage when we armor them up with platelings. Also it seems that stomach acid seems to be a common secondary trait among gluttonous classes aside from teeths and mouths. And picking up this augmentation will help with any fights and rescues on the river.
>>3362188
>A hive Mistress that goes fishing for amalgams where none has dared.
Rath would squee at the thought of how metal the idea would be and also happy that the armor is immune to acid damage. River fishing with bees in a river of acid.
>>3362345
Oh, we have the tiebreaking vote. Exsanguinating brood and the Kynar chitin were at a deadlock.

>>3361543

>>KYNAR CHITIN - UNLOCKED

"So I'm going to go out on a limb and guess you liked bugs before all this?" She asks, patting Fuzzbuzz’s head. You shrug, the leech on your lap inching back over to its creator.

“I think so…I’m not sure if it was my field of study or just a hobby, but from what I can guess, bugs were kind of my thing.”

"It explains the necklace." She says, and you're suddenly aware of the jade scarab that still hangs around your neck. You retrieve it from under your shirt, having gotten used to the weight of the thing, clinging to your chest. You still remember when you received it, a simple gift from a complex girl. It preceded the first of several conversations about her actions, along with her skewed priorities.

Things were simpler, then.

“Yeah.” You reply simply, taking off the necklace and staring at it in your hands. It glimmers emerald green in the daylight, as though glowing from the inside. A part of you just wants to hurl it over the side of the boat, and another part of you wants to crush it in one plateling-enhanced hand, though you’d hate to deprive Rath of the pleasure. Yet another part of you…you’re not sure. Maybe there’s something to be done for the girl that unwittingly gave you a chance at being a better person. Maybe you’re foolish to think she’d take the same chance and make something better of herself.

“I know that look.” Dinea says, and you realize she’s looking over her shoulder at you, more specifically at the necklace you hold.

“Some shit you just gotta get rid of, man.” She continues, turning back to her duties as helmswoman. “If I kept everything all my exes gave me, I wouldn’t be able to walk. Stuff from the past weighs you down, slows you from marching forward, head held high. Know what I mean?”

You do, all too well.

In any case, a jade scarab shines in your hand, evidence of a toxic bond. What do you do with it?

>>Throw it over the side.

>>Crush it.

>>Keep it.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3362394
>Keep it.

>>3362394
>>Throw it over the side.
Let the acid have it.

(Voting to close in one and a half hours, Gentlemen.)

>>3362394
>>Keep it.
>"There are some things that can be thrown away, some that can't.This is one of them. She's done so much for me that I didn't know of until recently after the break-up. If it weren't for her, I would not have been here. She protected my pod for over two years and did so much more after I woke up. At the very least, I'll return it to her when I see her again."

>>3362394
>Maybe you’re foolish to think she’d take the same chance and make something better of herself.
Wouldn't be the first "foolish" choice we've made.
>>>Keep it.

I want a chance to show it to B'ni sometime later. It's useful for one last chance to fix things in the endgame, or to return it as a final bit of closure.

Plus, that bond is helping us keep track of her progress.

>>3362407
Its also potentially deadly and for sure at least gives her a way to basically stun us with a mental breakdown, or whatever you wish to call it.

Personally im done with b'ni but I understand everyone's hesitation i guess, i just dont think it healthy to cling on, as b'ni herself is a lesson to not do.

>>3362394

“There are some things that can be thrown away, some that can't.” You reply, meeting Dinea’s eyes with your gaze. “This is one of the latter.”

You take the necklace by the chain and loop it around your neck, tucking the pendant back down your shirt.

“The girl that gave me this…she's done so much for me that I didn't know of until recently after the break-up. If it weren't for her, I wouldn’t be here. She protected my pod for over two years and did so much more after I woke up.”

You tap the scarab, and smile grimly.

“At the very least, I'll return it to her when I see her again."

Dinea gives you an appraising glance, turning back to the wheel as Gina reaches out to you, having finished her conversation.

{You alright?} She asks, concerned by the emotions she must have felt coming across your bond.

[Yeah, I’m good] You reply, taking a breath. [So, how’d your conversation go?]

{Ceres gave me some food for thought regarding Neuromancy techniques and what else might be out there. Ready to slip under and have some friendly dreams?} Gina asks, a smile playing on her lips. You nod, and as the cord slides into your spine just below the hive, you cast one more glance over the river's surface just before darkness claims you. A sudden, incredible weight is suspended above you, held in place only by your trembling arms as they struggle to keep the object aloft.

"Damn dude, you went too big too fast, I gotcha!" A familiar voice says, and the weight is relieved as a pair of powerful arms take the barbell and rack it back in place.

Meg offers you a hand with a gap-toothed smile, and you take it gladly. The gym you find yourself in is a vast, sprawling space, filled with exercise equipment as far as you can see. Though the sounds of machines continue to whir and clank around you, a quick glance around lets you know that you and Meg are the only ones present in the space, the air filled with the sounds of phantom gym-goers and overlaid with a throbbing exercise mix.

(Continued)

>>3362394
>>Keep it.

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>>3362508

You catch your breath, looking Meg up and down as she grins down at you. Her cherry-red blazer with the tigers on the arms is slung over one muscular shoulder, the smaller girl glistening with sweat in her loose tank top and gym shorts. Your eyes linger for a moment on the girl's ridiculously defined abs before she turns away from you, striding off with purpose.

"Yo, I'm super-jazzed you swung by, Shu!" Meg says, beckoning you to follow her as she heads over to a treadmill, much to your relief. This sort of thing is a little more your speed, at least. "Gina's been in a loads better headspace since you two had your sit-down, so thank you so much. It's awesome, for real."

She cues up the machine and tossed her jacket over the front of it as you mimic her actions, and in short order the two of you are jogging alongside each other. She glances over, her gap-toothed grin still plastered on her face.

"So, how're things in here?" You ask, upping the resistance on the treadmill as the run gets tougher.

"Fair to middling, thanks for asking! Holly and I work out when you and Gina are chatting, so she's been helping me get some sick gains, lemme tell you. I know she's been looking forward to saying 'hey', and she said she's got something special planned for you."

"So what’cha doin’ checking up on ‘lil old me?” Meg asks, whirling on you with an enthusiastic smile, somehow not winded despite her breakneck pace. “I ain’t complaining mind you, always good to see a friendly face!”

You think about it for a minute, since the last time you really interacted with her was just after she emerged to help you fought the Ghost, and shortly before you received the unsettling revelation about your past.

>>”I just wanted to check in and make sure you were doing alright in here. So since you said you and Holly are able to hang out when Gina and I connect, does that mean you share memories in here, too?”

>>Ask her advice on combat. She was a fearsome boxer in her past life it seems, and you’re curious if she’s noted anything in her time watching you through Gina’s eyes…if that’s even how it works.

>> Ask about the Neurotic Halo. Where she got it, and if she figured out any tricks with it in her time wearing it. Despite her outgoing nature, she still remains something of an Enigma.

>>Ask her a little more about her past. You have to admit her ability manifested in an odd way, and you’ve yet to see something quite like it in your journey. Maybe her past has something to do with how it manifested, much like how yours and Dinea’s did.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3362511
>>”I just wanted to check in and make sure you were doing alright in here. So since you said you and Holly are able to hang out when Gina and I connect, does that mean you share memories in here, too?”
>>Ask her a little more about her past. You have to admit her ability manifested in an odd way, and you’ve yet to see something quite like it in your journey. Maybe her past has something to do with how it manifested, much like how yours and Dinea’s did.
>> Ask about the Neurotic Halo. Where she got it, and if she figured out any tricks with it in her time wearing it. Despite her outgoing nature, she still remains something of an Enigma.

(Voting to close in two hours, Gentlemen.)

>>3362511
>>Ask her a little more about her past. You have to admit her ability manifested in an odd way, and you’ve yet to see something quite like it in your journey. Maybe her past has something to do with how it manifested, much like how yours and Dinea’s did.
>>Ask her advice on combat. She was a fearsome boxer in her past life it seems, and you’re curious if she’s noted anything in her time watching you through Gina’s eyes…if that’s even how it works.

>>3362511
This >>3362516
>"So Rath has this sweet ability set now, lots of fists and power. If we plug her in to talk to you later, maybe you can give her some pointers? Better technique and other boxing know-how."
Mental Rocky training montage except its also Asura's Wrath and Punch Out! when?

>>3362632
>It's the final leg of the journey before we reach the top of the Cord
>We have one chance to reach Mother before somebody else does, or else it's game over and the Crucible continues for eternity
>Everybody is undergoing one last Training From Hell sequence so they can unlock as much potential as they can
>Shu is sparring one on one with Marrow Dragoon
>Everybody has their own partners that they're learning from
>And Rath has Meg
>Meg grins
>"Let's get started."
>Cue music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btPJPFnesV4

(Writing now, Gentlemen.)

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>>3362511

”I just wanted to check in and make sure you were doing alright in here. You said you and Holly are able to hang out when Gina and I connect, so does that mean you share memories in here, too?”

“Eh, a little.” She shrugs, upping her pace as you struggle to keep up. “We played volleyball once or twice and she invited me over for a bonfire, but for the most part our memories are pretty separate. She can’t see what I’m up to and I can’t see her unless she hits me up. I’m pretty sure GG doesn’t really know what we’re up to in here, too.”

“So I have to ask, I’ve been able to put my finger on most power sets as something tied to the user’s past. I’ve yet to see something quite like your powerset in my travels, though.” You muse, staring ahead as you jog. “Any idea why you are able to make armor that ate through stuff?”

“Oh, that’s an easy one! I woke up swole, and then I fought a gal who tried to bite my arms off, diggin’ through the ground and stuff. I nabbed her power and started pumping up my muscles and her chompy bits at the same time, and then BAM! They merged into something totally new and pretty rad.”

“What about the Halo?”

“Found it in a ruin, not too far from where you and I threw hands! Great fight, I can’t get over how awesome that was.” She declares happily, and you’re a little thrown off by her statement. “It was all dusty and stuff, around some other kinda similar tiaras and whatnot.”

“Wait, so it’s a Relic? But it’s also skill tree?” You ask confused, and you’re met with a similarly befuddled look from your workout buddy.

“Uh, I dunno about that, but I guess that’s what it looks like, so…yeah?” She shrugs again.

"That’s something I’ll have to run by Gina later, then. By the way, Rath has this sweet ability set now, lots of fists and power. If we plug her in to talk to you later, maybe you can give her some pointers? Better technique and other boxing know-how, if you’re willing to share?”

“Oh snap dude, that’d be the best!” Meg says, utterly overjoyed at the concept as she shadows boxes a bit. “I’d love to share what I know, thanks for the opp, Shu!”

You can’t help but smile as Meg runs alongside you, and you settle into a sort of rhythm racing side by side. Unlike your earlier forays into your mind or the minds of others, it hits you that this locale has remained surprisingly stable, despite the lack of people.

>>Ask Meg something else that’s on your mind. Maybe since Kosi gave you some information about Rath, then Meg knows something about Gina you’re curious about.

>>Meet with Holly and see how she’s been holding up. She’s always in high spirits, so you’d like to touch base. You could use as many good vibes as you can get, right now.

>>Exit the dream. You’d like to be aware of your surroundings as you make the final leg of your journey across the river.


>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>Meet with Holly and see how she’s been holding up. She’s always in high spirits, so you’d like to touch base. You could use as many good vibes as you can get, right now.

(Voting to close in one and a half hours, Gentlemen.)

>>3362830
>>Meet with Holly and see how she’s been holding up. She’s always in high spirits, so you’d like to touch base. You could use as many good vibes as you can get, right now.

We need to break our streak of bad luck when trying to talk to poor Holly.

>>3362830
>>Meet with Holly and see how she’s been holding up. She’s always in high spirits, so you’d like to touch base. You could use as many good vibes as you can get, right now.

>>3362830
>>Meet with Holly and see how she’s been holding up. She’s always in high spirits, so you’d like to touch base. You could use as many good vibes as you can get, right now.

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>>3362830

You turn off the treadmill, slowing to a stop as Meg does the same beside you. “Gonna check up on Holly? Great plan, awesome gal.” Meg says approvingly, thrusting her hand forwards for a handshake of departure. You take the offered hand in yours and nearly get your arm dislocated with the sheer force of her shake. Regardless, you flash her a smile as the gym around you fades, the sounds of a rousing workout beat fading into the intermittent screech of seagulls, of waves crashing somewhere close by.

White-capped water laps on an alabaster beach, your vision slowly adjusting to bright sunlight streaming down from a clear blue sky onto an equally clear aquamarine ocean. You glance down, noting that a jade-green one-piece clings to your figure, its open back helping you soak in some welcome sunshine. It’s just as your eyes are finally adjusting to the gorgeous beach before you that a pair of soft hands darken your vision as someone giggles behind you.

“Guess who?” A chipper voice demands, long hair falling about your shoulders as a girl your age leans over you.

“Good to see you, Holly.” You reply with a smile, and the hands are withdrawn as she bounds in front of you. She’s wearing a version of what you first met her in, a polka-dot two-piece bikini with a loose shirt tied just under her chest.

“Right back atcha’, Shu.” She replies, putting her hands on her hips as she leans down, blocking the sun from your face while it illuminates her strawberry blonde hair like a halo. “It’s been a while, so what brings you to my neck of the cortex?”

“I’m hoping to break a streak of bad luck where our conversations are concerned, if I’m being honest.” You say, rising from the sand and dusting yourself off. “The last few times I tried to chat with you we were rudely interrupted, so here’s to none of that getting between us, now.”

“Like, are you sure your girlfriend doesn’t mind you spending time on the beach with a girl like me?” She asks, folding her hands behind her back and putting on an innocent face.

“She’s not my girlfriend.” You reply with an eyebrow cocked at her obvious goading, your face reddening only slightly. “Aggressively flirting back and forth and being in a relationship are two very different things, last time I checked.”

“Oh, it is?” Holly says deviously, barely suppressing a grin. “That’s good to know, Shu. I’ll remember that for next time.”

“Pardon?” You query, but she ignores your question in favor of one of her own.

(Continued)

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>>3363065

“So, what’cha wanna do?” She asks, throwing her arms wide at the vast beach that stretches to the ends of the horizon. “I can tell you’ve been kinda stressing out recently, and I want to do what I can to help.”

“I don’t want to leave Gina and everyone alone for too long, so…” You begin, but her finger is on your lips in an instant as she levels a playful scowl.

“Two things; first, I’ve started to figure out how to play with dream time a bit since I’ve been kicking around here, so we have all the time we need. Second, you deserve some time to relax, yeah? It’s the least I can do to repay you for everything you’ve done.”

“All I did was…god, it sounds so weird like this but all I did was consume you, Holly.” You reply, your shoulders sagging. “I feel like sometimes that’s the only option I have, as crappy as it i…”

“Nope. None of that. No sad times, girl, not here.” She chides gently, taking your face in her hands as playful smile is replaced by an earnest one. “It’s not just me you’ve helped, Shu...not by a long shot. Like, iff you’re not going to take any time off in the waking world, then the least you can do is have some chill time here, right?”

“I…alright.” You relent, and her hands seize yours as she hops in place excitedly.

I occurs to you that you’re not sure if you’ve ever been to the ocean. You’re certain you’ve seen plenty of videos and whatnot, but to be here, even if you’re really not…given the state of the world, this is probably the closest you’ll ever be to a perfect beach like this one.

There’s an enthusiastic blonde awaiting whatever you want to do to relax, and it’s rude to keep a lady waiting.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3363068
>"Lets eat ice cream and pester the local wildlife. Poke at some crabs, give seagulls some food, watch things swimming in the tide pools."

(Gentlemen, voting shall close in one and a half hours from now. Thank you for participating, and take care.)

>>3363068
>Walk along the shoreline, go swim along the shore for a few minutes-oh hey! a Barbecue!
>Get some food at the barbecue, then gawk when you see Holly devouring one whole rack of babyback ribs glazed with Memphis-rub.
>Finish off with sunbathing before heading back to the dock where a small yacht is waiting for a seamless transition to wake up back into the waking world.

>>3363127
Seconding.
Ask questions such as:
"So what else have you been able to figure out about this place?"
"Any thoughts about the new people we've adopted into our group? Julia, Amara, Dorian?"
"Are you able to communicate with the other people we've consumed, like Meg?"

>>3363136
>>3363068
I'm seconding these questions.

>>3363136
Backing

(I shall resume writing shortly after dinner, Gentlemen. Thank you for your patience, as always.)

>>3363068

"Let's walk along the beach a bit, I wanted to pick your brain if you don't mind." You say, and she beckons you to follow her as she strides to the shore, the two of you picking up a leisurely pace along the water's edge.

"So what else have you been able to figure out about this place?" You ask, relishing the sand between your toes.

"So now that I've learned how to mess with the time here and stuff, it's actually gotten pretty fun. I can chat with Meg when you and Gina are connected...which is, like, all the time now." She says, sticking her tongue out at you playfully as she kicks at the waves that crest over your feet. "The other Daughters don't really wanna talk, especially that new girl that just joined, but I think she'll come around."

You're in the water now, your body already adjusted to the cool, sun-kissed waves that bob you and Holly along, the tips of your toes grazing the bottom of the shore.

"Aside from that, it's really just plenty of time to reflect...s' not a bad thing, for me at least." She says, wet hair slicked back as she floats next to you. "So, it doesn't bug you when I switch locations, or when Meg and I hang out?"

You shake your head, trying to float alongside her as you try to relax. "Not at all. I didn't even know you and she were communicating, and I don't think Gina did, either. Say, what do you think of the newcomers topside? Are you able to see them? If so, what're your take?"

The smell of barbecue hits you full-on, and you look up from a plate of pulled pork to see Holly tearing into a side of fibs across the table from you. The sun is slowly setting behind her, the gorgeous twilight before you a far cry from the eternal dusk of the fleshscape.

"I think they're great!" She replies, wiping her hands and mouth on the paper towel the tears from the three rolls nearby. "Dorian's dealing with a lot of stuff, but it's nothing he can't handle with some supportive friends. Julia's just an absolute bae, I freaking love that girl, and don't get me started on that sweetie Amara! Ahhhh, I just wanna pinch those cheeks! Could you pinch them for me, pretty please~?"

You laugh, and the moment you agree to her pinch request it's morning again, the sun hanging joyfully in the sky as you lounge on a towel, facing the waves. You glance next to you to see Holly sunbathing as well, shades on as she's face up to the sun's gentle rays.

(Continued)

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>>3363424

"Enjoying the view~?" She asks, and you realize you were staring at her peaceful face for a moment or two longer than you intended.

"So how's things with Gina?" She continues, turning over and bringing her face parallel with yours as the two of you sit on your stomachs.

"It's good...I think." You reply, staring out at the waves. "We're taking things slow, which is kind of nice. I don't...the past comes back to me at weird times, in weird ways. She's really understanding about everything with me, with B'ni, with...everything."

"You're helping her more than you know, I think." Holly muses. "Not to knock the girl, but she's a little self-centered. Her seeing you do what you do, and how you treat people...it helps. She's more like that creepy doctor than she'd like to admit. Heck, you make me want to be a better person, and I know I'm not the only one you inspire by being your swag self, so keep it up, girl!"

You chuckle as the mist caresses your face, the two of you standing on a yacht about to set sail into the ocean at mid-day.

"I'm glad you're okay. here." You breathe, feeling the boat lurch as you cast off, staring into the ocean from the bow of the ship, Holly by your side. "When I was knee-deep in Isabelle's memories, and I saw all those people she consumed, they were just...zombies. Just completely, utterly gone."

"I think that's what happens if you don't touch base with who you've consumed, if you don't connect with anyone else." She muses, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind one ear. "You take the time and talk with me, with Meg, with every soul you encounter. You care...too much, sometimes, but that's what they love about you."

"Who?"

She smiles.

"Everyone you meet."

Emerald eyes fix on yours, her sun-kissed hair wafting gently in the breeze.

"I think you're due to get back home soon, sailor." She declares, her forlorn tone carefully hidden under a layer of playfulness that you know too well for her to cover. "Anything else you'd like before I send off my brave warrior to ports unknown~?"

>>Ask her one last thing.

>>Return to the waking world.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Voting shall close in one and a half hours, Gentlemen.)

>>3363445
>"If I'm the Captain driving the S.S. Shu, then you're me first mate."
>"Can I trust you to rally the other daughters that I've consumed and make inner world environment inviting and welcome to them? Especially the new girl. Have them show up so I can get to know them better the next time I come and visit?"
>"I...haven't been fair with them. And so I would like to touch base with them. Get to know them a little more.
>"You've been with me the longest of all the people I've consumed, and have a better grasp of the whole 'inner world thing' than me."
>"If anything, you're still active participants of the Crucible, despite getting consumed. The presence of you and the other daughters make the difference in key moments. Especially when wraith girl pulled that crawling up the spine trick. I can't thank you, Meg, and Chevalier enough for that."
>"Tell the others daughters that I've consumed that I said 'hello', and 'I'll try to make an effort to visit you when I get the chance.'"

>>3363445
>>Return to the waking world.

>>3363445
this >>3363473

>>3363473
Backing this

>>3363477
Lame-o.

>>3363473
Seconding.
Add in:
>"We're gonna win this thing. Not just me and the group in the real world, but all of you, as well. You're part of the team too, and we won't be able to pull this off without you."

(Considering the voting tendency, I shall be posting a little early to close out this evening.)

>>3363445

"If I'm the Captain driving the S.S. Shu, then you're me first mate." You say, closing one eye and forcing a chuckle out of the blonde next to you. "Seriously, though...can I trust you to rally the other daughters that I've consumed and make inner world environment inviting and welcome to them? Especially the new girl. Have them show up so I can get to know them better the next time I come and visit?"

You stare out at the ocean's expanse, taking a deep breath of the salt spray, inhaling the ocean and all its fineries.

"I...haven't been fair with them." You admit, turning to Holly as you continued. "So I want to touch base and get to know them a little more, over time. I may not be able to get through to all of them, but I'm going to damn well try."

You stare long and hard into your friend's emerald eyes, and her playful smile falters as you realize you're entrusting her with something meaningful, a duty to uphold at the end all things.

"You've been with me the longest of all the people I've consumed, and have a better grasp of the whole 'inner world thing' than me. If anything, I consider you and everyone we've devoured all still active participants of the Crucible. The presence of you and the other daughters make the difference in key moments, especially when wraith girl pulled that crawling up the spine trick. I can't thank you, Meg, and Chevalier enough for that."

"It was our pleasure, I assure you." She replies softly, leaning on her elbows at the ship's edge as she studies your eyes intently.

"Tell the others daughters that I've consumed that I said 'hello', and that I'll try to make an effort to visit them when I get the chance." You continue, and she just nods solemnly before you take her hands in yours. A moment of silence passes between you both, and then you take breath before you speak.

"Holly? We're gonna win this thing. Not just me and the group in the real world, but all of you, as well. You're part of the team too, and we won't be able to pull this off without you."

"Just be safe, Shu." She says, her voice hopeful as her hands leave yours to slide over your shoulders, pulling you into a deep hug. You close your eyes, the scent of ocean spray and fresh-cut strawberries filling your mind as you feel yourself pulled back to the waking world.

"We're counting on you."

Your eyes fly open to see the waves before you breaking, parting violently as something rises from the water.

(Continued)

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>>3363617

Chaos erupts around you as the Leviathan breaks the surface of the River of Tears, rising up to tower above you and gaze down upon your frail vessel and frailer bodies. Its shell writhes with absorbed Daughters, their voiceless mouths contorted in silent agony as its limbless form drips corrosive water down upon the yacht. Staring down at you, its too-human face regards you and your companions impassively as Ceres' voice reaches your ears, screaming something about it not being due for another fifteen minutes, as Dinea just curses to the heavens, yelling for Maggie to take flight as soon as she can.

Gina's at your side, cords at the ready. In the chaos, she is calm, or perhaps the two of you find solace in each other as you face the titan that looms above you.

You can fight this, you can deal with this just like you…

It begins to fall, and it dawns on you that this Leviathan has no interest in standing still, no desire to trade meaningless blows with insects far below its purview. It has a singular, solitary purpose to end you, and as it heaves its colossal bulk down upon your fragile vessel with frightening speed, everything seems to slow.

You’re close to shore. You’re so very, very close to shore. It's only a hundred yards off.

So close, and much too far.

There's no time.

HP: 140%
BIO: 190% (3 Knighted Banelings, 5 Winglings, 8/18 Active)
CONTENDER: Parabellum+ Hollowpoint Loaded, Base Form.
RAVENOUS MAW: Primed.
ACT: 2/2
Threat: Close, impossibly large. Catastrophic damage incoming.
GG HP: 170%

>>Who can you save?

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, I shall be pausing here for the evening, and voting shall conclude in ten hours while writing shall resume twelve hours from now. I shall be around for a short while before heading to bed to address any questions or concerns you may have, and I hope you all have a fantastic evening. You are the best audience I could possibly ask for, and take care.)

FUCK. this is bad!

>>3363634
So BHOP, how many actions can we pull off before the Leviathan breaks the boat?

>>3363655
(You have one round. Collision at end of round. Each Daughter present has 2 ACT.)

>>3363662
How much RAW Bio does it take to create a Dire Wingling? iirc, it was able to carry Rath to the shoreline for 50 yards.
Also, I would like to know how much BIO each daughter has so I can plan out how to best maximize getting everyone to shore safely.

>>3363625
NIGERUNDAYOOO!
Could we possibly lift Gina with enough Swarmlings? If we can get her to shore she might be able to construct a land bridge for the gap to make it easier for others to get the fuck off the boat. This probably should only be used as a last resort, i'm certain you guys can come up with a smarter idea than this.

>>3363671
(Technically your Knightlings are all dire winglings. It takes 30% Bio to make them, but they're not terribly quick. Maggie is able to fly on her own.)

Ceres BIO: 180%
Maria BIO: 160%
Dinea BIO: 220%
Maggie BIO: 140%

>>3363681
And this is why we got Kynar Chitin as our augmentation from Dinea.

>>3363683
(I must correct myself; with the three Knightlings all buffing each others' speed and attack power, they are actually much faster than your Dire Wingling's earlier iteration.)

>>3363683
Which of the Four daughters (Gina, Maria, Dinea, and Ceres) are the Dire Winglings capable of carrying 100 yards? If any daughter is too heavy for one dire wingling to carry, how many dire winglings does it take to carry each daughter 100 yards?

>>3363694
(Ceres can be carried by one Wingling, as can Shu. Gina, Maria, and Dinea would need two Winglings each.)

>>3363697
That means we'll need eight total. We already have 3 active, so we only need to spawn 5, at 30% BIO each, for 150% BIO, leaving us with 40%. If they all buff each other, they SHOULD be able to fly us all over to the bank in time.

>>3363745
>>3363742
>>3363697
Then we have more than enough to survive this and make it to shore.

Gina and Shu can share BIO via the Crimson Cord.
We have 3 knighted Baneling/Winglings already available as well as 5 regular winglings.
Ceres needs 1 dire Wingling
Shu needs 1 Dire wingling
That leaves 3 daughters in need of Winglings.
Gina, Maria, and Dinea need 2 apiece. that's 6 Dire Winglings total.
Each dire wingling costs 30% bio. 6x30 = 180.

Fuck it. Lets just spawn 6 Knight-class winglings. They cost 180 bio total.
We have 3 knight-class winglings already available and 5 regular winglings that can provide support.
And don't worry about the cost.
We have the Crimson Cord Shu and Gina can use each other's bio. Which means we have 380% Raw BIO to play with.

>>3363625
>Open up the empathy channel. To all daughters on the public empathy channel: "EVERYBODY HANG ON! I'M GETTING US OFF THIS BOAT! I'M MAKING YOU WING-LINGS AND TAKING YOU ALL TO SHORE!" Say this both through the empathy channel and also yell it aloud. "TRUST ME ON THIS!"
>Gina: Put a plug into me. We've got a Crimson Cord between us. I need your Bio pool for in order to save everyone. When we reach the shore, I need you to Terraform up a Shelter to guard against the threats that might come to the shore. With the Leviathan acting up, someone or something is bound to notice.
>Action 1: We have 10 swarmling slots left, 5 regular winglings and 3 Knighted Banelings that double as Dire Winglings. and 380% Bio shared between Gina and Shu. Spend 184% BIO to make a royal squad of 6 Knight-class Winglings and 4 basic swarmlings. Split the bill 50/50, this will leave Shu and Gina with 98% bio each.
>Swarm count: To a total of 9 Knight-class banelings, 5 regular winglings, and 4 basic swarmlings. [18/18]
>Action 2: Assign all the Dire winglings to lift and carry everyone to shore. 2 for Gina, 2 for Dinea, 2 for Maria, 1 for Shu. Send the spare Knight-class baneling and the 4 basic swarmlings ahead to the shoreline to serve as a forward scout and to secure the landing zone. Have the 5 Winglings escort everyone and provide some movement speed boost and
>Free action: Draw Contender and turn it into Lion Heart Form.
>Ceres: Mask our Swarm's presence with your neuromancy like how you did when you masked the noise of the boat!
>Maria: Ready your Blood Iron sword! We're heading to the shoreline and we might encounter resistance once we land!
>Dinea: Make 5 sets of Leechskin boots. With the ruckus the Leviathan is making, the shore will have choppy acid tides!

>>3363764
>>3363625
>Also adding: "EVERYONE GET TO THE BOW!" using both the open empathy channel and by yelling.

>>3363745
Anon, I think we're all still on the boat. the current situation is that we have 1 round (aka 2 actions) to escape the boat before the Leviathan destroys it.
BHOP has confirmed that Knightlings are the equivalent of Dire Winglings (capable of carrying a daughter [depending on her weight class] 100 yards at a height of 4 meters before losing altitude)

>>3363789
Yeah i just reread and realized that, my bad

>>3363625
This >>3363764
>>3363775
We gotta ditch the boat and ditch it NOW

>>3363625
>Connect with Gina to share Bio
>Spawn our full load of winglings with what space we have left.
>Send three to everyone, our full possible loadout, have them run for the edge and give themselves a jumping start as the swarmlings grab hold and drag everyone away from the boat and leviathans path first, then swerve for shore.
>everyone should be ready for a hard landing, and dont have the swamlings drop anyone off til a bit of the ways inland, to avoid acid waves or the leviathan dashing for us.

we have the space for extra swarmlings, and BHOP did say they are not the fastest, so any speed boost is a good boost. plus, worse case, if one is lost those that need 2 arent dropped automatically.

>>3363625
Amending one action for Shu
>Look at Gina, both of you ran the calculations and reached the same conclusion. We can save everyone.
>In the Empathy channel. Unleash a Giant wave of steely resolve, courage, confidence, and defiance in the face of death to everyone.
>"COME WITH ME IF YOU WANT TO LIVE!"

>>3363853
Seconding the Terminator reference.

>>3363853
thirding Terminator reference

(Terminator references are always welcome. I shall resume writing soon, Gentlemen.)

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>>3363625

The calculations are instantaneous for you and Gina both, and you turn to meet her gaze as you’ve arrived at the same conclusion.

You can do this.

The empathic channel flares out from you, as you send forth a wave of resolve, courage, and defiance in the face of death.

“Come with me if you want to live!” You declare across the channel, and your back explodes with pain as six Knight-class Winglings, five basic Winglings, and a quartet of basic Swarmlings tear free of your back. Your vision blurs from the stress and strain, but you hold steady as Gina tethers into you immediately, your brood already on the Daughters’ backs and carrying them skyward. GG is set to erect a shelter the moment you hit solid ground, and the remainder of your forces enact the other parts of your plan.

The other girls are already in motion as Ceres’ face flickers with Neuromantic power, her visage billowing forth a neuron cloud that allows you to see where the Leviathan cannot. Maria’s drawn a long, slender razor sword from her left arm, prepared to tackle whatever resistance you encounter once you hit the shore while Dinea molds her leeches into greaves to guard against the acidic waves that break on the beach.

You draw the Contender, its barrel shooting out and shining in the reflected light from the choppy waves, its bladed length gleaming as you prepare to face whatever is on land. You take stock of your allies at the same moment you take flights, yanked forwards with surprising speed by your assigned Knightling as Gina and everyone else present is hauled bodily off the doomed vessel, just as the Leviathan comes crashing down upon it, tearing through its reinforced bulk as if it was nothing against the Amalgam’s incredible mass.

Gina flashes you a smile, her and the others well ahead of you in your haste to ensure everyone made it airborne. You have this, you’re all going to be al…

It’s a lucky hit, one that wouldn’t have happened if you had prioritized yourself over your new allies.

You’re suddenly in free-fall, your assigned Knightling diving to reach you, and then…

Your back and shoulders rock with impact when you hit the water’s surface, pulled down into the abyssal depths by the submerging Leviathan. You’re caught in its wake, sucked beneath the burning, choking waves, struggling to generate platelings to stave off the corrosion attacking your limbs and chest, clawing at your eyelids as your skin is slowly worn away.

Shapes, movement in the water as your eyelids leave you, your eyes pierced with acidic needles as you have no choice but to gaze back up at the surface. Something large obscures the light above as your eyes pop, their fluid joining the acid around you as you drift downwards. You feel something envelop you, but it’s lost in the dark and the pain. For the second time in as many hours, you’re dying.

Your lungs burn with salt, the pain unrelenting as you…

As you…

You…

( )

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>>3364385

Your head breaks over the waves as you cough and choke, forcing acidic water from your lungs as you haul yourself ashore on skinned, trembling limbs. Your limbs fight to piece themselves back together as you vomit on the jagged, rocky beach, your sick running over the back of your hands as you strain to get every last drop out of your body, to stop it from reducing your internal organs to so much ruined flesh. Your vision slowly returns, and when you can finally open your eyes you survey an empty beach as you struggle to your feet, your body still wracked with shudders in the after-shock of the most pain you’ve felt in your entire life.

You’re exhausted and completely spent, your skin bare after the unforgiving waves reduced your clothes to nothingness. Glancing around, you find yourself on a vast, rough-hewn beach, a set of hills obscuring the fleshscape beyond, and as you glance down one side of the black stone shoreline, and then the other, and you’re met with a chill wind that sends an uncaring lance of cold down your spine as an undeniable fact settles on your mind.

You’re completely, utterly alone.

You laugh.

It’s a raw, ugly sound that hurts like hell as it leaves your scarred lungs and bleeding throat, but you don’t care.

You made it, you made it all this way by yourself.

Why did the rabbit laugh?

Because your name is B’ni, and you made it to the other side.

>>You’ll follow she shoreline as you recover yourself, a bit. You’re naked, freezing, and you just tanked a goddamn acid river, but that’s no excuse to stop moving.

>>You need to keep moving, keep running towards the Cord. You’ll go and peek over the hill and see what’s beyond, and plan your next move from there.

>>Your body may regenerate endlessly, but that doesn’t mean those waves didn’t take a toll on your mind as well as your body. Just sit down and rest a minute to collect yourself before you move on.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE FIGHTING FOR CONTROL

>>3364391
>Your body may regenerate endlessly, but that doesn’t mean those waves didn’t take a toll on your mind as well as your body. Just sit down and rest a minute to collect yourself before you move on.

(Voting to close in one and a half hours, Gentlemen.)

>>3364391
>>You’ll follow she shoreline as you recover yourself, a bit. You’re naked, freezing, and you just tanked a goddamn acid river, but that’s no excuse to stop moving.

>>3364385
>It’s a lucky hit, one that wouldn’t have happened if you had prioritized yourself over your new allies.
Fucking hell BHOP. What happened with the dice there?

>>3364402
(Everyone but Shu and her Dire Wingling succeeded their dodge rolls while the Leviathan hit hard. Shu's not down for the count yet, though.)

>>3364391
So silly. Doesn't she have speed enough to just RUN across? Why swim?

>>3364413
(She doesn't have enough speed to accomplish that yet, actually.)

>>3364412
By the way, nice transition scene, was smooth a butter.

>>3364429
The scene transition does make me wonder if the empathy pain feedback goes both ways.

>>3364429
Haha, thank you. That's part of the reason it took so long to update since my post earlier this morning, I was just staring at the screen and trying to figure out how to make the rolls and narrative work, and then I remembered you kept the necklace, and it all finally clicked, giving me the opportunity to transition to your other playable character for a short while. Thank you for bearing with me!)

>>3364438
>Your other playable character
Oh, oh dear. That's dangerous, considering how she left us. BHOPs got nads ill give him that.

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>>3364391

You turn, staring out at the water’s deceptively calm surface. You collapse to the ground, your recurved legs failing in sheer exhaustion as you land on the rough beachside. You gaze out at the other side of the river, the manor you decided to skirt around looming atop the hill that crests over the forest canopy.

You wonder if, when the others reach the forest, if they’ll be able to waltz right through the aggressive branches. The moment you tried to enter, the trees attacked you mercilessly, and it was only thanks to your abilities that you weren’t torn to pieces right then and there. They probably won’t have any trouble…everything seems to come easy to Shu, everything always work ou…

Sam.

She’s Sam, not Shu.

You shake your head, willing your mind back in order and the mist from your eyes. You’re not sure how long you sit there, staring out at the water, before footsteps behind you make you turn to face the four strangers that slowly approach you. A cursory glance informs you it’s a Humoral Paladin and twin Armorers, and a girl in the back that’s doing a poor job at disguising her Neuromancy as a Fibromancer’s power, her bare arms laced with neuron-based musculature. The Paladin’s tall and muscular, her short-cropped hair moved only slightly by the cool breeze that whips along the beach as she steps forwards, a mace of crystallized yellow bile slung over one wide shoulder.

“Picked a shitty spot for a skinny dip, lass.” She chuckles, a vague accent in her voice. She has an attractive leather jacket, studded with threadbare patches. “You got any friends nearby, or…”

You’re aware that the twin Armorers have edged a little closer, the Neuromancer behind them giving them a slight nod. She’s wearing a too-big sweater over her slender frame, the sleeves rolled up as she keeps her upturned hands to the heavens, her mouth moving as if in silent prayer.

The way they carry themselves…they’re strong, you’ll give them that, but your fr…your old team was stronger, by far.

“I’ll take that as a ‘no’, kiddo.” The leader intones before you, giving you a once over and arching her brow. “You just woke up, huh? Shame. Bet you’re all turned around out here.”

“S’ fine.” She grins, tightening her grip on the handle of her mace and flashing you a jagged smile. “Come with us, and we can set you straight.”

>>You’re rested, and you don’t have time for this. Just ignore them, and keep moving. There’s little they can do to stop you, at their level.

>>It’s been weeks since you’ve been able to cut loose, able to really give a fight all you’ve got…so you do. These people are clearly predators…you know the look in their eyes well from your time staring at your own reflected gaze in Sam’s pod.

>>Your throat is fully repaired, so at least you won’t be growling if you try to strike up a conversation…what would you even say?

>>Write-In

YOU ARE FIGHTING FOR CONTROL

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>>3364560
>everything seems to come easy to Shu, everything always work ou…
>Sam.
>She’s Sam, not Shu.
>but your fr…your old team was stronger
Even now, B'ni is feeling the effect of The Power Of Friendship™.

>>3364560
>Humoral paladin
>Bile mace
Damn, my new guess is 20 classes then.

>>You’re rested, and you don’t have time for this. Just ignore them, and keep moving. There’s little they can do to stop you, at their level.

I think its fair to say from the wording and other hints that B'ni is at least no longer feeling she HAS to kill anyone she comes across. She has sla goal, either get out of her way or she will make you get out of the way.

(Voting shall close in two hours, Gentlemen. It will be a relaxed day of posting due to a heavy workload, but starting roughly seven hours from now I will be set for an evening of quick updates with hour-long intervals. Would that work for everyone present?)

>>3364569
Actually wait, i think that would be our 12th known class, so maybe not.

>>3364574
Should work for me.

>>3364560
>Ask yourself what would Shu do if she was in this situation? She would easily talk her way out- not again. You're thinking about her again.
>"I require your jacket, if that won't suffice, then I'll have her sweater instead."

>>3364574
That would be fine.

>>3364585
(Humoral Paladins are the class you had oroginally dubbed Hemomancers, though their powers differ depending on their personalities. Bloody Myrmidon is also one, if that helps.)

>>3364560
>>You’re rested, and you don’t have time for this. Just ignore them, and keep moving. There’s little they can do to stop you, at their level.
I have a bad feeling B'ni going to destroy these people in like a couple of hits when they get aggressive.

>>3364590
It helps my west level love of learning about your system, but does little to help me pry into it against your will and figure out how many class types there are.

>>3364560
>You’re rested, and you don’t have time for this. Just ignore them, and keep moving. There’s little they can do to stop you, at their level.

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>>3364560

You try to ignore the woman, moving to walk past her before she pushes you back, a cruel grin on her lips as she looks you over.

"I require your jacket.” You say, voice low as you try a slightly different approach than you’re used to. “If that won't suffice, then I'll have her sweater instead."

The Paladin simply scowls, her powerful arm bringing her mace cracking across your skull. You feel the familiar sensation of your neck snapping in two and you stagger for but a moment before your neck heals, and you stand as tall as you can before this giant of a woman. Her eyebrows shoot up, and she hefts a second swing, intending to bring her mace straight down on your head before you seize it over your head, stopping her strike mid-arc.

“Your clothes. Give them to me.” You growl, glaring into her alarmed eyes. “Like I said, your jacket will do, or your Neuromancer’s sweater. It looks cozy, so let’s go with that.”

The warrior doesn’t dignify your demand with a reply, instead trying in vain to free her clumsy weapon from your iron grasp, and with a tightening of your fingers and a flick of your wrist you shatter it effortlessly. You can feel the girl in the back frantically trying to pry into your mind, to understand what you can do as her leader staggers away from you, trying to reform a replacement cudgel. You shoot her a glare across the space, and she jumps.

“You want to know what you’re dealing with?” You call out, and for a single, feeling instant you let her in to your mind.

“Then be my guest.”

>>https://pastebin.com/Rvd3eWwi

The Neuromancer goes slack-jawed, your full power laid bare in her consciousness before she dashes forwards. You brace to deliver a killing blow, but instead of opening with an attack she slides her sweater over her head, throwing it into your arms as she tugs frantically at her Paladin’s arm. One of her hands moves rapidly, and the Paladin keeps one eye on you as she glances between you and her companion’s signing. The towering woman glowers down at you for a moment before she holds a fist aloft, backing away from you with the rest of her team in silence.

When they disappear over the hill you’re alone again, by yourself on a bitterly cold beach, hard stone cutting into your feet. Well, at least you have one small comfort.

This sweater is hella cozy.

You continue on a little ways along the shoreline so as to not overlap with that other team when you finally crest over the hill, staring out at the small town before you, overrun with pulsing, scarlet veins and choking arteries. You slide down the hill, wrapping your slender arms around yourself as you try to warm yourself as you pad along the empty street. Coughing to rid your lungs of the last bit of acid, you fingers graze your mouth before you realize you’re touching your normal, fang-less lips. You touch your face again and find the texture curious, almost as if it’s covered by…

(Continued)

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>>3364766

The patch, that little Relic that Rath made for you, it somehow survived your corrosive swim. You only mentioned how much you disliked your fangs off-hand, and she just latched on to that, going off on how cool she thought they looked. A low-tier relic like this one couldn’t have possibly been able to remain intac…

The sound of slow applause makes your head snap up and out of your reverie, the clapping coming from a nearby alley and drawing closer along with a chillingly familiar clicking. You tense as a pair of high heels clack across the street ahead of you, followed by the swish of a slightly discolored lab coat.

“A glorious display, Darling~!” Crows Doctor West as her applause dies down, her gloved hands diving into her pockets as she fixes you with a gleeful smile. “I knew there was something special about you, but to think you were a Vitruvian, and a high-class one at that? Simply marvelous, love~!”

Your greaves are on your feet in an instant, scythes at the ready as you level a killing glare at the insane scientist. To your surprise, when she slowly pulls her hands out of her pockets it’s to raise her open palms in a sign of surrender.

“Did you know?” You growl, your gaze on her unblinking. “When I was last in your lab?”

She chuckles, shoulders dipping up and down in a simple shrug.

“I had my suspicions, but my dear Shu and the developing one were so eager for an inspection, I couldn’t pass that up, now could I?” She replies coolly, that mad grin still plastered on her thin lips. “Now, If I had wanted to ambush you I’d have surely been able to do so…but I didn’t, and you’re notably unmolested by yours truly, so doesn’t that make you wonder why I made my presence known, Darling?”

You response is a cocked eyebrow, and she takes the cue.

“I’d simply love an interview, if you’re willing.” She continues, her eyes hidden behind her shining glasses. “I’ll admit your power would be something of overkill with my current skillset and won’t mesh terribly well with what I’m working towards, so I guarantee you’ll be safe~! I have a cozy little place down the street, next to the waystation. Care to join me~?”

She can tell you’re still on edge, so she heaves a dramatic sigh, making grand gesture of her innocence as she speaks again.

“Perhaps we make it a little quid-pro-quo, with a dash of tit-for-tat? I ask you a question, then you can ask me one of your own, until we’re satisfied? What do you say, Darling?”

>>Refuse. You didn’t trust her before and you sure as hell don’t trust her now.

>>Relent, but any questions she has she can ask out here. You might be cold, but you’re no fool.

>>Fine. Maybe you could learn a little about the lay of the land from her, and at the very least…you do need a Neuromancer to use the Cord the way you want.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE FIGHTING FOR CONTROL

>>3364770
>>Refuse. You didn’t trust her before and you sure as hell don’t trust her now.
I think B'ni wouldn't trust her no matter what happened. She killed people without letting them talk to her for TWO YEARS when protecting Shu. I doubt she would Trust Dr. West even without her irrational distrust of everyone who isn't Sam.

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>>3364766
That pastebin. Whew laddie.

(Voting shall remain open for two hours, Gentlemen.)

>>3364789 #
(If I may ask, is that a good or bad thing?)

>>3364770
>Refuse. You didn’t trust her before and you sure as hell don’t trust her now.
Nope.

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>>3364801
You know you can simply highlight a text and then hit ctrl+S instead of typing out brackets.

And to answer your question, it was more of an amazement of how much she went through to attain such a skillset.

>>3364770
>>Refuse. You didn’t trust her before and you sure as hell don’t trust her now

>>3364770
>Relent, but any questions she has she can ask out here. You might be cold, but you’re no fool.
>"Where's the nearest clothing store?"
It's in-character for B'ni to ask for something petty.
>>3364824
gah. bamboozled.

>>3364829
I dont think its in character for her to relent though, not anymore at least. Its the principle of the thing.

>>3364804
I do have a question about B'ni's char sheet though regarding one of her stats.
Does the BIO regen still proceed normally out of combat or is she doomed to have a fixed supply of BIO at all times? due to her passive?

>>3364906
(It proceeds normally out of combat.)

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>>3364911
here have some art

>>3364946
(Glorious, and always appreciated!)

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>>3364770

“No.” You say flatly, giving the doctor a wide berth as you skirt around her and down the street. “I’m headed to the Cord, I don’t have time to spend playing twenty questions.”

“Darling, I mean you no offense but neither you nor I are particularly equipped for such a task.” She calls out from behind you, and the clacking resumes as you walk, clicking like an insistent beetle down the street in time with your footfalls. You wordlessly duck into a clothes shop, and to your irritation you find West waiting patiently when you emerge in a dark brown jacket over your sweater, and a pair of denim shorts. She smiles and give you a thumb’s up, and your response is to roll your eyes and keep walking down the street as West sighs behind you.

“Suit yourself, love.”

You’re an hour in to your westward march when you finally turn on your heel with a huff, rounding on the white-clad figure that’s been trailing behind you at a distance of twenty meters or so. Doctor West stops abruptly, hands idly in her pockets as she regards you with a blank expression.

“What?” You bark, and she shrugs again.

“You won’t make it five miles from the foot of the Cord before you’d be cut down, Dear.” She explains, and you sense an incoming segue into a saleswoman’s pitch. “If you’re open to suggestions, I have three ideas for how to bolster your powers and…”

Your eyes dart over her head as she whirls around to look at what’s suddenly caught your eye; a twisting of space, a wound in reality that opens up above the manor’s hill across the river before disappearing, taking hill and manor with it. You and West just stare at the horizon for a moment, trying to process what the hell just happened.

“Well, son of a bitch.” West says, planting her hands on her hips for a long moment and staring off in silence. She turns to face you again, flashing a dazzling smile. “Well, as I was saying I have two excellent ideas for how to…”

You open your mouth to cut her off, and promptly vomit up a lungful of acidic water off the side of the bed plinth you’re resting on. Your lungs are on fire as you clear your system of what clogs them, the murmur of voices and sounds of relief erupting around you. You rise to your elbows with considerable effort, realizing the acid robbed you of your clothes but someone’s preserved your modesty with a sheet of tanned skin.

{Oh thank god, holy shit, I thought I’d lost you} Gina cries, tears streaming from her luminous eyes as she throws her arms around you. She keels next to your bedside, your eyes struggling to adjust to the dim light in the structure you’re in.

You’re…you’re you, again.

You name is Shu, and somehow, impossibly…you’re alive, and as you glance between the hazy faces around you, a wave of relief washes over you.

So is everyone else.

You collapse back to the makeshift bed, and you have to laugh.

You all made it.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Voting to close in one and a half hours, Gentlemen.)

>>3365092
>"Did everyone make it? Is everyone ok?" Ask with more worry in your voice than you should be able to muster, cough on some leftover melted throat.
>Look at Gina after a moment to rest, then smirk "did the acid get my ass you like so much, or is it still all there?"

>>3365092
(How did the swarmlings make it across? Did Shu never technically fall unconscious?)

>>3365130
Isn't the swarmlings only distance based, not consiousness based? Id think they would simply follow the last given order at least before going dormant.

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>>3365092
Well then. There's an interesting turn of perspective on how BHOP's fiddling the Narrative Mechanics, and I think I've figured out what's going on. You're a clever one BHOP.

The Jade Scarab necklace that we kept on our person is what's allowing Shu to get an insider's perspective on B'ni's progress and perspective. the Empathy bond between Shu and Isabelle is strong enough that sensation feedbacks occur and access to each other's perspectives happen. it appears to be a one-way link due to the one-sided relationship they had prior. B'ni's not fully in control because of the empathy link hence BHOP capping off any post where we control B'ni as "You are fighting for control" since it's a battle of wills between what we (as Shu) want and what Isabelle herself wants.

>Roll over onto your side and spawn a FuzzBuzz. Actually spawn as many FuzzBuzzes as Gina needs. have some try to wipe the tears from her eyes while others simply cuddle any girl that needs comfort and substitute cuddle doll.
>"Sorry for the tumble. Seems I've been getting a bit reckless lately." give a wry smile.
>"How's everyone doing? Did they make it to shore before big nessie slapped me into the river?"

>>3365130
(Due to the Crimson Cord, a hidden benefit is that as long as either Shu or Gina is active, your swarmlings will remain active as well.)

>>3365143
>>3365141
oh. in that case,
>if we're still at max swarmling cap, recall some swarmlings and convert them into FuzzBuzzies.

>>3365092
>Roll over onto your side and spawn a FuzzBuzz. Actually spawn as many FuzzBuzzes as Gina needs. have some try to wipe the tears from her eyes while others simply cuddle any girl that needs comfort and substitute cuddle doll.
>"What happened after I was out? How'd you escape the Leviathan?"

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>>3365143

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>>3365092
>“If you’re open to suggestions, I have three ideas for how to bolster your powers and…”

>The Spagarmilotimos engine explodes

>“Well, as I was saying I have two excellent ideas for how to…”

>literally almost melt in acid
>waste precious energy and Biomass spawning essentially toys/pets.

not gonna lie, you guys have some warped and skewed priorities.

>>3365092
>Suggest that we look for somewhere safe to rest a bit before we get a rainstorm or a daughter looking to fight or something

>>3365256
hey, we’re alive and Gina’s bawling her eye eyes out. gotta cheer her up somehow

>>3365292
wouldn't she prefer that we save that bio for later and focus on staying healthy?

>>3365296
my thoughts exactly yeah. FuzzBuzz is wonderful but us healing properly and quickly is probably gonna put her more at ease than wasting energy on drowning her in swarmlings.

>>3365304
What about just one FuzzBuzz?

(Gentlemen, I am still in transit, so I shall extend voting an additional half-hour, and I shall resume writing as soon as I get home. Once I post the update, voting periods of one hour will be in effect until the close of the evening.)

>>3365320
i mean, its certainly much much more reasonable than spawning numerous ones. as a compromise, yeah sure. probably need a better pillow anyways, and unless Ginas willing to lay down next to us i dont think we have a better option i guess.

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>>3365304

>FuzzBuzz's reaction when he reads your post

>>3365364
unless FuzzBuzz is gonna punch Gina in the face so he can convert the damage into healing pollen we are better off saving the energy.

>>3365092
>”how did you all fish me out?”
>”Thank you, all of you.”

(Back home and writing now, Gentlemen.)

>>3365092
Where is Karma?

>>3365476
oh fuck
>>3365092
seconding

>>3365255
Holy shit I didn't catch that, what a fucking legend.

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>>3365092

You roll over painfully, straining to produce a swarmling, something to ease Gina's mind when she forcefully pushes you back on the table and fixes you with a resolute scowl.

"No! No swarmlings, no spending more bio on anything other than healing, you hear me?" She says aloud, a note of dominance in her voice that keeps you in place almost as much as her arms pressing down on you. You look past her to see Ceres chuckling, and Maria behind her with a concerned expression.

"What happened after I was out? How'd you escape the Leviathan?" You ask, your voice raw.

Dinea enters the tent as Gina explains how the other team's Hive Mistress used her creations in tandem with GG hijacking your newly acid-resistant brood to fish you out, dragging you to shore while keeping you supplied with enough biomass to speed your regeneration. You're told by Ceres that you came very close to death, but Gina was by your side through the entire ordeal. It's thanks to your quick thinking that there weren't any casualties today, she informs you solemnly. A chill runs through you as your hand flies to your hip, realizing what you're missing.

"Karma, the Contender, where's..." You begin, starting to panic until Dinea holds up a fat, bulbous slug in her outstretched hands. With a revolting shudder, it regurgitates your weapon at the foot of your makeshift bed as you breathe a sigh of relief, staring up at the roof of...wherever you are.

"Gina, where are...?" You begin, coughing a bit as Gina pulls she sheet closer to your neck.

"Shush, rest your throat, Shu. It's a little hut I made in the beach...disguised, of course." She says, glancing at the three gently sloping pyramid-like walls that surround you. "Maggie and Ceres have been in talks, and they say there's a town nearby. Ceres and I sense a waystation too, so that's something."

You look past her brunette hair to nod at Ceres and her team. "Thank you." You croak out, and Ceres' neuron cloud flickers appreciatively as Maria and Dinea both give you a smile. Their leader ushers them out, leaving you and Gina alone for a moment of peace.

{I'm so glad you're okay, Shu} Gina says across your bond, running her hands through your hair.

[That makes two of us] You reply, closing your eyes and savoring the fact that you have skin left for her to touch.

>>You'll give it a few minutes, but you feel like you're well enough to walk, and now you know that the forge, a waystation and Doctor West's lab are all in close proximity. You're ready to set out and find them in the town you saw through B'ni's memories.

>>You'll rest here a while and talk to Gina about (Write-In). You need time to recover, so let Ceres and her team do a bit of scouting while you tell Gina about what you just experienced. You know that when you see Rath, at least she may be pleased that B'ni doesn't seem to be aware that you're able to see into her memories, despite a sizable distance between you.

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

(Gentlemen, voting is open in one hour blocks until the close of the evening.)

>>3365602
>>>You'll rest here a while and talk to Gina about That bet on how long the boat trip would last. You need time to recover, so let Ceres and her team do a bit of scouting while you tell Gina about what you just experienced. You know that when you see Rath, at least she may be pleased that B'ni doesn't seem to be aware that you're able to see into her memories, despite a sizable distance between you.

Also, I-is that picture of GG naked?

>>3365602
>>Write-In
>take a bit longer to rest up and make sure you're all in one piece, then head for the Waystation. whether we go to the forge or simply explore the town, having a full team is optimal, even with our new friends.
>plus, whats better to help one Heal than friendly faces and tea from the best brewess in the apocalypse?

>>3365602
>You'll rest here a while and talk to Gina about (Write-In). You need time to recover, so let Ceres and her team do a bit of scouting while you tell Gina about what you just experienced. You know that when you see Rath, at least she may be pleased that B'ni doesn't seem to be aware that you're able to see into her memories, despite a sizable distance between you.
>"So, is this a bad time to fulfill that bet?" *raise eyebrows repeatedly*
>"Maybe I really should have waited to reunite with the team before crossing. I'll have to apologize to everyone when we see them again and they inevitably grill me."
>Chat with Maggie a bit. She's the only one you or Gina hasn't touched base with yet.

>>3365602
>To Ceres and her crew via empathy: “ Careful, there’s a band of 4 daughters roaming the shoreline. they engage in vulture and press gang tactics so don’t scout alone or wander too far from camp. Call it a gut feeling.”
>Rest a bit and talk to Gina. Have her plug a cord into our arm so that we can get the benefit of the Crimson Cord as well as letting the daughters we’ve consumed to communicate with each other.

>>3365602
this >>3365646 and this >>3365665

>>3365602

Gina slides a cord into your arm at your behest, allowing Holly and the other daughters free communication while you send out an empathic warning to Ceres' team about the Daughters you witnessed prowling the shorefront. All things considered, Gina takes the revelation of your continued connection to B'ni in stride. She's as pleased as you are to know that B'ni seems unaware of its existence, a fact GG muses you might be able to turn into an advantage. There comes a moment when you glance down at the shroud covering you, and you crack a smile at the recollection of your earlier discussion on the yacht.

[So, is this a bad time to fulfill that bet?] You ask, arching an eyebrow at her as you manage to catch her off-guard, for once.

{I'm pretty sure I won, obviously} She replies with a smirk. {Also, how can you be so sure I didn't already take my prize? You were helpless for a while there, I could have done anything and you'd be none the wiser...}

[You strike me as the kind of girl that doesn't enjoy when the other party isn't fully invested, not to mention conscious] You fire back, and her answer comes as an acknowledging shrug.

{Alright, you got me there} She remarks, giving you furtive glance from head to toe. You go to chuckle when a lance of pain shoots through your side, turning your small laugh into a groan of pain.

[Ah, crap...maybe I really should have waited to reunite with the team before crossing] You sigh, and even an act as simple as that stings more than it has any right to. [I'll have to apologize to everyone when we see them again and they inevitably grill me]

{You're reckless when it comes to helping other people, Shu...and I admire the hell out of you for that} Gina runs her fingers up your bare arm, her fingernails barely grazing your skin as you shiver. It's her turn to raise her eyebrow, watching your arm tremble as she lightly caresses it.

{Interesting...} She purrs. {You're awfully sensitive, after regeneration.}

{You know, in all the chaos with the boat and everything, I've totally lost track of time...silly me} Gina says coyly, fixing you with a pair of playful hazel eyes. {You have a mind for timing, Shu. So tell me...}

{...Who won~?}

>>[You won, fair and square. I guess that means I'm at your mercy, doesn't it]

>>[I won, if I'm not mistaken...and from what I just saw, my arms are working just fine]

>>[I'm taking this bet seriously, so I want there to be a clear winner. Let's take a rain check on it and I'll come up with a fresh bet to keep things interesting...plus, it'll give me time to get back to rights so I can enjoy my inevitable win]

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3365809
>>[You won, fair and square. I guess that means I'm at your mercy, doesn't it]

>>3365809
>[you won fair and square. I’m at your mercy. Please be gentle]
>try not to blush and squirm when Gina starts kneading your skin. fail badly.

>>3365809
>>[You won, fair and square. I guess that means I'm at your mercy, doesn't it]
Plus, us going under unfairly altered the overall time, regardless of whos favor it was in.

>>3365809
>Squirm and blush when Gina takes her time torturing you with consensual molestation.
>[You Minx, I-aah! I will-ee! have my revenge! One day i will-aah! I will tap those tits of yours!]

>>3365809
>[a-ahhnnd make you squirm like me!]

>>3365255
>>3365560
(Also, I forgot to shout out earlier to those of you that appreciate the good Doctor West and how she takes the apocalypse and you meddling kids in stride.)

>>3365889
>tfw you didn’t include the Tindalos hound and didn’t make the Scooby-Doo joke connection (4 kids and a dog venture into a spooky forest and mansion to stop a villain from doing scary things)
BHOP I am disappoint.

>>3365908
Shit, I didn't think of It that way.

Who does that make us, Shaggy?

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>>3365908

>>3365913
Rath is Ultra Instinct Shaggy. Ringo is Eldritch Scooby-Doo, Dorian is Daphnie, Gina is Velma, and Shu is Fred.

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>>3365809
>>3365849
>>3365859
>>3365865
>>3365875
>mfw literally everyone wants to get groped by Gina

>>3365968
I honestly can't wait for It getting interrupted

>>3365968
I care not for the /u/ honestly, but i am a anon of honor and i meant what i said when i said we cheated and skewed the time with our dive, meaning we must honorbly forfeit the bet.

Cheaters don't...well id say prosper but really, its all an opinion on if this is prospering or not i suppose.

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>>3365809

[You won, fair and square. I guess that means I'm at your mercy, doesn't it?]

She shoots you an impish grin as her touch trails back down your arm, across the back of your hand and along your fingers before she slips her caress underneath the sheet, running her hand along your side. She gives you a playful wink when her hand caresses your hip, just a hair above where your skin meets the bed. You try to shift, and you realize with a start that you're frozen, your body rigid as the feeling of her fingers on your arm and her hand on your leg begins to start over. You're unable to even squirm, your body locked in place as her gentle caress plays on loop across your skin.

{I know I'm good at what I do, but I can't have you hurting yourself, now can I? And check it out~} She giggles as you open your eyes, and you realize she's wiggling the fingers of both hands in front of you. Her cord pulses with amethyst light, looping the sensations you're feeling over and over again, a blissful rhythm that intensifies with each iteration. Your cheeks are flushed, your heart racing as the cycle slowly builds, over and over, and you realize that with your body locked down by her powers, it will never reach crescendo, content to keep building ad infinitum until you...

The cord slips free of your arm as Gina rises from your bedside, smiling down at you as you try to catch your breath, the intense pleasure mercifully subsiding as you struggle to slow your hammering heartbeat.

{I think that's enough, for now. Just so you know, I'm fully aware that you're our leader and all...} She purrs, leaning over you, her warm breath grazing your exposed collarbones. {...and I know you're in control...but if you ever want to relinquish that duty...}

She leans lower, her lips barely touching your ear as she whispers one last thing before she leaves you to your rest.

{...then it'd be my pleasure to take the reigns, Shu}

(Continued)

>>3366021

A short while later you rejoin Gina outside, exiting the shelter before it slides back into the earth, leaving no trace of its existence save for a few disturbed stones as the two of you return to Ceres' team. You realize the only member of her group you hadn't touched base with yet is their resident Flesh Artisan, keeping a vigilant watch in the skies overhead. You test the range of the empathic field, extending it out as far as you can until your mind grazes her own.

"Maggie, right?" You ask, and the figure high above you cocks her head to look down at you. "I'm sorry about what happened to your boat. I thought you did a really good job, for what it's worth."

You sense her shrug above you, and you can tell from the vibe you're getting that the crash must have hit her pretty hard, and she's retreated into herself a little, a defense mechanism you can relate to. You find yourself wondering if you could arrange for her to meet Amara, wondering in earnest if they'd get along...

"The waystation is just over this hill." Ceres explains over the channel, turning to the rest of you. "I've also detected the presence of what appears to be a Forge and some sort of workstation, though I'm not sure who it belongs to. My team and I are planning to go to the nearby Forge, but we'll accompany you both to the waystation if you'd be more comfortable with having an escort. It's the least we can do, truly."

You're about to tell them you have a very good idea of who it belongs to when you catch yourself, wondering if you should clue them in to a place that may very well be dangerous. What's more, you'd have to explain how you know the owner, and that might open a bag of worms you're not ready to deal with right now.

In any case, they're waiting on you to decide whether or not you'd like to take them up on your offer, all the while you're weighing which place you'd like to go first.

>>Take the waystation to the Monastery immediately. You're keen to meet back up with everyone and let them know you're alright, and part of you craves a good cup of tea from the Crucible's best brewess.

>>Examine the Forge. Even though you've attained a considerable increase in power since the Spartan's defeat, you're curious to see what a Tier Three Engine looks like...let alone what it's capable of.

>>Investigate Doctor West's lab. You have the feeling she's still of somewhere hounding B'ni to some end, so it's a good opportunity to see if she has anything useful stashed away. You might feel back about ransacking her lab if you didn't know she was behind the Spartan and the Sparagmos Engine...

>>Write-In

YOU ARE IN CONTROL

>>3366031
>>Take the waystation to the Monastery immediately. You're keen to meet back up with everyone and let them know you're alright, and part of you craves a good cup of tea from the Crucible's best brewess.

I want to visit the forge but im thinking its not gonna be available for free, and no matter the cost having our team full will make that cost easier.

Plus, well, friends and almost dying and all that.

>>3366031
>>Take the waystation to the Monastery immediately. You're keen to meet back up with everyone and let them know you're alright, and part of you craves a good cup of tea from the Crucible's best brewess.
You might as well start writing now

>>3366067
(I'm always writing, Anon. It is a blessed curse.)

>>3366031
>Take the waystation to the Monastery immediately. You're keen to meet back up with everyone and let them know you're alright, and part of you craves a good cup of tea from the Crucible's best brewess.

>Also, you're butt-naked. Hopefully there's a clothing store you can ransack along the way.

>>3366031
>>Take the waystation to the Monastery immediately. You're keen to meet back up with everyone and let them know you're alright, and part of you craves a good cup of tea from the Crucible's best brewess.

>>3366031
>>Take the waystation to the Monastery immediately. You're keen to meet back up with everyone and let them know you're alright, and part of you craves a good cup of tea from the Crucible's best brewess.

>>3366084
There was the clothing store B'ni went to. We should at least know it's general direction, and could go if it's not too far out of the way.

>>3366031

"I think we can find the waystation alright by ourselves, Ceres. Thank you for everything you've done." You say, and she gives you a small bow of appreciation, her cloud flickering with light as she does so. "Dinea? You saved my life and I am in your debt. Thank you so, so much."

"Ah, don't mention it. I'm more than a little hung up on your choice of wardrobe though, hon. Are you sure you wanna keep wearing that?" Dinea asks, giving your skin-shawl an amused nod. You chuckle, looking down at your makeshift poncho and checking to ensure you're still decent.

"Yes, at least until I get to a certain seamstress who works at the Monastery. I have an artist friend waiting for us there who can help me out, too." You reply to Dinea, and you glance over her shoulder towards their resident Paladin.

"Hey, if I see Marrow Dragoon, I'll let her know there's a swordwoman out there who saved the girl that took her prize." Maria immediately turns a bright red, her scarlet eyes going wide as a smile spreads across your lips. "I think that'll warrant some well-earned respect from the legend, herself."

With that and a few more quick goodbyes, you and Gina descend into the old subway station, whose cracked tile walls soon give way to obsidian, cyclopean stonework. Luminescent biomass runs along the walls, illuminating the path ahead as the air becomes thinner, a chill working its way into your bones.

It was so much warmer along the beach, which makes you wonder why B'ni felt so cold earlier when she pulled herself ashore. It's as you're pondering this oddity that Gina tugs on your poncho, pointing to the hall ahead of you excitedly.

You look up, and you never thought you'd be so relieved to see the dark, skeletal shape that hovers just beyond the light's edge.

(Continued)